How to replace the air filter on a Bolens 22" push mower

The air filter on a lawn mower is designed to catch impurities in the air (such as dust) and prevent them from entering the engine.  Over time, the air filter can become clogged or dirty, and it will need to be cleaned or eventually replaced to keep the engine running well.  Briggs & Stratton recommends replacing your air filter every year.

To replace the air filter on your Bolens 22" push mower, you'll need a flathead screwdriver, a new air filter (part #698369), and a small amount of engine oil.

1. Remove the air filter cover
The air filter is located on the top right side of the lawn mower if you're standing behind it.  It sits under the air filter cover, which is held in place by one screw and is rectangular on three sides and almost pointed on the fourth side (the side facing the rear of the mower).  Remove the screw in the air filter cover using a flathead screwdriver, then remove the cover by pulling it off.

2. Remove the old air filter
The air filter (the yellow foam piece) sits inside a plastic base.  Remove the filter and base together, noting how the base fits onto the hole leading down into the carburetor.  Then remove the air filter from the base.  If you have a paper towel or rag handy, you can wipe down the base to clean it of dirt and dust.

3. Oil the new air filter
Add a small amount of engine oil to the new air filter by pouring it over the filter.  Then squeeze and wring out the filter until all of the excess oil has been removed.  If oil drips from the filter, wring it out some more until it doesn't drip any more.

4. Install the new filter
Sit the new air filter in the base in the correct orientation.  You may have to force it to get it in place, but it's soft so it will bend easily.  Then place the base back onto the hole leading into the carburetor, with the pointed end facing toward the rear of the mower (away from the spark plug).  The base should sit firmly on top of the hole.

5. Reattach the cover
Place the air filter cover back on top of the air filter.  It should line up perfectly with the base.  Then put the screw into the hole in the cover and tighten it firmly.

Lawn mower manuals added

Manuals for the following lawn mower and engine brands were added recently:

- Bolens: 1 parts manual
- Briggs & Stratton: 2 engine manuals
- Electrolux: 2 mower manuals
- Gearmore: 4 flail mower manuals, 1 parts manual
- Scag: 1 mower manual, 1 parts manual

Bolens mower manuals

It can be hard to find Bolens manuals online, but if you know your mower's model number you can search the MTD manuals site.  (Just choose "Bolens" for the brand name.)  Otherwise, some Bolens manuals are listed below.

Service manuals:
- Bolens 600 Series Box Frame - Steering Shaft & Segment Gear Servicing
- Bolens 683 Series Box Frame Tractor

Parts manuals:
- Bolens 2016G (G16YT)
- Bolens 2028 / 2136 / 2030 / 2036 / 2128A / 2136A / 2027 Riding Mower

How to replace a lawn mower air filter

The air filter is a very important part of the engine.  It allows fresh air to enter and mix with the gasoline, but at the same time it keeps dust and debris out.  The air filter should be inspected, cleaned, and replaced regularly.

There are several different kinds of air filters.  Two popular kinds used on lawn mowers include a foam air filter (typically soaked in oil) and a paper air filter.  The paper air filter looks like the air filter you might find in a vacuum.  Some paper air filters will be enclosed inside a foam pre-cleaner.  This pre-cleaner can be cleaned, and it will prolong the life of the air filter, but it will also need to be replaced eventually.

The air filter is probably located on the same side of the engine as the fuel tank and the carburetor.  Removal instructions will vary by lawn mower model, and they should be printed in either the operation manual or the engine manual, but typically all you'll need to do is remove a plastic cover that's probably held down by one screw (either on the top of the engine or on the side) and then remove the air filter and either clean it or replace it with a new one.  When installing a new air filter, be sure to install it in the same orientation as the old filter.

Here are some links to air filter replacement instructions for specific mower models.

- Bolens 22" Push Mower
- Craftsman Power Propelled 22" Rotary Lawn Mower (model 917.376741 or similar)
- Honda HRX217VKA / HRX217HYA / HRX217HZA 21" Versamow Mower
- Husqvarna HU700F 22" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- Lawn-Boy 10640 / 10641 / 10642 / 10645 / 10646 / 10647 20" Push Mower
- Toro 20331 22" High Wheel Recycler Mower
- Toro 20332 22" Personal Pace Recycler Mower
- Toro 20339 / 20339C 22" Recycler Lawn Mower with SmartStow
- Toro 20350 22" Low Wheel Recycler Self-Propelled Mower
- Troy-Bilt TB210 / TB230 / TB280Es 21" Self-Propelled Mower
- Yard Machines 21" High Wheel Push Mower
- Yard-Man 11B-106C401 / 11B-106C701 20" Mulching Push Mower