Champion RC12YC spark plug online price comparison

The Champion RC12YC spark plug is used with multiple engine brands on multiple mower models.  Both the Poulan PXT16542 and Cub Cadet Z Force S60 lawn tractors use the RC12YC spark plug.

Below are some current online prices for this Champion spark plug.  As usual, Jacks has one of the lowest prices.

- $1.99  .....  SparkPlugs.com
- $2.07  .....  Jacks Small Engines
- $3.05  .....  Walmart
- $3.99  .....  LawnMowerPros.com
- $4.45  .....  Grainger
- $4.99  .....  Home Depot
- $5.41  .....  Amazon

If you're looking for volume discounts, Amazon has the following bulk deals which bring the per-plug price down significantly (although Jacks is still cheaper):

- RC12YC 2-pack: $8.99 ($4.50 each)
- RC12YC 4-pack: $12.86 ($3.22 each)
- RC12YC 8-pack: $17.60 ($2.20 each)

Champion RJ19LM spark plug price comparison

The Champion RJ19LM spark plug is used with many different brands and models of lawn mowers.  Prices for this OEM spark plug can vary greatly.  Some current online prices are listed below.

- $1.99  .....  SparkPlugs.com
- $2.38  .....  Jacks Small Engines
- $2.99  .....  LawnMowerPros.com
- $3.20  .....  MowPart.com
- $5.16  .....  Amazon
- $6.55  .....  Walmart
- $8.39  .....  Sears Parts Direct

Kohler 14 132 11-S spark plug: online price comparison

The Kohler 14 132 11-S / 1413211S spark plug is used in Kohler Courage XT engines, which can be found in some Toro Recycler mowers, among others.  Here's a quick comparison of some current online prices for this spark plug:

- $4.44  -----  Jack's Small Engines
- $4.77  -----  Sears
- $5.48  -----  eReplacementParts.com
- $6.49  -----  eBay
- $8.15  -----  Amazon (fulfilled by Jack's Small Engines... notice the price difference)

Champion RJ19HX spark plug online price comparison

Below are some current online prices for the Champion RJ19HX spark plug, used in many lawn mower engines (including Briggs & Stratton Quantum engines).

- Midland Hardware:   $2.42
- Jacks Small Engines:   $2.86
- Sears Outlet:   $2.99  (sold out)
- Ron's Home & Hardware:   $3.34
- Amazon:   $6.67
- Sears:   $8.65

Champion RC12YC spark plug online price comparison

The Champion RC12YC spark plug fits many lawn mowers, including the Cub Cadet Z Force S60 Riding Mower.  Right now, you can pick one (or several) of these spark plugs up from Home Depot for under $3.  Below is a quick online price comparison for the RC12YC plug.

- $2.82 on HomeDepot.com
- $3.45 on Amazon.com
- $3.99 on LawnMowerPros.com

If you need to restock on Sea Foam, Amazon has you covered with a 16-ounce can of Sea Foam for just $6.97.

Champion RJ19LM spark plug online price comparison

Below is a comparison of some current prices for a Champion RJ19LM spark plug.  This plug fits many common mower models, including the Toro 20332 Recycler.

- $2,00 .......... Amazon.com
- $2.38 .......... JacksSmallEngines.com
- $2.82 .......... HomeDepot.com
- $2.99 .......... LawnMowerPros.com
- $2.99 .......... TractorSupply.com
- $3.99 .......... SearsPartsDirect.com

Great deal on Toro Recycler tune-up kit + blade

If you need any common maintenance parts for your Toro Recycler mower, the Briggs & Stratton tune-up kit with Toro blade may be a good investment.

The kits sells on Amazon right now for $23.96, and it includes parts that are worth much more than that combined.  A new Recycler blade typically costs between $15 and $20 by itself, and this kit comes with a blade, an air filter, a spark plug, and a bottle of Briggs & Stratton engine oil.  Here are the part numbers for the different parts that are included, so you can make sure they fit your Recycler model:

- Blade: 131-4547-03 (replaces blade #108-9764-03)
- Air filter: 491588S
- Spark plug: J19LM (Champion)
- Oil: 18 ounces of SAE 30 engine oil

This tune-up kit is compatible with many different models of Toro mowers, including the following models: 20110, 20111, 20112, 20113, 20330, 20331, 20332, 20333, 20334, 20339, 20350, 20351, and 20352.

UPDATE: I received one of these kits today, and there are some noticeable differences from how the product is described on Amazon:
   - The spark plug is not a Champion J19LM but rather an NGK 5798 BR2-LM; compatible and functionally equivalent, but not identical.
   - The oil is not Briggs & Stratton oil, but rather Toro oil.  Again, not a big deal -- it's still 18 ounces of SAE 30 engine oil -- but it's still not as described.

One interesting thing to note is that the air filter comes unwrapped.  While that's probably okay, it's not ideal... you don't want the thing responsible for keeping dust and dirt out of your engine sitting open and exposed in a cardboard box.

On the upside, the kit comes with a small package (0.5 oz) of Toro fuel treatment (enough for a single use).

I would still recommend this kit as a good value, especially if you're going to be buying the blade anyway.

Champion RC12YC spark plug online price comparison

The Champion RC12YC can be used in the Cub Cadet Z Force S60 riding mower, among other models.  Below is a comparison of current prices for this spark plug from some online vendors.  Spark plug prices vary greatly, so you should always shop around before you buy.

- JacksSmallEngines.com:   $2.07
- HomeDepot.com:   $2.38
- AutoZone.com:   $2.49
- TractorSupply.com:  $2.99
- LawnMowerPros.com:   $3.95
- Amazon.com:   $6.12

Champion RJ19LM spark plug online price comparison

The Champion RJ19LM spark plug is used in many lawn mower models, including the Toro 20332 Recycler.  Below are some current prices for this spark plug, sold by online vendors.

- Amazon.com:  $1.99
- HomeDepot.com:  $2.38
- JacksSmallEngines.com:  $2.38
- TractorSupply.com:  $2.99
- SearsPartsDirect.com:  $3.99
- eReplacementParts.com:  $4.55

Many of these prices are exactly the same as they were six months ago.

Spring deals on lawn mower tools and parts

Spring time is a time when a lot of homeowners realize that they may need some tools or parts to get their lawn mowers working this year.  Here are some good deals going on right now at Amazon:

- Champion RJ19LM spark plug:  $1.99
- Briggs & Stratton 5095K spark plug:  $2.60
- Sea Foam Motor Treatment:  $6.74 (the cheapest I've ever seen it)
- Spark Doctor Tune-Up Tool:  $16.54 (regularly about $20)

Briggs & Stratton 5095K spark plug price comparison

About a year and a half ago (September 2013) I posted a price comparison for the Briggs & Stratton 5095K spark plug, used in many common lawn mower models.  While prices on many items have gone up in the past year and a half, the price of this spark plug has gone down (in most cases).

Below are the current prices for the 5095K spark plug, compared with the prices from the same sellers a year and a half ago.

- $2.60 at Amazon.com (as an add-on item) (was $3.50)
- $2.65 at JacksSmallEngines.com (was $2.42)
- $2.66 at Menards.com (after mail-in rebate) (was $2.99)
- $2.79 at SearsPartsDirect.com (was $3.99)

How to Replace a Spark Plug in a Push Lawn Mower

A typical walk-behind lawn mower uses a single spark plug in its engine.  Every mower is different, but on average the spark plug should be replaced (or at the very least, cleaned and regapped) once a year or so, depending on use.  This article will describe the procedure for replacing the spark plug on a typical walk-behind (or push) lawn mower.

If you haven't done so already, you'll need to purchase a new spark plug of the correct size and type.  Your mower's parts manual or engine parts manual will have the part number for the spark plug you need.  (You can download mower parts manuals using the links on the left sidebar, and engine parts manuals using the links on the right sidebar.)

In general, the spark plug is located on the front side of the mower, sticking out from the engine.  It will have a thick wire "boot" leading from it (probably black).  Once you have located your mower's spark plug, removing it is a fairly simple process.

To remove the spark plug, you'll need either a spark plug wrench of the correct size, or a standard socket wrench with the correct spark plug socket.  You can use a regular socket of the same size, but spark plug sockets are specially designed to grab the plug better and not to damage it.  Spark plug sockets are also typically deeper than normal sockets.  Standard spark plug socket sizes include 3/4", 5/8", and 13/16".

Before removing the spark plug, make sure the mower is off, and wait at least 10 minutes or so for the engine to cool down.  (If the engine still feels hot to the touch after 10 minutes, wait a little longer so you don't burn yourself when removing the spark plug.)  Once the engine has cooled, remove the spark plug boot from the spark plug by pulling it off.

The spark plug itself is now exposed.  To remove it, place the spark plug socket over the plug so it fits snugly, then attach the wrench to the socket.  If you are using a spark plug wrench, fit the correct end of the wrench over the plug, then attach the handle to the other end.  Turn the wrench counter-clockwise to loosen the plug, and keep turning until the plug is completely free.

You can now remove the spark plug from the mower.  While it is out, you may want to take a clean rag and wipe the area around the spark plug hole to clean it off.  If the plug was hard to remove, you can use a little bit of an anti-seize compound on the new spark plug threads so that next time it will be easier to remove.  Then insert the new spark plug into the hole that you removed the old one from, thread it a little bit by hand, and then attach the spark plug wrench (or socket wrench with spark plug socket) and tighten the plug.  You want it to be tight, but not overly tight.

Once the plug is in securely, reattach the spark plug boot.  Now is a good time to start the mower and make sure it runs.  If the old spark plug was still working, you may want to hold onto it in case you ever need it in a pinch.

(Originally published on Helium.com, May 2012)

How to Gap a Spark Plug

If a spark plug has stopped working, you may just need to clean it or regap it, rather than replace it.  Many spark plugs cost under $10, but if you know how to regap a spark plug you can save yourself some time and money in the long run.

To correctly gap a spark plug, you'll need a good spark plug gap gauge.  There are several different kinds available, and you can probably find many of them online or in your local auto parts store.  One decent gauge is the Lisle Spark Plug Gauge, $3.93 on Amazon.com.  Any spark plug gauge will work, as long as it is easy to use and accurate.

In order to regap a spark plug you first have to remove it from the engine.  For cars and trucks, the procedure for removing a spark plug varies by vehicle, but be careful not to damage the plug or its threads.  A spark plug wrench, or a socket wrench with the correct size spark plug socket, will help to remove the plug without damaging it.  On a vehicle with multiple spark plugs, only remove one plug at a time.

For spark plugs on lawn mowers or other power equipment, you can often remove them by disconnecting the spark plug boot (the wire attached to the plug) and then unscrewing them with a spark plug wrench or socket.

On the bottom of the spark plug (the end without the threads) you'll see an L-shaped piece of metal.  This is the side electrode, the one that you will adjust to set the gap.  The gap is the distance between this side electrode and the center electrode, the metal piece almost touching the side electrode.

You'll need to know what the gap is supposed to measure in order to regap the plug.  You can often find this information in the owner's manual for the vehicle or equipment.  If you don't have an owner's manual you can try to look the specs up online.  For cars or trucks, you can find the spark plug gap by asking at an auto parts store.

Check the current gap by inserting your spark plug gauge in between the two electrodes.  To get an accurate measurement, the gauge should fit in snugly - if it slides in too easily or if you have to force it in, then you're not accurately measuring it.  Check the measurement on the gauge to see what the current gap is, and check this number against what the gap is supposed to measure.  This check will tell you whether you need to make the gap larger or smaller.  (For example, if the gap currently measures 0.025" and it should be 0.030" then you'll need to increase the gap.)

While you have the spark plug out (and before you regap it) is a good time to clean the spark plug.  You can clean any buildup off of the electrodes with a small wire brush.  If the electrodes are severely burnt, or the plug looks damaged, you'll be better off replacing it rather than trying to fix it.

To regap the spark plug, adjust the side electrode (the "L"-shaped one) either closer to or farther from the center electrode.  If your spark plug gauge has a gapper tool attached to it (the Lisle gauge has a flanged hole you can use) you can use that; otherwise, a small flathead screwdriver will work.

Bend the side electrode toward the center electrode to make the gap smaller, or bend it away from the center electrode to make the gap bigger.  Be very gentle when you adjust the side electrode - only bend it a little bit at a time, then check the gap again with your gauge to see if it needs to be adjusted more.  Avoid touching the center electrode with your gapper or screwdriver when you are adjusting the gap size.

Once you have adjusted the gap to where it should be, double check your measurement, then you can reinsert the spark plug and reattach the spark plug wire or boot.  Tighten the spark plug securely but try not to over-tighten it.  If your engine has a recommended torque value for how to tight the plug should be, use a torque wrench to get the tightness as exact as possible.  (For smaller engines, getting the torque exactly right may not be as important as it is for larger engines.)  Then test your engine to make sure it works and the spark plug fires.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, May 2012)

Briggs & Stratton 491055S spark plug on Amazon

Spark plug model 491055S fits different lawn mower engines, including among others the 21B807 Briggs & Stratton engine used in a Craftsman 536.270320 30" Riding Mower.  Amazon.com has this spark plug listed right now for just $3.55 (and it's eligible for free shipping).

Common maintenance parts for Toro 20332 22" Personal Pace lawn mower

It can be hard to keep track of the parts you need for your lawn mower.  Even with just the maintenance parts, since you probably don't use them more than once a year or so, it can be hard to remember what they are.

If you own a Toro 20332 22" Personal Pace Lawn Mower, here are the common maintenance parts you'll need for your mower, along with their current price on Amazon.com:

- Spark Plug: 5095K$4.68, or
                          RJ19LM$2.09
     (Briggs & Stratton recommends replacing it once a year)

- Air Filter: 491588S$7.00
     (Toro recommends replacing it every 25 hours of use -- more often in dusty conditions)
     (Briggs & Stratton recommends replacing it once a year)

- Air Filter Pre-Cleaner: 5064K$6.98
     (Briggs & Stratton recommends replacing it once a year)

- Engine Oil: SAE 30$7.38
     (Toro and Briggs & Stratton both recommend changing it after the first five hours of use, then once a year)

- Mower Blade: 108-9764-03$18.99
     (Toro recommends sharpening it or replacing it once a year)

- Carburetor Rebuild Kit: 498260$9.99

Most, if not all, of these parts will qualify for free shipping if you spend at least $35.

Champion RJ19HX spark plug price comparison

Many engines use the Champion RJ19HX spark plug, including Briggs & Stratton Quantum engines.  Here are some websites that sell this plug, along with their current (as of 4/19/14) prices:

- SearsOutlet.com: $2.40
- JacksSmallEngines.com: $2.86
- MidlandHardware.com: $3.23
- RonsHomeandHardware.com: $3.66
- Amazon.com : $5.27

Champion RJ19LM spark plug price comparison

The Champion RJ19LM spark plug is a very common plug used in many lawn mower engines, including the Toro 20332 Recycler Mower.  Below are some current online prices for the RJ19LM spark plug, so you can make sure you're getting the best deal.

- Amazon.com: $1.99
- HomeDepot.com: $2.38
- TractorSupply.com: $2.99
- SearsPartsDirect.com: $3.99
- eReplacementParts.com: $4.48

Briggs & Stratton 5095K spark plug price comparison

About a year ago (September 20th, 2012) I posted a price comparison for the Briggs & Stratton 5095K spark plug on several different websites.  Below are today's prices for that model plug on the same websites, as compared to the price a year ago.  Most of the prices are about the same, but one website raised the price significantly.

- $2.42 at JacksSmallEngines.com (was $2.38)
- $3.99 at SearsPartsDirect.com (was $2.50)
- $2.99 at Menards.com (was $2.99)
- AceHardwareOutlet.com - no longer a working site
- $3.50 at Amazon.com (as an add-on item with any order of $25 or more) (was $3.90)

Amazon price drops on mower parts

Here are some mower parts on Amazon that have dropped in price recently:

- Briggs & Stratton 5095K spark plug: was $3.24 in March; now listed at $3.00
- Briggs & Stratton 491588S air filter: was $5.26 in March; now listed at $4.83
- Oregon 30-710 air filter (replaces B&S 491588 / 491588S / 399599): was $4.51 in May; now listed at $4.46

All three of these parts are eligible for free shipping if you spend at least $25 on qualifying products.

Price drops on Amazon

Some items I've posted about before have recently gone down in price on Amazon, so if you need to stock up, now's a good time.

- Briggs & Stratton 5095K spark plug is $3.24, previously $3.90 (as an add-on item)
- Briggs & Stratton 491588S flat air filter is $5.26, previously $5.29 (as an add-on item)
- Briggs & Stratton 6-gallon gas can with auto shutoff is $19.98, previously $20.95

If you're looking for a spark plug gauge or gapper, you can get the Lisle 67870 for $3.63, or the Lisle 67800 for $3.25 (both as add-on items).