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If I don't want to set myself on fire....

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by clueless1, Mar 25, 2017.

  1. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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    How long do we reckon I need to wait before using a lawnmower that I've just discharged nearly a full can of WD40 onto and into?

    I hadn't realised until just a bit ago that my lawnmower has been left outside all winter. So I sprayed loads of WD40 into the motor, into the switch lever thingy, and everywhere else I suspected water could be hiding. I'm now just a bit concerned that aerosol propelled light oil and high voltage electric might have a fight, and create flame. So I'm allowing it time to evaporate before I plug it in to see if it still works. But how much time do we reckon? I'm off out for an ice cream in a minute, and CL1.1 wants to draw a picture of the seafront. Will that be long enough do we think, or maybe more like overnight?
     
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      clueless1, Mar 25, 2017
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    • shiney

      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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      Can we get back to you about it in a couple of week's time? :hate-shocked: :heehee:
       
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        shiney, Mar 25, 2017
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      • Scrungee

        Scrungee Well known for it

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        You could always check whether it'll burst into a fireball by applying a lighted taper to your lawnmower before attempting to start it. And take some pics/video to post here



        Or a more boring method might be to spray some things with WD40 and see how long it takes for it to evaporate and not burst into flames.
         
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          Last edited: Mar 25, 2017
          Scrungee, Mar 25, 2017
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        • Mowerman

          Mowerman Gardener

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          You could pour a long trail of petrol to the lawn mower and throw a match on it :biggrin:
           
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            Mowerman, Mar 25, 2017
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          • Phil A

            Phil A Guest

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            Remember what you said about the Leylandii's Dave? Just wait till the kids in the village find out how flamable your lawn mower is :heehee:
             
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              Phil A, Mar 25, 2017
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            • Fat Controller

              Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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              The aerosol droplets will have already gone (they don't last long), and all that will be left now is a light coating of oil, so as long as you don't have any arcing (which you shouldn't have) then it should be OK by the time you get back. I would suggest using it in short bursts only for the first wee while though, checking for smells and heat (thinking more of seized bearings etc) before launching into full blown (excuse the pun) mowing mode.

              Oh, and make sure you use an RCD circuit breaker.
               
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                Fat Controller, Mar 25, 2017
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              • shiney

                shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                Is the RCD the thing that you test by licking your finger and then touching it? :snork:
                 
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                  shiney, Mar 25, 2017
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                • shiney

                  shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                  "If I don't want to set myself on fire...."

                   
                  shiney, Mar 25, 2017
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                • Mowerman

                  Mowerman Gardener

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                  LORFL..... seriously mate, that has gotta be the comment of the month!!!

                  In stiches here :snork::snork::snork:
                   
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                    Mowerman, Mar 25, 2017
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                  • Phil A

                    Phil A Guest

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                    That's the Rigid Corps Detector :)
                     
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                      Phil A, Mar 25, 2017
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                    • redstar

                      redstar Total Gardener

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                      I am gathering it is a push mower, not a ridding mower (that would have had a battery left in it all winter (not good) ) And you did not cover it up at all? even with a plastic thing??
                       
                      redstar, Mar 25, 2017
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