Lawn mower no muffler. How to Make a Lawn Mower Quieter

Make your Riding Mower Quieter for less then 30 Part 2 : HEAR IT RUN!

How to Make a Lawn Mower Quieter

Mowing the lawn is noisy business. Some of us love to do it first thing in the morning. But it’s not a happy hour for our family and neighbors or for our ear drums for that matter.

That’s why quieting the lawn mower is so important. It can turn an annoying chore into a meditative experience if you can quiet the engine to a decent decibel range. And the people around you will thank you for it!

So here are 5 ways you can make your lawn mower much quieter:

Check the muffler for any defects

Mufflers can get, dirty, worn down and crack after a period of use. It’s no wonder since they have to keep a powerful engine quiet and they also provide back-pressure that increases its horsepower.

Most riding lawn mowers have the muffler installed on the engine exhaust port. Before inspecting it, make sure that it’s cooled down otherwise you can burn yourself. The muffler gets really hot from the engine so wait a few hours before checking it out.

When it’s cooled down, find the muffler and the exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe runs from the front of the engine and should be easy to locate.

There are usually two bolts holding the exhaust pipe to the engine’s exhaust port. Use a wrench of the correct size to unscrew the bolts and then pull the pipe off and out of the muffler.

Now you can check out the muffler. There may be some rust and cracks from condensation that are visible. If it’s indeed cracked and/or rusted, it’s best to remove it and replace it with a new one.

So peel off the old gasket out of the exhaust port and scrape off any debris. When you’re finished, place the new gasket on the exhaust port.

The final step is sliding the exhaust pipe into the muffler and fixing it back on the exhaust port. When you’re finished, turn your engine and you’ll notice a significant reduction in noise.

If you don’t have a replacement muffler at hand, there are many available on Amazon for a cheap price. Make sure that before buying it’s of the correct dimensions so that it fits in well. Also, longer mufflers are quieter, so getting a longer one if possible will also make a difference.

DIY Double Muffler Setup

A long exhaust pipe and muffler will definitely reduce noise, and there’s a very simple way to utilize them. Here’s a video demonstration:

And here’s how this double setup sounds in action:

Of course there is still noise from inside the engine, but that’s to be expected. The guy who made these videos says that he hasn’t noticed any reduction in power, so that’s probably not something worth worrying about. This is such an easy and quick project that it’s definitely worth it even if it produces only a 10% reduction of overall noise.

Quiet the deck

Quieting the deck will lessen the vibrations, rock pings and the noise coming from the blades. The best way to do this is to cover the deck with sound deadening materials that are typically used in cars, vans and other vehicles.

The material that I recommend is FatMat. It’s a bit flashy but it’s quite effective so I wouldn’t hold that against it. It’s self-adhesive so you don’t have to use any additional spray adhesive. Simply cut it to size and and cover the deck with the material and you’re done.

There are other auto sound deadeners like Dynamat and Noico, but they cost more for no particular reason and that’s really the only difference between them. But it’s ultimately your choice. The sound reduction will be the same regardless of which of these materials you cover the deck with.

Use ear protection

Even if you manage to quiet your lawn mower, it will still produce a substantial amount of noise for the person who’s using it or standing near it.

This is not a good thing for your ear drums. I know way too many people who are half-deaf partially because of loud machinery including lawn mowers. Having conversations with them can be a real pain in the neck!

To prevent blowing your ear drums, use either ear plugs or ear muffs. Ear muffs are better in my opinion because they cover the entire ears and provide greater noise reduction as a result. I also hate having plugs stuck in my ears, and I don’t think it’s healthy either. I felt some pain in my ear after trying to sleep with ear plugs for a few nights in a row.

Anyway, I got these ear muffs a few years ago and I’ve been using them whenever I’m mowing the lawn or doing any loud renovations. They muffle well and they’re pretty tough, so I’m confident in recommending them as a long-term solution.

Buy a quieter electric lawn mower

Just like people, some lawn mowers are quieter than others. And while I’m not an expert on people, I do know a few things about lawn mowers.

Electric ones are definitely quieter than those powered by gas. And also, smaller engines are quieter than bigger ones, in case of lawn mowers and generators.

So replacing your loud-mouth generator with a smaller electric one is a final option if the other four methods are not making a big difference.

Two weeks ago my neighbor purchased the Black and Decker BEMW482ES Electric Mower and I must admit that it’s much quieter than his old gas-powered mower. He says that it’s working great. He does have a smaller lawn so it might not be powerful enough for yours if you have a lot of space. But in general, it’s worth considering switching to an electric mower if you haven’t already simply due to the noise pollution.

I’m not sure about the decibel level of this electric mower, but I would estimate that it’s around 75 dB, whereas standard gas mowers are around 90 dB. But this is just a subjective estimate so don’t take my word for it. I will use my decibel meter to measure the noise and update this article later when I have the time.

Final Thoughts

There aren’t many ways to quiet a lawn mower. Basically, it’s either improving the muffler by replacing it with a new one, or elongating it by using the double setup.

For reducing the noise from the blades, covering the deck with soundproofing material. Wearing ear protection is always recommended because any lawn mower produces excessive sound that is not good for your ear drums.

If you’re not finding satisfaction in these DIY projects, buying a smaller electric mower can be a one-in-all solution.

Homemade Exhaust MUFFLER For Lawnmower ?

Or you can just hire someone to mow the lawn for you and cover your head with a pillow until its done. If you’re in Louisiana, Rust is available in the afternoons and I’m sure he’d be glad to help out.

Soundproof expert and a staunch opponent of noise. This website is a free source of information on how to ‘keep it down a notch’. I update the content regularly to keep up with advancements in the soundproofing industry.

How to Make a Lawn Mower Quieter

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I live in a suburban area where there are no big multi-story buildings – everyone is living in a nice, comfy two-story house with big yards, which means nearly everyone has a nice lawn that requires occasional mowing.

My closest neighbors are some genuinely nice and tolerant people – I have a teenage son who is going through a punk phase right now and is playing drums, a toddler – need I say more? – and I have never had any trouble with what people would consider being quite a noisy family.

I should not be the one to complain about noise, considering my own situation, but, remember my previous post where I said I had lost my job as a home-based teacher due to too much outside noise?

That included occasional lawn mowing and hedge trimming during my classes.

Since then I have done a lot of noise insulation and sound-proofing on my home.

However, the issue of being outside and trying to communicate with someone while half the neighborhood is using lawnmowers at the same time on Saturdays around noon still stands.

For some time I’ve considered convening a neighborhood council and setting up a schedule of lawn mowing for each street, but that seemed like too much to ask of people.

Having understood my concern, my husband has been tinkering with our lawnmower and trying to figure out how to make it quieter and, since I myself love trying out and experimenting with such stuff, I joined him and we have since found out multiple ways of muffling its noise.

If you’re interested in getting a quiet lawn mower, see our reviews of the best in the market here.

How to Make a Lawn Mower Quieter

Aside from the obvious solution of just getting a bunch of earmuffs for everyone, here are some other ways to solve this problem:

Check the muffler for any signs of damage

Most of the noise lawn mowers make comes either from the blades or the engine itself, so there is not much you can do about it (aside from buying a new engine), but sometimes, there are other issues that cause the incessant roaring.

We have to start from the most basic and the easiest steps: checking the muffler.

My husband was helping a neighbor fix their lawn mower and they came across a muffler that was cracked at the pinch seam.

This problem has a pretty easy and quick fix (depending on how big the crack is): the only thing you need to do is weld it.

Optionally, you can also cover it with some high-temperature spray paint, like the ones you can get from eBay or Amazon for around 20-30.

Although it still can’t make your engine purr like a kitten, it will definitely make some difference.

If the damage is too big, sometimes it might be easier and better to just replace the muffler with a new one.

They also don’t seem to be too expensive and can be bought anywhere in the range from 10 to 40, depending on your lawn mower’s model.

You can also try making your own custom muffler using a tin can of some sort and some screws, but I would not bother with that, seeing as they probably will not last too long and you will end up needing to replace them again.

Speaking of mufflers, it seems like it’s possible to install an additional muffler onto your lawn mower, and it also seems to be very cheap – under 30.

Installing a New Muffle

Here’s a quick breakdown of the process: you attach one to the current position of your muffler and the other one on the air inlet, so you have both ends covered.

Despite not having many options in silencing the deck where the blades are, you can still muffle it a little by sticking some sort of sound deadening mats (albeit you might find them a little too expensive, compared to the other methods) onto it and sealing with a bed liner, similar to what we used in soundproofing the truck cabin.

You might also want to consider using Dynamat, but it is not necessary, as the bed liner can accomplish most of the muffling by itself.

However, keep in mind that sticking anything onto the deck can block the correct airflow and cause damage, so I recommend being careful with this particular method.

Check your exhaust pipe for any signs of damage

Now, if it’s your exhaust pipe that’s causing the noise, you can deal with it the same way you deal with your car’s broken exhaust pipe or, in other words, if the damage is too big – replace it.

If it’s not, you can work around and try with some other fixing methods. Keep in mind that replacing the exhaust pipe might call for a professional’s help.

There are a couple of different types of damage your exhaust pipe could be suffering from: rust is one of the most common reasons metal parts get holes in them, and holes in an exhaust pipe equal a lot of noise.

If the rust has managed to eat its way all the way through the pipe, depending on the size of the hole, you might have to call for a professional to cut out and replace a part of your exhaust.

Easy fix methods for the exhaust pipe

If the hole is still fairly big, but not big enough to require cutting out of parts, you can fix it fairly easily by sealing a piece of aluminum over it with some epoxy – soda or beer cans can do the trick just fine.

Smaller holes can easily be fixed only by using some repair putty or exhaust tape, both of which are fairly cheap – 5 for putty and around 10 for the tape.

Before applying these, make sure you’ve scrubbed out all the dirt, rust, mud and everything with a steel-toothed brush; also make sure you are wearing safety goggles of some sort in order to avoid getting debris into your eyes.

Next up, you will want to use sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the pipe and acetone to wipe it, so you can ensure creating a better bond between the pipe and the patch.

If you are using the tape, you will need to clean the surface all the way around, so it can stick more firmly.

Keep in mind that, depending on the type of the tape you are using, you might need to warm up the pipe a bit – let the engine run for a couple of minutes – or keep the tape wet so it can stick to the surface.

If the hole is fairly small and you are only using epoxy to patch it up, you will need a wooden dowel (popsicle sticks can also do the trick, although they tend to break more easily) to mix it up and apply it to the hole.

Remember, the epoxy cures pretty fast, so you have to be quick with the applying.

Also, make sure the layer on and around the hole is quite thick.

For the bigger holes that need some patching up: there are exhaust repair kits that can be bought, but cutting a piece out of a soda or beer can can do the trick just as well.

Apply epoxy before putting on the patch (you can also apply it over the patch in order to make it stronger).

Alternatively, you might want to wrap the can all the way around the pipe, in which case, aside from sticking it to the pipe with epoxy, you will want to tighten it further with some hose clamps.

For the DIY freaks: you can also make your own exhaust pipes using hex bushings, nipples, elbows, pipes, a drill and some cloth or fiberglass for additional sound muffling effect.

Although I would not recommend it for cars or other bigger vehicles, it can work just fine on a lawnmower.

On Fixing a Noisy Lawn Mower

I’ve presented you with a few ways to make your lawn mower a little quieter.

Aside from all of these suggestions, I would like to point out that, if you are outside – especially if you are the one using the lawn mower – you should definitely put on some earmuffs, as the mower is still going to be loud and losing your hearing over time is an actual problem that happens to people who like it “loud and proud”.

If the noise still bothers your kids or the people inside, aside from these fixes, you should probably consider getting some white noise machines for naptimes (remember to be considerate about the mowing during the siesta!) or just straight out blasting some good music to counter the buzzing.

How to Make a Lawn Mower Quieter

Noisy lawn mowers disrupting your conversations? Need to fix a noisy lawn mowers? Click here to learn how to make a lawn mower quieter. SIMPLE.

Instructions

• Check The Muffler For Any Signs Of Damage
• Check Your Exhaust Pipe For Any Signs Of Damage

Oil Coming Out of Lawn Mower Exhaust? Reasons and Fixes

Oil coming out of lawn mower exhaust vents is definitely a sign that something is wrong with your mower. It could be extreme tilting, an overfilled mower, or carburetor imbalance, among others.

Oil coming out of a lawn mower. especially from the mower exhaust. can lead to damage and accidents that you should avoid, so read this guide for answers!

• Why Is Oil Coming Out of the Lawn Mower’s Exhaust?

• Extreme Tilting of Your Lawn Mower
• Overfilled Lawn Mower Oil
• The Air-filter is Clogged
• Carburetor Imbalance
• Worn Valves
• Damaged Piston Ring
• Engine Damage

• Keep the Lawn Mower Upright
• Avoid Overfilling Your Lawn Mower
• Replace Clogged Air-filters
• Correct Your Carburetor
• Repair and Replace Valves
• Check and Remove a Damaged Piston Ring
• Check Damaged Engine Parts for Repair or Replacement

• What Are the Dangers of Oil in Your Lawn Mower’s Exhaust?
• How Far Can You Tilt the Mower Before Oil Starts Leaking From Exhaust?

Why Is Oil Coming Out of the Lawn Mower’s Exhaust?

There is oil coming out of the lawn mower’s exhaust becauseof extreme tilting, excess oil. a clogged air filter. carburetor imbalance, worn valves, or engine damage. While the solutions don’t require an expert’s touch, finding the reason can be pretty challenging.

Extreme Tilting of Your Lawn Mower

Gravity is a serious thing when it comes to lawn mowers. When you tilt your mower the wrong way, you can inadvertently cause oil leaking.

The leak comes from the oil in your lawn mower engine where the crankcase is located. The oil then spills into the cylinders, where it gets pushed through your lawn mower’s exhaust valve. If you notice oil coming out of the air filter. then extreme tilting is the reason.

Overfilled Lawn Mower Oil

When you pour too much oil into your lawn mower, this can lead to oil coming out. It can be further compounded when your lawn mower is tilted.

However, an overfilled crankcase can easily cause an oil leak even at the slightest movement. When this happens, it means that the suggested oil level has been exceeded.

The oil then travels through the engine of the lawn mower and out of its exhaust.

The Air-filter is Clogged

In extreme cases, clogged air-filters can cause oil, or even gas, to spill from the exhaust of your lawn mower. When your lawn mower’s air-filter is clogged, its engine will not have enough oxygen input.

Oxygen is important for the engine as it helps in the gas combustion that powers your lawn mower. When you have oil coming out of your lawn mower’s exhaust, your oil and gas will just be a total waste of resources.

Carburetor Imbalance

When the carburetor of the engine of your lawn mower is out of balance, it can present a problem. The fuel and air will not mix as well as when your carburetor is balanced. This results in oil and gas spills from the exhaust of the lawn mower.

The next time you see black liquid coming out of lawn mower exhaust vents, then this could be due to an imbalanced carburetor. What’s more, it may not just be oil but also gas.

Worn Valves

The engine of your lawn mower has two valves. One is for exhaust while the other is for intake. As your lawn mower goes through its usual functions, these valves eventually wear down.

This condition prevents the cylinders from staying sealed. Unsealed cylinders can cause oil to leak through the mower exhaust.

Damaged Piston Ring

Piston rings help distribute air and gasoline so it can be ignited – or combusted – to make the engine move. It is therefore an integral part of the engine. You should check the owner’s manual as each has multiple rings and there may be unique steps to removing them. You will have to remove them individually and inspect it to see in what condition it is in.

Engine Damage

When you see oil coming out of exhaust vents, then it is also possible that your lawn mower has engine damage. There are several reasons that could have caused your engine to become damaged.

Some of the possible reasons for engine damage can be a blown head gasket. a broken piston ring. or worn valves. These parts require skill and knowledge and, unless you have them, it would be better to ask an expert to check them.

As with air-filters, it’s always best to have an extra head gasket or two. A blown head gasket is no laughing matter, and may even cause more engine damage than you previously thought.

Engine parts can be complex, so a damaged piston ring can be detrimental to your lawn mower. Piston rings can wear away pretty quickly so it’s best to store some in case your lawn mower happens to have a damaged piston ring.

This is especially true if your lawn mower is an older make or model. If this is the case, it’s better to have it looked at by an expert.

How Do You Solve Causes of Oil Coming Out of Lawn Mower Exhaust?

To solve each cause of oil coming out of lawn mower exhaust, you can take various actions such as avoiding titling the lawn mower too much.

Other fixes are to avoid overfilling your mower, solve clogged air-filters, correct your carburetor, repair and replace valves and check damaged engine parts.

Keep the Lawn Mower Upright

Even the slightest degree can affect the title of your lawn mower. When possible, ensure that your lawn is at the most level it can be. Another way to prevent extreme tilting is to keep and maintain your lawn mower on an even surface. This means that the surfaces should be as level as possible for your garage floors and garden areas.

When tilted downwards, the oil in your lawn mower can accidentally escape through the carburetor and the air-filter. If your lawn mower tips downward for any reason, immediately check both parts.

If there’s any oil spillage, clean it immediately. Replace dirty air-filters and wipe off any oil or gas leakages. If there are places that are hard to reach, don’t worry too much about it. The oil or gas spots will start to burn off as soon as the engine of your lawn mower starts to run.

Avoid Overfilling Your Lawn Mower

By simply filling the oil to the suggested amount, you can avoid leaking oil coming out from the exhaust of your lawn mower. Before your pour, test the depth of the current oil content by using a dipstick.

Slowly pour in the soil and check regularly if you have reached the appropriate level. Stop adding in engine oil once you are near full content.

Replace Clogged Air-filters

The solution to clogged air-filters is simple: replace them. When buying lawn mowers, it’s always best to buy engine parts and accessories beforehand.

If you don’t have any, then buy one or two extra and keep them at home. This way, whenever you need to replace the air-filter for your lawn mower, you won’t have to go out of your way to drive for just one item you need.

You might want to think about getting a foam air filter. A foam air filter is known to be better than paper ones, although you may need to check with your lawn mower model if this material is allowed and available.

Correct Your Carburetor

If you know how to clean your carburetor, then you can clean the entire thing by removing the parts one by one. However, it can be a bit tricky since there are so many parts.

On the other hand, you can use a spray carburetor cleaner available in home depot centers. Once clean, make sure that the carburetor is balanced aside from being clean.

Repair and Replace Valves

Most of the time, the valves in the engine of your lawn mower can simply have come loose from constant knocking. If this is the case, you can just simply tighten the valves into their places.

If you are unsure where the valves of your lawn mower are located, you can refer to your owner’s manual. If the valves are beyond repair, replace them. This can help you prevent oil from coming out of the exhaust of your lawn mower.

Check and Remove a Damaged Piston Ring

Use the special tool available to remove and replace the rings – a ring expander. However, you can usually use needle nose pliers to get the job done. You should remove the rings – and since you are replacing them it does not matter if they get damaged – and then clean the piston in the area by wiping the grooves and removing any oil. Also check all of them as they can be leaking from multiple pistons.

Check Damaged Engine Parts for Repair or Replacement

If you are quite familiar with engine works, then you can easily repair your damaged lawn mower. At the very least, replacing damaged engine parts of a riding mower should be an interesting project for any intermediate or expert engine mechanic.

If you suspect engine damage to be the cause of lawn mower oil coming out of breather holes of your lawn mower but are not an expert, then call one. It’s always best to call a professional rather than experiment with repairs yourself.

For instance, you may be unsure about how to clean oil out of a lawn mower muffler for fear of causing engine damage. If this is the case, you may be better off asking the experts and professionals. You can even get some maintenance tips about your riding lawn mower from them at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Dangers of Oil in Your Lawn Mower’s Exhaust?

Dangers of oil in your lawn mower’s exhaust are that white smoke may come from the oil as the motor heats it up. This is not good for you to inhale. The other problem is that it is a fire hazard since the oil can catch fire wherever it is.

How Far Can You Tilt the Mower Before Oil Starts Leaking From Exhaust?

You can tilt the mower up to approximately 15 degrees before oil starts leaking from the exhaust. This means that you will have to make sure your lawn is as level as possible and that you do not tilt the mower unnecessarily when moving it.

Conclusion

Your lawn mower, just like any engine, needs regular maintenance. But even with maintenance, it can still have oil coming out of lawn mower exhaust vents. Let’s go over what we’ve learned in this article:

• Oil can come out of the exhaust of your lawn mower when it is tilted to the extreme, especially when the crankcase is overfilled with oil.
• A clogged air-filter can cause the oil to spill out of the exhaust vent, so simply replace it if this is the case.
• When the carburetor is the cause of oil leaks, you can either clean it or replace it.
• Worn valves can also cause oil to spill although you can just repair or replace them.
• If you suspect engine damage, you can either repair it yourself or have it repaired by professionals.

Remember when you see your lawn mower smoking and leaking oil from exhaust vents, there could be multiple reasons – simply go over the reasons found in this article and apply their correct solutions!

Why Are Lawn Mowers So Loud? Causes solutions

Yea, I hear ya, the sound of a mower at full tilt, especially early in the morning can feel like an attack on the senses. Surely if they can make a truck quiet, they can make a mower quiet, right?

So why are their lawnmowers so loud? Mowers are loud because mufflers fitted to most engines are a cheap basic type known as – Absorptive type mufflers, they create very little gas flow restriction which is great for power but bad for noise.

Manufacturers could make a mower less noisy, but they don’t because they don’t want to sacrifice cost and engine power.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) which is the association of outdoor equipment makers, decided voluntarily back in 1974 to set a noise level target of 95dcb for mowers.

Noise Source and Solutions

Although the engine makes most of the noise you associate with a mower, a surprising amount comes from a spinning blade, much like the blades of a helicopter cutting through the air. Next time you see an electric mower stop and listen, most of the noise you hear is the blade cutting through air and grass. Electric mowers are not as quiet as you might think.

Anyhow mower noise comes from four main sources, listed below are possible solutions for excessive noise. If looking to go below 20 decibels, I suggest a donkey.

Exhaust/Muffler – Exhaust heatshields become loose and baffle inside become loose also. To test, give the muffler a tap with the handle of a screwdriver and listen for the tell-tale rattle.

Check your Muffler for damage, these guys get very hot and are prone to cracking and corrosion.

You already know mowers cause lots of vibration, and stuff just comes loose, that’s why it’s a good idea to check over your mower regularly looking for loose stuff. The baffles live inside the muffler and sometimes break free causing a thin metallic-sounding rattle. Mufflers get really hot and vibration can cause them to crack. They can be repaired by your local muffler shop.

Gaskets – Gaskets are used to mate the muffler to the engine. They create a seal, and as you can imagine when it breaks down you get lots of noise and fumes. Gaskets are easy to replace.

Blade Noise – Blades make a surprising amount of noise. Blade tips cut through the air at over 200 mph and most lawn tractors will have 2 and maybe 3 blades.

Bare Metal – The underside of mower decks is just painted. Debris thrown against the deck resonates like a bell.

You can DIY this one, at the auto parts store you can buy spray-on bed liner which adds sound deadening and metal protection to your deck.

Just make sure the deck is clean and dry before painting outdoors. You can check out a video on that subject right here.

Also, try sticking sheets of self-adhesive bitumen car sound deadening material in a few places on the deck topside. You can pick these up in an auto parts store. Sure it might look a little odd, but it does help.

Engine – Obviously the engine is a major contributor to noise levels. Valves, rockers, camshaft, crankshaft, and especially the fan (located on top of the engine) can be considerable. There are things you can do to help minimize the noise. Valve lash should be checked and adjusted every year, it doesn’t take long. Not only will it cut down on noise, but it’ll also give you more power and better gas mileage.

Engine Fan – Most small engines don’t have coolant they are air-cooled and so they need a fan to pull cool air across the engine, and fans are noisy.

Check out “Valve lash adjustment”, it’s for a walk-behind mower, but the process is the same for any OHV engine. Engine oil is another opportunity to help reduce noise. When oil gets old it gets thin which causes engine ratel. Your mower needs a tune-up at the beginning of every season. Check out “Tractor mower tune-up”.

Valve Lash – Valvetrain will be noisy if there’s excessive lash.

Of course, your engine may rattle because it’s worn, if you think that may be possible, try using a thicker oil or try Lucas oil treatment, it’s great stuff, you will notice a quieter engine, I promise. The engine fan is needed to cool the engine, so it’s got to stay. But try putting self-adhesive bitumen on the underside of the hood, really does help reduce noise.

Body – Body panels, deck linkages levers, etc. will rattle and squeak as the engine and blades cause them to vibrate. Greasing all-metal deck arm contact points will reduce noise, spraying with WD40 will help also.

Check your hood and seat rubber stops, replace them with a DIY fix if needed. Run a blade down some old rubber hosing, great for pushing onto the edge of a rattling hood, MacGyver style.

Linkages – Keep all the metal-to-metal links well-greased, it helps dampen rattling and squeaks. Check that the rubber hood and seat stops are in place.

Muffler Types

The two main types of exhaust mufflers are – Absorptive mufflers and Reflective mufflers. Most mowers are fitted with the less expensive absorptive type muffler. So what is the difference between the cheap one and the more expensive one? Design, materials used, and execution.

Absorptive Mufflers

An absorptive muffler is a very basic muffler, probably the one fitted to your mower. It doesn’t use any clever engineering, it does a poor job of noise reducing. It will usually incorporate a spark arrester, which is a mesh screen that catches any sparks that might exit the engine.

This muffler causes a very little restriction to gas flow which is great for power, that’s why racing cars are so noisy. This type of muffler is fitted to most lawnmower engines.

Reflective Mufflers

Reflective mufflers or resonators – Engineered to kill noise using clever acoustic engineering. Sound waves are pushed through perforated baffles in resonating chambers where some noise is canceled out, known as Destructive interference. Special acoustic suppression temperature resistant material (not unlike rock-wool) is sandwiched between the chambers and the exhaust outer casing, this further suppresses noise.

The larger the muffler the quieter the motor, that’s why high-end luxury cars have very large mufflers. The downside to this type of muffler is flow restriction – the baffles and chambers cause restriction to the flow of gases which in turn causes backpressure, and backpressure reduces the power of the engine.

Super Quiet Lawn Mower Mufflers

Here’s a possible solution it’s the Super Trapp Quiet Muffler, I haven’t used it so I can’t comment first hand, but doing some research, it seems to do the business. Check out the YouTube video below. The Super Trapp is a Reflective muffler type, it uses witchcraft and wizardry to make an engine as quiet as a cricket.

Mufflers – Some makers do a better job than others, John Deere mufflers do a first-class job.

Lawn Mower Louder Than Usual

Mowers create a lot of noise and vibration, the engine and spinning blades set up vibrations that over time will start to pull your mower apart. A lawnmower can make many different types of noises, they can be squeals, squeaks, constant howls, cyclical noise, or just a general harsh roughness. Some noises are just impossible to describe and I know describing noises may not be useful to some.

What is useful, is to see when the noise is present, is it present as soon as you start the mower, or only when you are driving, or maybe only when the blades are engaged. This kind of detective work will help you find and fix the problem quickly.

If you need a new muffler check out the Amazon link below.

Check

If you feel your mower is louder than normal, you can check a few of the more common noise sources. Some of these won’t apply to walk behind mowers but most will.

• Oil level ok?
• Blade(s) loose (cyclical noise)
• Muffler or brackets loose (loud roar/rattling)
• Muffler gasket leaks (loud roar)
• Muffler cracked or broken (loud roar)
• Hood loose or contacting the body (rattling)
• Seat brackets loose or rubber bushing worn/missing (rattling)
• Debris caught in the drive line (cyclical noise)
• Belt pulley bearings worn (harshness/howl)
• Blade spindle bearings worn (harshness/howl)
• Belt worn/damaged (cyclical noise)
• PTO clutch worn (harshness/howl) (Tractor/Ride-on)
• Deck carrying arms loose/dry (rattling)
• Wheel bearings dry (squeal/Squeak)
• Steering dry (squeal/Squeak)
• Transmission worn (harshness/howl)

This isn’t a complete list, and as you can imagine there are many possibilities, but these are the more usual causes of noise.

Blade Spindle

Blade spindles transfer the power to the blades. They are bolted to the deck and have bearings on top and bottom to provide smooth spinning.

The bearings wear out and can cause a howling roar when the blades are on. The bearings can be replaced, but often replacing the whole spindle makes more sense.

Pulleys

Pulleys are used to drive and route belts around the chassis. Most will have bearings and they’re the ones that cause trouble. They’re a common source of noise.

Generally, if you have a worn-out belt, then chances are one or more pulleys are also worn, and vice versa. Pulleys are fitted to the driving belt and also to the cutting deck belt system.

Most pulleys employ integrated bearings but some are replaceable.

Belt Wear

Belt wear or damage will cause a cyclical noise as the damaged area contacts the pulleys. Damaged cutting deck belts will also cause lots of vibration.

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Why Is Oil Coming Out of My Lawn Mower Exhaust?

Are you seeing oil coming out of your lawn mower exhaust? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are reporting this issue recently. And unfortunately, there’s no clear answer as to why it’s happening.

Some people believe that the oil is simply leaking from the engine. Others think that it might be caused by an issue with the carburetor or fuel line. There’s also a chance that the oil is coming from the air filter or other parts of the machine.

The good news is that this problem can usually be fixed fairly easily. If you think the oil is leaking from the engine, you can try tightening up all of the bolts and screws. If the carburetor or fuel line is at fault, those can be replaced easily enough.

Causes to Your Lawn Mower’s Exhaust for Oil to Come Out!

There are a few things that could be causing the oil to come out of the exhaust on your lawn mower. One possibility is that there is a leak in the engine, which is allowing the oil to escape. Another possibility is that the oil is coming from the air filter, which may not be properly sealed. If the air filter is not sealed correctly, it can allow oil to escape and drip down onto the exhaust pipe. Another possible cause of oil coming out of the exhaust is a problem with the carburetor. If there is something wrong with the carburetor, it can cause too much oil to be drawn into the engine, which will then escape through the exhaust. If you are having trouble figuring out where the oil is coming from, you may want to take your lawn mower to a mechanic for inspection.

Leaks From Tipping the Mower

When you are done cutting the grass, take a look at the back of your mower. If there is oil coming out of the exhaust pipe, it means that the oil is leaking from tipping the mower.

One common cause of this problem is when the blade hits a rock or other hard object and sends a shock wave up into the engine, causing it to leak oil. Another possibility is that there’s a crack in the engine block, which will allow the oil to escape. The best way to prevent this from happening is to be careful when you are mowing and avoid hitting any hard objects.

Overfilled Crankcase

The overfilled crankcase is one of the main causes for oil to come out of the exhaust. When a crankcase has too much oil, it will escape from seals and gaskets and travel through the engine, where it will be burned along with the fuel. This can cause significant damage to the engine, as well as decreased performance and reduced fuel economy.

Worn Valves

If the valves in your engine are not functioning properly, oil can leak out and be expelled through the exhaust. One common symptom of worn valves is an excessive amount of oil coming out of the exhaust pipe. You may also notice that your car is using more oil than usual. If you suspect that your valves are worn, have a mechanic check them out. Worn valves can cause serious damage to your engine, so it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible.

Clogged Air Filter

If you’re noticing a large amount of oil coming out of your exhaust, the likely culprit is a dirty air filter. When your air filter gets too dirty, it can’t do its job of filtering out impurities from the air. This causes dirt and other contaminants to enter the engine, where they can mix with the oil and cause excessive smoke and leaks.

Damaged Piston Ring

If your lawn mower is emitting oil from its exhaust pipe, it could be due to a damaged piston ring. The piston ring seals the engine’s combustion chamber and helps to prevent the escape of gases and oil. When the piston ring is damaged, it can allow oil to escape into the engine’s exhaust system. This can cause problems with the engine’s performance and may also lead to an increase in emissions. If you suspect that your lawn mower is emitting oil from its exhaust, it is important to have the engine inspected by a professional technician.

Cracked Engine Block

One of the telltale signs that you have a cracked engine block is when oil starts to come out of the lawn mower exhaust. This problem can be caused by a number of factors, but the most common reason is that the engine block has cracked. If you suspect that your engine block may be cracked, take your lawn mower to a mechanic for inspection. In some cases, a cracked engine block can be repaired, but in other cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire engine.

Poor Operating and Maintenance Skill

There is no mistaking the black smoke and oil coming out of the exhaust pipe on a lawn mower. It’s not a pretty sight and it’s definitely not good for the environment. But what’s even worse is that it’s a sign of poor operating and maintenance skills.

Tipped Lawn Mower

When the lawn mower is tipped over, the oil that is used to lubricate the blades leaks out and mixes with the gasoline. This creates an emulsion that is then expelled from the exhaust pipe. This problem can be avoided by making sure that the lawn mower is always in an upright position.

Worn Valves

Another reason for the oil leakage might be that the gaskets or seals on the engine are damaged or worn. This will also allow oil to escape from the engine and travel through the exhaust system. If you are experiencing this issue with your lawn mower, it is important to take it in for repair as soon as possible.

Damaged Piston Ring

There is a motor at the back that powers the blade. The motor has a piston that moves up and down inside of it. A piston ring is a piece of metal that sits around the piston and helps to seal the engine. Sometimes, when the engine gets very hot, the piston ring can become damaged. If this happens, then oil can start to leak out of the engine and come out of the exhaust pipe. This can cause a lot of pollution and can be dangerous for people nearby.

How to Prevent Oil Leaking From Lawn Mower Exhaust?

Mowing the lawn is a summer tradition, but it’s important to do it safely. One hazard to be aware of is oil leaking from the lawn mower exhaust. This can happen when the engine oil level is too high and it flows over the exhaust pipe. It can also occur if the gasket between the engine and the exhaust pipe becomes damaged.

The best way to prevent oil from leaking from the lawnmower exhaust is to keep the engine oil level as low as possible. When you fill up the mower’s tank, only add enough oil to bring the level up to the “full” mark on the dipstick. Don’t overfill it, or you could end up with an oil leak.

Repair or Replace the Clogged Air Filter

A clogged air filter can prevent the engine from getting enough air, resulting in oil leakage. If the air filter is clogged, clean or replace it as necessary. Once the air filter is taken care of, check the engine oil level and make sure it’s at the correct level. If it’s not, add oil as needed. Finally, make sure the mower blades are sharp and in good condition; a dull blade can cause excess wear on the engine and lead to oil leakage.

Adjust The Carburetor

The carburetor on your lawn mower needs to be adjusted if you are experiencing oil leaking from the exhaust. This is a common issue, and can easily be fixed. The first step is to identify where the oil is coming from. If it is leaking from the exhaust pipe, then the carburetor adjustment will fix the issue. If the oil is leaking from the air filter, then you will need to replace the air filter.

To adjust the carburetor on your lawn mower, you will need to find the screws that control the idle speed and fuel mixture. Turning these screws clockwise will increase the idle speed and make the fuel mixture richer. You may also need to adjust these screws if you are experiencing problems with starting your lawn mower.

Check the Muffler

The first thing is to make sure that the muffler is in good condition. If it is not, you may need to replace it. You can also try tightening the clamps that hold the muffler in place. If neither of these solutions works, you may need to replace the gasket on the muffler.

Squeeze the Excess Oil From the Foam Air Filter

Start by removing the air filter from the lawn mower. You can do this by unscrewing the Phillips head screws that hold it in place. Once the filter is off, use the screwdriver to pry open the four tabs around the edge of the filter. Then, use your hands to squeeze all of the excess oil out of the filter.

Once you’ve squeezed out all of the oil, reattach the air filter to the lawn mower and replace all of the screws.

Replace the Worn Valves

Replacing the worn valves is an easy fix and can prevent oil from leaking in the future. First, remove the spark plug wire and cap to prevent accidental starting. Next, loosen the bolts that hold the muffler in place. Be careful not to damage the wires or hoses while doing this. Remove the muffler and then the valve cover. The valves can now be replaced by unscrewing them and putting new ones in their place. Make sure that they are properly tightened before putting everything back together.

Fixing Internal Problems

One solution is to tighten the bolts on the exhaust pipe. This may fix the problem temporarily, but it’s likely that the bolts will loosen up over time and the oil will start leaking again. A better solution is to replace the gasket between the exhaust pipe and the engine. This is a cheap and easy fix that will stop the oil from leaking for good.

​How To Avoid Placing Too Much Oil

When it comes to oil, it’s important not to use too much. This is because using too much oil can lead to negative consequences, such as decreased engine performance and damage to the environment.

If you do happen to put too much oil in your lawn mower, don’t worry! You can fix the issue by following these simple steps:

1) Shut off your machine and let it cool down completely.

2) Carefully remove the oil cap and pour out or siphon out the excess oil.

3) Wipe down the area beneath your lawn mower to remove excess oil.

4) Reattach your oil cap, turn on your machine and enjoy!

Conclusion

In conclusion, it would seem that my lawn mower is burning oil, and this is causing the black exhaust that I’ve been seeing. While it’s not a huge issue, it’s something that I’ll need to address in order to keep my mower running properly. I’ll need to take it in for a tune-up, and maybe even consider upgrading to a newer model.

Desmond J. Hernandez

I’m a lawn mowing expert and gardening enthusiast. I started my own lawn care business in college and have been doing it ever since. I love taking care of lawns and gardens, and I’m always looking for new ways to improve my skills. I’m also a big fan of composting and using natural fertilizers.

4 Signs that Indicate Your Lawn Mower Is Low on Oil

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