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How to Replace Spark Plugs on a Craftsman 6.5 HP Lawn Mower
How to Replace Spark Plugs on a Craftsman 6.5 HP Lawn Mower. You lawn work will go much easier if you make sure early in the season that your Craftsman lawnmower is in good condition. Part of this process involves making sure that your lawn mower has working spark plugs that won't go out on you in the middle of cutting the lawn. This may require...
You lawn work will go much easier if you make sure early in the season that your Craftsman lawnmower is in good condition. Part of this process involves making sure that your lawn mower has working spark plugs that won't go out on you in the middle of cutting the lawn. This may require you to replace the spark plugs in the mower at the beginning of spring.
Things You'll Need
Spark plug socket wrench
New spark plug, model J19LM made by Champion
Spark plug key (optional)
Locate the spark plug on the mower. On Craftsman 6.5 hp mowers, this is located on the side of the engine. Remove the spark wire by pulling it off of the plug.
Unscrew the spark plug from the engine using the spark plug socket wrench. You may need some force to get it out, but you want to make sure you don't strip it in the process.
Gap the spark plug if needed. All spark plugs require a certain amount of space or gap between the sparking pin and L-shaped bracket that covers it. In the case of the Craftsman 6.5 hp engine the correct spark plug gap is 0.030 inches. Today most spark plugs come pre-gapped but if you do need to do it yourself all you need is a spark plug key. This simple tool helps you measure the space between the sparking pin and bracket to adjust it to the proper gap.
Place the new spark plug into the mower in the spark plug socket. Screw it in by hand until tight and then use the socket wrench to fully tighten it. The spark plug needs to be securely fastened in the socket.
Reattach the spark wire to the tip of the spark plug. The mower is now safe to use.
Tips & Warnings
When installing the spark plug, take care not to screw it in too tightly. This can cause the threads in the plug to strip which can make it difficult (if not impossible) to remove. A good rule of thumb is to tighten it finger tight plus a quarter to half turn with a wrench--just don't force it.
