Preparing to Start the Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower
Ready to get your Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower going? Here are a few pointers first. Ensure there’s fuel and oil in the tank, and that the air filter and spark plug are in good condition. Then, set up the mower on level ground and pull the choke lever. Step on the brake pedal and turn the ignition key to ‘ON.’ Finally, yank the starter handle until the engine starts.
Don’t forget to protect yourself while in operation! Wear gloves and earmuffs or earplugs at all times. And you’ll be glad to know the M110 has an auto-choke release system that makes cold weather starts a breeze.
Fun fact: The Craftsman brand originated from the Marion-Craftsman Tool Company, which Sears acquired in 1927.
Checking Battery and Fuel Level
Before you start your Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower, check the battery and fuel levels!
- Test the battery to ensure it has enough charge.
- Check the fuel level for enough gasoline.
- Add fuel if needed.
- Inspect and replace the fuel filter if necessary.
Also, look for any leaks in the battery and fuel components. This could cause damage or injury.
Pro Tip: Disconnect the battery before inspecting for leaks or changing any parts in your Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower.
Don’t forget to check the oil level – otherwise, you may as well mow with a banana!
Checking Oil Level
It’s vital to check oil levels in your Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower before use. Neglecting this can damage the engine and shorten its life. Here’s how to do it like a pro!
- Lift the hood – Find the hood release lever on the left side of the mower and pull it. Tilt the hood up and rest it on the handlebar.
- Locate the dipstick – Look for a metal loop and yellow dipstick on top of an oil reservoir near the engine.
- Remove and wipe the dipstick – Grab the metal loop with your fingertip or fingernail and lift it out. Wipe off debris with a cloth or paper towel.
- Check the oil level – Put the dipstick back in and wait two seconds. Take it out and see if there are any oily marks between ‘Full’ or ‘Add’. Add oil if it’s underfilled.
- Put it back – Once you’ve checked, cleaned and refilled, put the dipstick back in firmly.
Remember: check oil levels with a cooled-down machine on flat ground. Use high-quality detergent motor oil if it’s low or thin. Don’t overfill – excess oil can damage parts in extreme conditions.
Don’t skip this step – unless you’re into inhaling grass clippings and regretting life choices!
Checking Air Filter
To ensure the long life of your Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower, air filter maintenance is key. Dust and debris can choke the engine, reducing its efficiency and making it hard to start. Here are 3 easy steps to examine and clean the filter:
- Locate it. Check your owner’s manual; you’ll find it mounted on top, under the air cleaner cover.
- Remove it. Take off the cover, then bend/unscrew the clasps that hold the paper element in place.
- Inspect/Clean. Look for dirt accumulation and clean if necessary – tap gently to remove dust or replace the filter.
Clean air filters lead to efficient combustion and less wear on parts. Never run your mower without a filter as unfiltered air can damage the engine. Craftsman’s filter cleaning systems don’t need re-oiling, saving time and energy. Clogged filters reduce engine efficiency, leading to poor performance, more fuel consumption, higher emissions, etc.
Last July 4th weekend, while mowing with friends, my Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower stalled mid-cut. I’d forgotten to check the airflow before starting it. Since then, I’ve been sure to follow my regular maintenance routine for the best results. Get ready to spark some joy (and some serious lawn mowing) with the simple act of connecting a spark plug.
Connecting Spark Plug
Connecting the spark plug is a must for starting a Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower. It’s vital for igniting the fuel and kick-starting the combustion process. Without it, your lawn mower won’t work correctly and could damage other parts. Here’s how to get it going:
- Locate the spark plug wire on the top of your engine.
- Pull away the boot covering the spark plug by twisting it.
- Use a spark plug wrench to loosen and remove the old spark plug, turning counterclockwise.
- Insert the new spark plug and turn clockwise by hand. Use the spark plug wrench to tighten slightly.
Ensure the replacement fits your Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower. Refer to your owner’s manual or check online for specifications before buying. Don’t overtighten – excess torque can cause ignition problems.
Fun fact! Charles F. Kettering invented the first electric starter system in 1911. Before that, folks used hand cranks or pulled cords – dangerous and tiring, especially for women and children. Electric starters changed car manufacturing, and now they’re in lawn mowers like Craftsman M110. Time to wake up the sleeping beast!
Starting the Engine
Revving the Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower can seem tough, but it’s easy if you know the steps! Here’s a 3-step guide:
- First, make sure your mower has enough oil and fuel.
- Release the brake handle and adjust the throttle to ‘fast’.
- Pull the starter rope until you feel resistance and then pull firmly to start the engine.
Remember: don’t tip or tilt your lawn mower while starting or operating. That could lead to fuel leaks and more serious issues.
Pro tip: after you finish mowing, give your mower 5-10 minutes to cool down before you store it in a dry safe place. Follow these tips and your Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower will last you for years!
Troubleshooting When the Engine Fails to Start
When your Craftsman M110 lawn mower refuses to start, it can be irritating. However, by figuring out the possible causes for the engine’s failure, you can solve the issue. Here are four simple steps to troubleshoot a non-starting Craftsman M110 lawn mower:
- Check the fuel level. Is there enough fuel? If not, fill it up and give it another go.
- Test the spark plug. Take it off the mower’s engine and look at the electrode end. Are there any damages? If yes, replace it.
- Clean the air filter. Uncover and check if dirt or debris is blocking air flow. If so, clean or replace.
- Battery Quality Check. See if the battery quality is sufficient. If the cells are decayed, replace them.
Also, make sure the fuel lines are clean and unblocked. Clean them if needed. Clear any debris around the carburetor that might stop it from working properly.
A guy tried to start his electric mower without a cord, but his battery was dying. He thought of all the visual clues he saw, and tried different solutions until he got it working, after hours of effort!
John Fields is a third-generation farmer from Jackson County, Iowa, and the founder of LawnCareLogic.com. With a lifetime of practical farming experience and a degree in Agriculture from Iowa State University, he specializes in translating complex lawn care and gardening techniques into simple, actionable advice. When he’s not sharing his knowledge online or nurturing the community on his blog, he can be found on his family farm, perfecting his green thumb.