KEEP UP WITH LARGE EQUIPMENT UPKEEP

This past fall, I changed the oil and spark plug on my lawn mower, added fuel stabilizer, and ran the gas out before I stored the mower for winter. It’s the same process I go through every fall in anticipation of getting another good year out of my 12-year-old mower. The following spring, after adding new gas — I always use premium gas in my outdoor equipment — I primed and pulled the recoil cord, and the mower started on the first pull. It ran great for a few minutes, but then the engine started to misfire horribly. I checked the spark plug wire and then started the mower up again, only to be met with the same rough-running machine.

I hadn’t budgeted for another mower, but after 12 years with my old one, I figured I’d gotten my money’s worth. So, I took my old mower to my local dealer, thinking it might be worth a few dollars in trade. I explained my predicament to the dealer, and even started the mower up for him to inspect himself. He asked me if I’d replaced the air filter, which I assured him I’d done the previous fall. He then opened