Nice Job James. I have not ever encountered that problem, it's good to be made aware of it. Thanks for the video.

@jcondon1

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Judging by the comments, it might be a more common problem then it should be.

@THEMOWERMEDIC1

3 жыл бұрын

@@jcondon1 yessir. Very common issue here in hell. I mean ne Texas

@JW...-oj5iw

3 жыл бұрын

@@jcondon1 ... Clearly, you are intelligent enough to diagnose and repair an internal timing jump due to camshaft failure. So why not go ahead and use "than"?

@woolval52

3 жыл бұрын

@@JW...-oj5iw Wow... grammar police here.

@JW...-oj5iw

3 жыл бұрын

@@woolval52 ... The plaintive crying of the poor little offended girl. Shut your pie hole and make a sandwich.

Had to watch this one, really takes me back to the late 70's. My Dad brought home from the dump a lawn mower that was not working. In short order he had it running, he went on to salvaging mowers from the trash heap, fixing them and selling them. Rarely bought new parts salvage one to make another run. This made for a lucrative way to make a bit of extra cash. Eventually he began repairing other folks mowers all out of the shop behind our house. Eventually he rented a store front , then secured franchises to sell new equipment, and do warranty work. Branching off to chain saws, and other small engines. Moved on to buying some commercial property and building a larger shop, which expanded 3 times. When he retired in 1992 he sold the shop and land for a significant amount of money. Not bad for a guy with a grade 8 education that never made it past corporal in the forces after 25 years service.

@rosselnator

2 ай бұрын

Life is an endless education

@toonybrain

2 ай бұрын

This is, and used to be, the wonderful American story. Men who were willing to work hard and had an idea that benefited both themselves and others. Then the two pincers started squeezing the life and ingenuity out of entrepreneurs: government throwing down countless obstacles plus their grasping tentacles coupled with the other pincer: out-of-control litigation.redistributing wealth from the Makers to the Takers.

@anthonymarino4260

2 ай бұрын

smart DAD

@okramando

2 ай бұрын

Dad sounds awesome. That's the dream.

@matthewjohnston1400

2 ай бұрын

Nice

My grandmother always said; "you learn something new every day. When you quit learning, you're probably dead!" I'm 67, I'm not dead yet and I'm still learning!

@johnbassett3188

3 жыл бұрын

I'm 60 and junk part's in mowers are one thing , but off subject , I've always driven older car's and recently got a car given to me that needed attention , thought I was getting something great for a change , till i discovered that 90 percent of the car was plastic and everything is falling apart , Life is Good as always but still learning !!!

@jamesdiehl8690

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnbassett3188 Yep! Most of the cars I've had and worked on myself were 60s and 70s models. My parents were married in 45 and after Dad got out of the service in 48 they had mostly used 30s and 40s cars, then new 50s models. So, I cut my teeth learning about old models. The same with small engines; B&S, Tecumseh, Clinton, etc... Most of the cars were made of real steel, cast iron engines and copper wiring. The small engines on tillers, mowers, etc were steel w/cast iron sleeves or cast iron blocks and steel parts like cars and trucks. Maybe I'm just a silly old man, but quality is worth more to me then disposability. The land fills are full, the recyclers run night and day. How about we build stuff so it lasts like my grandpa said: "it ought to last a 100 years, then turn into something good to eat!"

@JW...-oj5iw

3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesdiehl8690 ... All that time and learning, yet you still used "then" instead of the correct "than".

@jamesdiehl8690

3 жыл бұрын

@@JW...-oj5iw I still have trouble with dos, dem and dat too!

@jamesdiehl8690

3 жыл бұрын

@@JW...-oj5iw If I did, you would still think that you can judge me for it! Go polish your halo!

James I am 75 now and back in 64/65 I was the one lung king of the neighbor hood , so I thought. I did manage to fix all the mowers I collected on the side of the road. I had a claw hammer, 9/16 and 7/16 socket crescent wrench and a pair of pliers, no ratchet. Hours of fun taking them apart cleaning them put back together and when they started it felt great. Thank you for sharing, would have never guessed that was issue. Back then it was one cast piece.

Plastic gears and lobes on a camshaft? This lawnmower is a complete disposable POS. I'll keep my 1976 two stroke Lawnboy that still starts on the first pull. The only maintenance I've ever really had to do it is adjust the points, which as far as I know, was the first time ever in 40 years. The thing is older than I am.

@Roadking556

Ай бұрын

Everything is a POS. nowadaysm

@lzh3131

28 күн бұрын

They don’t make them like they used to!😥

@lzh3131

28 күн бұрын

I watched your video, thermostat / auto choke, very good video! This is way above my skill level! At least I know if it’s “dead”, call it “new mower day”. Another very good, informative video!👍

@darrelldundee7198

24 күн бұрын

Back in the days when real things were being built to last not So Much Anymore these days

@tomstulc9143

22 күн бұрын

Plastic junk.

You'd be proud of me. I fixed the neighbor's garage sale purchase mower with a Honda GCV160 motor. It was surging when warm. I immediately suspected a lean condition. Found fine dirt in the tank. Cleaned it out. Took the carb apart, cleaned it, and found the emulsion tube above the main jet had its little holes clogged with the fine dirt. Used a wire from a wire brush and cleaned them out. Mower runs perfect now.

@mikeclarke3005

3 жыл бұрын

most issuers these days, is the ethanol gas, sits for a bit wont start, ends up water settles in the gas to the carb bowl, drain carb, tank, new gas usually fixes. if spark and starts with ether, then that is what I try first.

@mjb12141963

3 жыл бұрын

Those are so much fun. Good Job!!

@boatman222345

3 жыл бұрын

See my solution to dirt in the gas above.

@wryanddry2266

3 жыл бұрын

Similar: I was given a Husqvarna with a GCV160. It would run for only one or two seconds each time I tried to start it. Fixed that by cleaning the main jet using a twist-tie wire, but then the governor was making it surge (aka 'hunt'). Fixed that by cleaning the pilot (idle) jet using a strand of fine copper wire from a lamp cord. The twist-tie wire wouldn't fit through the pilot jet.

@mjb12141963

3 жыл бұрын

@@wryanddry2266 It's something how a thing so small could create such problems.

Nice Save! Im surprised it even half started with that timing problem.

My late father used to do small engine repair as a side job when I was a boy. I used to watch him and this really brings back memories. Fixing things is sadly a lost art these days. I miss my father.

@JamesBond-hu9rg

Жыл бұрын

I found out my Father in-law did that too after these yrs. Married . At his funeral I find out 🤔💁‍♂️. He was a Machinist by trade. For F16s . He taught his 3 boys and my wife. How to take apart toasters and then radios. Then small engines. Who knew.

@leecowell8165

Жыл бұрын

Don't we all! We don't know how much they've taught us until they're gone. So for you kids that still have yours? Don't forget to tell them how much you love them!

I bought a New mower Yesterday. My 14 year old Craftsman has been impeccible. It has started on the first stroke every year. Last year however i bought regular petrol and The gas wire broke. NO repairshop is open. It IMPOSSIBLE to get spare parts in Sweden. I cleaned The AIR filter and plug. Thanks for The video.

There is nothing more satifying than to take something that has no percieved value to an average person, and make it like new for a few bucks. Good going! That's probably a $300.00 mower!

@starzlea

3 жыл бұрын

If you did this yourself you would have to go buy the tools to do this kind of work, which would probably cost the same as a replacement mower, hence why people throw them out...

@uralbob1

3 жыл бұрын

@@starzlea So true. Our society has us conditioned to throw things away. I've repaired small engines, vacuums, all kinds of stuff. It is so rewarding!

@lewiswereb8994

3 жыл бұрын

It's a 150 dollar mower at Lowe's.

@javierbaron1856

2 жыл бұрын

It’s great but what if it doesn’t work. You have to back and troubleshoot it all over again. By the time you figured it out you already spent $300-$400 of time and labor.

@andrewsherman2647

2 жыл бұрын

@@javierbaron1856 do it yourself is the only way a shop would probably get in excess of $150 to do the repair but very well done video

It's a shame so many manufacturers have gone to plastic internal parts, simply don't have the reliability of the old school engines

@seaseasee

3 жыл бұрын

I agree

@HsingSun

3 жыл бұрын

Most of those parts are made in China.

@robertbrawley5048

3 жыл бұрын

@@HsingSun I phones are made in China. Is there anybody complaining about I phone build quality

@sailingsolar

3 жыл бұрын

It's intentional to make more money. That and he majority of American consumers will always shop with their wallet and buy the cheaper mower. You get what you pay for . Cheaper mower, plastic parts. Your blaming the manufacturer? It's not the manufacturer call it's the consumer. You build a better one then you can't complain.

@robertbrawley5048

3 жыл бұрын

James Kenta. You sound like somebody thats 25 years old . I became of age in the 1970s and my experience with small engines and consumer grade tools were they didn't compare favorable with foreign manufacturers engines and handtool . Particular red Chinese hand tools. Other counties electronic devices like camera , chisels. tape recorders television load binders far exceeded the quality of American manufacturing . Taiwan hand tools were very low grade compared to zred Chinese tool . 40 years later Harbor Freight cheap Chinese hand tools and and power equipment are depended on by professionals and hobbyist

nice! I got a Craftsman 20" like new from the local thrift shop for FREE. The deck and blade barely had any signs of use at all. They said the engine was seized. I pulled it through at the store, it was very hard to pull, but it wasn't seized. Took it home and saw that the 'safety blade stop' cable had broke down at the lever on the engine. Re-attached it and the mower is running fine! FREE! YAY!

He's right! I never guessed why. This guys small engine skills are way above my paygrade. I'm jealous.

Briggs is notorious for those plastic cam assemblies failing, they shouldn't use plastic on the cams.

@paulmoffat9306

3 жыл бұрын

Another case of the purchasing department under the gun to reduce costs, and deciding to use an inferior part design - And as is most likely usual, the engineering department had no say in the part replacement.

@shanesgettinghandy

3 жыл бұрын

I had a Honda do the same thing on a pressure washer. What is with the stupid plastic gears?

@davidvickers8425

3 жыл бұрын

Metal gear could have blown up all running parts in the crank case, metal cams wear down too esp if not oiled, which would be cheaper to replace a plastic cam or all internals? They should put a plastic or brass key on the fly wheel too. Its like a circuit breaker for your house, would you want a 200 amp breaker on a 20 amp line? What could go wrong? Farming equipment has shear pins on everything too if you put a shear pin in with too hard metal the rest of the machine blows up if something gets stuck.

@sweetlou5902

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidvickers8425 doubtful, the gear spun on the shaft, I have never seen a metal cam do that!

@barryaiello3127

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidvickers8425 in reality though mowers in this price range with internal engine issues are 90% of the time just put out for trash, not taken apart and fixed, it's a friggin shame too.

A plastic gear forced onto a steel shaft and then soaked in hot oil. Perfect!

@Mike-su8si

3 жыл бұрын

They're made to break

@campbellpaul

3 жыл бұрын

Planned obsolescence for you at a reasonable manufacturing cost. At least we have KZread and Amazon to make a nice counter-balance for the wise.

@JW...-oj5iw

3 жыл бұрын

And probably no option in replacement parts, such as a one piece unit.

@JohnDoe-es5xh

3 жыл бұрын

same belongs to paddle-wheels in many car water pumps losing contact to the shaft during operation

@leifvejby8023

3 жыл бұрын

They are close enough to perfect - I've worked professionally with those engines since they came out around 1990, and I have never seen that problem.

A ranch I worked for had a lot of Briggs and Stratton motors on irrigation lines they were always failing with the same fault. Its pretty sad that a highly regarded manufacturer like Briggs uses plastic cams that can slip.

@danielbond9755

7 ай бұрын

That’s the price you pay for the engine being as cheap as it is.

@benjamincresswell3713

2 ай бұрын

Agreed. Some places plastic is not welcome. Can you imagine how much research - development went into getting plastic to work for that purpose? Planned obsolescence or exacting lifespan?

extremely helpful and perfectly filmed

A helpful tip: The gas tank fill cap on this and similar mowers was very poorly designed! Grass and other debris collects on the underside of the cap flange and when you remove the cap the debris falls into the gas tank. As an ex lawnmower mechanic I am very meticulous when it comes to using clean gas so when the carb jet on my Toro kept getting clogged I knew something was up. After discovering the source of the problem I did two things. First I installed an inline fuel filter in the short rubber gas line running from the tank to the carb. Do NOT use the little red plastic style filters sold online as they will not filter out smaller particles. Rather use the round clear plastic filters that contain fiber filters. Due to the short distance between the tank and the carb and the overall length of the filter this requires some manipulating but it can be done. Second, and this is very important, before removing the gas cap run a rag around the bottom surface of the cap flange to remove debris. I haven't had a single clogged carb jet in the two years since I diagnosed this problem.

@amd65ak47

2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree with you everything is so poorly made the fail in this country so you consume more and more product I have a lawn mower engine roughly the same model in style but it's from 1990 everything is internally cast or aluminum I've even gone as far as polishing it and porting the engine it's 190 cc's from factory it's probably 200 cc since I've done everything to it This country's despicable when it comes to waste. I've also stated that these engine brake switches are horrible for the magneto and flywheel so my recommend recommendation is to take a double strand piece of wire wire to your magneto and wire it to the block of the engine run the wire up your handlebar to an off and on switch. Patent pending.

@Rein_Ciarfella

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for that tip. I already knew about installing a primary filter after the tank but never heard about the gas cap debris issue before. Now I’ll be on the lookout for that with every mower I work on. 👍🔧🧰

@kristopherdetar4346

2 жыл бұрын

I have made it a habit to always overfill my tank to flush out grass debris since the mid 70’s and have never had an issue with a clogged up carb.

@rbarr775

2 жыл бұрын

For this exact reason, for about the last ten years, I keep a 2" paint brush on the wall where I fuel my equipment. I use the brush to whisk away all the debris from the base of the cap and the surrounding area before removing the cap. Only takes about five seconds.

@Rein_Ciarfella

2 жыл бұрын

rbarr775 I like that method better than overfilling or using a rag to clean off the debris. Thanks!

For anyone wondering, don't get the plastic cam , this may have worked for James, but you're better off getting the all metal cam . Yes , it's interchangeable.

@Tom-In-Ga

3 жыл бұрын

$25 mower. $10 used plastic cam was the better choice for this "push, not powered" mower. I'm guessing the best he'll get for it is $50? As it stands right now, he's going to maybe break even. Now, if you're going to keep the mower for yourself, maybe spend the extra bucks for better parts.

@gdfschimpi007

3 жыл бұрын

what's the part number for the metal cam?

@midixiewrecked7011

3 жыл бұрын

@@gdfschimpi007 Google

@gdfschimpi007

3 жыл бұрын

@@midixiewrecked7011 That's not what I asked....

@kingbeat101

3 жыл бұрын

Right,..I kind of think it's cool that he has the skill to do and figure this stuff out but to me none of that was worth the time and then to put another plastic part into that motor..???...For me and it's just my opinion..It wouldn't be worth it..

Fun to watch a master mechanic solve a problem. Always a good thing sleep on it.

This is starting to become one of my favorite channels on KZread. Your videos at first start off as a unknown mystery, sometimes with twists and turns and often a happy ending. The well placed shots, clear and concise explanations of how these things work make this a quality channel. Thank you for taking the time to share your talent with the rest of us in a way that is easy to follow and digest.

A pressed on plastic cam shaft I'm surprised it doesn't have a compressed cardboard deck and bamboo cutter blades , good video and great job getting this thing going

@haroldlundberg5676

2 жыл бұрын

15 or 20 years ago,, that camshaft was one piece steel.

@Alixstair

2 жыл бұрын

Should have a roll pin at least

@visitorfromoutthere

Жыл бұрын

I'm an expert with small engines usually I can tell exactly what's wrong from what the person says if u hit a stump lawnmower dies won't start timing key is the problem or bent crank witch can be straight ened without taking anything apart

@warrenpeas

2 ай бұрын

and yet i bet this failure is very rare.

@lzh3131

28 күн бұрын

😂😂😂👍

Ugh, I hate how cheezy these engines have become nowadays. This is why I try to save the old stuff. So much better quality! I'm glad you posted this vid. It's good to know what's lurking inside these engines.

@eskieman3948

3 жыл бұрын

It's not just the small engines. WAAAY back in the late '70s, I heard that GM was using plastic parts in their auto transmissions, and these transmissions were failing because the parts were breaking. I was skeptical until, by coincidence, "60 minutes" did a segment about this very issue at the time, and when I found that my Monte Carlo had one of these transmission (TH-200), I dumped that suck within the year. It was a POS anyway, bad transmission or not.

@ctg6734

3 жыл бұрын

@@eskieman3948 For sure! Kawasaki got bit hard because they decided a plastic oil pump drive gear would somehow be a good idea in the Vulcan 1500. Well surprise, surprise they had a major recall due to failed gears! Plastic has no business inside an engine save for a few select items such as chain guides, and even then they don't always get it right.

@ronalddaub7965

3 жыл бұрын

@@ctg6734 most newer engines have plastic camshafts I don't know about all of them but I had a Briggs & Stratton that I took apart and it had a plastic camshaft

@ctg6734

3 жыл бұрын

@@ronalddaub7965 Yeah, I have two of these engines on mowers currently. Sad thing is they'd probably be fine if they molded the gear and lobes as one part instead of two separate pieces. But yeah, it's because of stuff like this that I hold on to my older equipment.

I will say I appreciated the end b-roll of sweeping up & cleaning up after the mower great job diagnosing and fixing it!

"Yes! Plastic cam shafts. You don't want them to last forever do you, Mr./Ms. retailer?" It's not a defect it's a feature! I admire how you were able to zero in on the problem, explaining your reasoning and methodology. I grew up on all metal lawn and garden engines (yes, they are very nutritious with whole milk!) If something was out of time, it was game over. I didn't know until now about the plastic cam so if I had run across the problem from the outside of the engine, that engine would go into the metal recycling pile. Thank you for pointing it out! A repair like this, done by the typical small engine repair shop would have been too expensive to consider for most home owners. And that, sadly, is the plan.

@philliphall5198

Жыл бұрын

I’ve done 9 in less than 3 months so far

@ArroEL922

Жыл бұрын

Wouldn't have cost much for Craftsman (or whoever made that part) to fit that timing gear with a pin or even a key. But, as you said, the engine will last too long. Bad for Craftsman. What a scam, especially in a lawnmower (where the blade is liable to hit against some obstruction and quickly mis-align that timing gear). Or maybe they thought it was a safety mechanism (like shear pins in/on some old time outboard propeller shafts)?

@thomaswoosley4821

3 ай бұрын

@@ArroEL922 I don't doubt that is part of the plan. I've only owned 3 mowers in about 40 years and in each case the deck rusted out but the engine was still fine.

@BarryLambright-ff1pz

Ай бұрын

Oh about 15years all engine blands got sued mis different horsepower than they what the manufacturers was were so went cubics or CCs the manufacturers so they lost alot of profits so decided to make throw away engines at our expense . I try stay away from them but was all of the united states .

It’s interesting watching and learning how to repair things especially in our throw away society.

I've always been a big Briggs & Stratton fan boy, and had no idea that they had sunk to that level of installing plastic cams. This really made me sad.

@REM505

3 жыл бұрын

I gave up on B&S years ago noticing things like that. Also the local Amish rental place only uses Honda engines.

@Imwright720

3 жыл бұрын

www.ereplacementparts.com/pulley-camshaft-p-554847.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5PGFBhC2ARIsAIFIMNdCCiANHXUKnKw2eE7pl26DL6a6jpiUTW9VcqGAVMwDjCkw0-214ywaAkzaEALw_wcB. Honda does it the same way.

@mikeclarke3005

3 жыл бұрын

Been a Honda fan for many power equipment lately not one of the Honda engines have for years has ever had a problem no matter how poor the maintenance has been.

@cwytonweb

3 жыл бұрын

Briggs has been using plastic cam gears for at least 15-20 years.

@cwytonweb

3 жыл бұрын

Btw, the metal cam gears everyone loves so much will corrode and fuse to the gear on the shaft in a matter of months if they sit, especially once the oil goes bad.

I have one in my shed my neighbor owns been trying to get it started he didn't give me good history on it changed all the broken cables and break did spark plug cleaned Carb, checked spark still no start I think I am here or got something with compression this video is amazing I got a lot out of it I only wish to get as good as you.

Wow after buying 2 new carbs thinking the first was a bad one, i now realize i could have a broke key or timing is off. Both new carbs would run bout 30 seconds and then shut off. You made a Great Video and showed step by step to help us understand the possibility's we might had over looked. You are my hero of the Day. Thanks....

When turned upside down, those engines will typically sit perfectly in the top of a standard 5 gallon bucket. It raises it up off the ground so you can work on it a bit easier and keeps everything level.

@heydannypark

3 жыл бұрын

Who has two bad knees and loves this tip? This guy!

@Mr.Martin4500

3 жыл бұрын

@@heydannypark Agree with that... ...And I can appreciate it too. Even after having two total knee replacement surgeries. ✌️😁👌 Once you realize how important it is to save them as long as possible, you don't ever forget. I see new ways everyday to make my steps more efficient.

@j.j.springer1099

2 жыл бұрын

I just put it on pool deck! Perfect, set on my bar stool go to work! Then blame the kids for not cleaning their feet before jumping in! Then ok guys, punishment! Go cut the grass!

@kargo27

2 жыл бұрын

These are the tricks of the trade I love to hear.

Ahhh, bring back the old briggs style...never an issue except for plug fouling from worn valve seats..hand lap reface, good aluminum carbs with brass seats and neoprene seals.. Had this type issue on a brand new 7250w generator..out of box..that was a teardown ! Three day fix, started up, plugged into home power, ran fifteen minutes and utility can back on .ha!

Now I'm going to open my machines so I can try to fix them myself thanks God bless you and you family

My first guess was the aluminum key, but I didn't realize it had tinkertoy parts inside. That was a fun video. I mostly work on older stuff, but I enjoyed watching your careful approach, and I learned a few things!

@Partysize2

Жыл бұрын

My thought, exactly. Even a steel key will get knocked out of time by a big hit on the blades. LOL your tinker-toy comment.

Having the key on the crankshaft shear off is a very common problem with these mowers where the engine's crankshaft has the blade directly bolted to it. When the blade hits something "unmovable", such as a rock, the flywheel continues to turn, shearing off the key. The engine then won't start because the spark timing is extremely far off. While common with push mowers, I've even had it on a John Deere lawn tractor, whose engine crank isn't directly attached to the blades; apparently that problem was caused by a backfire or other issue, but exhibited the same no-start symptoms.

@philsmith5829

2 жыл бұрын

Its not always visible that theres a problem until the flywheel is removed and the key inspected , whats helped me is to inspect the blade and underside usually if its backfiring and the blades been damages you can bet the key is sheared and timing is off

@jameshester1450

2 жыл бұрын

Generate when they hit something to stop the blade the momentum of the flywheel continues

@pablopicaro7649

Жыл бұрын

I've had ones where the flywheel to crank is off a tiny bit and it was no start. Removed and reinstalled flywheel and it worked,

In the world we now live in where everything is a "throw away" item it`s good to see someone taking time to rebuild. Thanks for sharing.

@stephenbartram7377

3 жыл бұрын

That's why this one failed Plastic on metal engine part for a important function

@starzlea

3 жыл бұрын

@@stephenbartram7377 Yep... P-lastic! aaaaaargh!!! surely metal can't be that more expensive...

@edstimator1

3 жыл бұрын

I would have thrown it away for sure

@Pterocarpous

3 жыл бұрын

@@stephenbartram7377 Yep. That's a setup for a fail, plastic on metal. I see it in my work too and all manner of equipment. I miss the days when you could buy equipment (anything, ftm) built/made to last.

@calculator1841

3 жыл бұрын

Agree. I strive to fix anything myself.

its pleasure to see someone do a repair properly. there are so many fools that dont know what they are doing posting videos its not funny

Great video. I have two Briggs horizontal engines in the shed, one 8HP , and one 11.5HP. Both built in the 1970's and both run like a top! It's truly a shame what management has done too this epic company! How they ruined a great small engine just for a meager profit margin more.

@jcondon1

2 жыл бұрын

It is sad. They have definitely cut corners on their newer engines.

@tanajohnson3663

Жыл бұрын

You're lucky, Bill. Briggs & Stratton makes modifications to their engines often so the parts on old engines can't be used to repair

@dennislock3415

Жыл бұрын

They are in love with money and it shows in their products,same can be said for 99% of companies out there.

@fixitallpaul4847

Жыл бұрын

Most people kill their mowers with lack of maintenance in 2-4 years. Some leave them in the side yard year round. No point in making them for the long haul if the majority of owners fail the machine anyway.

@davidpowell3347

6 ай бұрын

Actually when the old B&S went bankrupt a couple of years ago the management gave themselves a big "retention bonus" just a day or few before filing for bankruptcy. Heads they win,tails I lose ($10,000. or so investment in Briggs stock) Needless to say,I don't think I will be buying much from the "new Briggs & Stratton"

Years ago I had a brand new mower with a Briggs and Stratton engine. I was hard starting right from day one. I took it back and had the dealer look at it and they could not figure out the problem so I was essentially stuck with it. A couple of years later I had some free time away from my business so I decided to get it running as it should. The carb was alright and there was plenty of spark. I tore the flywheel off and everything appeared okay until I looked at the points. I measured the gap and it was about .0029" which struck me as being a little much. When I checked the factory spec it called for .0020" so I filed the points and re-gapped them to spec. After that it was a one pull machine and worked great for the next couple of years until my ex-wife ran it out of oil.......... The point is, never rely on the manufacturer. They make mistakes all the time and you get to own them.

@ricatoni2

Жыл бұрын

I thought he would have tried first..

@bertgrau3934

Жыл бұрын

.002 is a very small gap, I would think it should have been. 020 not .002. Today they don't use points it's more like electronic

Thanks for the bonus footage!! That was driving me crazy. Briggs use to make such good engines.

@YukonHawk1

3 жыл бұрын

Briggs is total crap now.

@daalfaro452

2 жыл бұрын

I still use a early 1970’s 8 HP cast iron engine that Briggs made without a sputter. Turns over on first try

I used to pick up mowers by the side of the road. Normally, someone strikes something solid and it shears the aluminum key on the flywheel. Pull the flywheel, install a cheap new key and away you go again. I used to fish brand new mowers out of the dumpster behind sears with this condition. I used to sell my recon mowers cheap. I had a friend that bought a really expensive Honda and his son hit a root and bent the crankshaft. I told him, just think of how many of my cheap mowers you could have bought with that money. This is how I really got started working on engines. Cheap, easy and it pays.

Good job getting it going.,

My father started his career as a machinist in the navy. He taught me how to repair all sorts of small engines and even some car and outboard engines. It is a very useful skill that I have never needed even once as an adult. But I'm glad I learned.

@NavySeal2k

3 жыл бұрын

Uncle had a BMW with a bad gearbox indicator. Gearbox was fine, sensor was broken and changing it was nearly 2000€ because you had to gut the gearbox...

@donn1387

2 жыл бұрын

If you’ve never used it once even as an adult, is it really a “useful skill”?

@NavySeal2k

2 жыл бұрын

@@donn1387 If you can repair small and big engines, you can repair a lot of other things, understand a lot of things and have fiddly fingers. All types of usefullness here. ;)

@garymartin9777

2 жыл бұрын

@@donn1387 Knowledge is always useful. I appreciate auto mechanics more because of that knowledge and experience.

@fixitallpaul4847

Жыл бұрын

There is a huge shortage of people that can do this work. Its a skill worth putting on a hook and tossing into the job pool see what bites.

You're right, James, I would never have thought of the cam lobes moving. Just shows the 'designed obsolescence' in making a plastic camshaft. Ultimate stupidity in my opinion. But if the "design" is to last only as long as the warranty, brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing.

@calvinmientke3539

2 жыл бұрын

I save old steel cams and file off the compression bump. If you can't pull over a Brigs, stay in the house.

@fixitallpaul4847

Жыл бұрын

They know most people dont do enough maintenance to get more than 2-4 years from a mower.

Check the flywheel to make sure there are no cracks in the magnets if you suspect ignition and have weak spark. Always use loctite 222 pink or loctite 242 blue on lawnmower engine bolts, because of the vibration. This will save you from having to over tighten any bolts. This is advice coming from me, a 30 years experience small engine repairman

Makes sense that the gear broke loose, it has the least amount of surface area in contact with the metal shaft. Without splines, pinning or keyway that is where I'd suspect rotation to have occurred. Great video, thanks.

Because of watching your videos over the last 6 months i was able to fix my first 2 generators could not have done it with out your videos thabk you so much for all you do

@jcondon1

3 жыл бұрын

Good to hear.

I made thousands last summer flipping mowers with this engine. My favorite engine ever. Never ran into this before. Thanks for the knowledge!

@thebluelunarmonkey

3 жыл бұрын

I fix them for free for the neighborhood kids that get off their butts and cut lawns for money.

@burcman2666

2 жыл бұрын

Where did you have the best luck selling them?

As the designated grass cutter in my youth, starting in the early 60’s I grew up on some of Vicksburg, MS hilly land. Probably 1/3-1/2 acre of mostly steep hills and to minimize washouts, leaf build up that attracted worms, grubs, ground squirrels and moles that burrowed causing worse washouts on top of the dogs digging after them we(I) cut grass a lot. It was kinda whooped into me to walk and pick up the yard before cutting and if dad had to work in the mower that meant a missed opportunity for us to go fishing or early season hunting which he and I did a lot. Dad rarely bought anything new unless prior use usually meant buying a prior use or poor maintenance problem and well lawn equipment generally fell in that category back then. We had one of the new for that time yellow two stroke Lawnboy mowers, can’t recall the engine hp or deck/cut width. Two stroke engines were about the only kind of engine that would survive cutting on our hills for any length of time(months to years) without developing lubrication related problems even burning up/seizing. As I write this it struck me as somewhat odd that I don’t recall many if any fuel separating and varnishing out in carbs or carb jets, NO alcohol and jetting was larger, fuel possibly to probably better at retaining its octane rating due to the presence of lead for lubrication because the EPA didn’t exist so that too probably helped too. Only engines I can recall being a bit more prone to carb jet fouling were two stroke outboards, although all we ever had was a 1.5hp Elgin and the reeds deforming were its Achilles heel. Seems like they were probed to both warping and pitting and they were no longer available. I remember dad having to work in it every year before we planned to use it and for some reason it always picked up moisture in its tank. I recall us always running the fuel out of the carb and fuel line before storing it for the winter. It was stored in the shop area side of our finished basement and the tank had a screw down vent filler cap and a needle shutoff valve at the tank. I recall dad getting reeds from the local marine engine shop, not the correct by model number but he made them work. I didn’t know about 4 stroke lawn mowers at least not for my use until I got out on my own and owned flatter property. That mower must have had a crankshaft design, raw materials ir casting related build problem. I remember hitting a smallish dirt clod one day that had gotten into the mowing area one day after I had hauled dirt. I also hauled(manual backhoe, a shovel and a wheel barrow starting with a 4, then a 6 even had one 8 cubic ft barrow) after I got into my early teens. I tamped, surface scratched and seeded a lot of dirt every summer to repair washouts. But I recall every year or two that the mower developed problems running dad would troubleshoot disassemble the engine, check the crank the use a couple 4x4 blocks with v-wedges he had cut in them to straighten the crankshaft. I only recall a time or two among the many that the timing key was a bit off. I’m nearly certain the crankshaft was a cast and machined unit. I don’t know what straightening cast crankshafts do to their metallurgic structure but dad and I replaced it a couple or three times and would check and freshen up the top end with new rings a time or two while I was still at home. We were still using it when I left for the Army at 18 so it was about 12-13 years old when dad bought a very heavy self propelled 4 stroke snapper primarily for use on the flatter areas. I don’t recall for sure if it had a pressurized(pump) oil lube system or not but it was basically like a bulldozer with flat tracks on ice on the hills, sliding sideways when cutting along the side slope and then you had to basically horse the thing back to the top. Dad was still using the lawnboy mower on the hills of that property when he moved to a flatter property in the early 90’s, so it was around 30 years old then. Other than the crankshaft which was its Achilles heel until the last one he bought lasted many years without need for straightening. Dad was a Jack of all trades, learned a lot from a man that I learned in my 20’s or 30’s never got to finish the 4th grade. He read everything he got his hands on.

Good information and takes me to the next step diagnosing my riding mower problem, which started with replacing with a new carb, rather than simply cleaning the old. Now it blows fuel back out of the carb, suggesting a valve problem. But I have readjusted them several times with no improvement, resulting in no compression. You now have a new subscriber.. thank you.

They make stuff to break so in a couple of years you just go out and buy a new one.It's really sad how greedy companies can get.

@toadalgea

3 жыл бұрын

These are made far better than what you can buy now. The shear pin is a common repair. There is one always in my toolbox. It does suck when it fires wrong and the pull cord rips out of your hand.

@ibnasokin5571

3 жыл бұрын

@@toadalgea " The shear pin is a common repair." Agreed, one need only break down as far as the flywheel; however you must have missed the part about the failed camshaft requiring the opening up of the engine - not an easy fix.

@Zanzamor

2 жыл бұрын

Your right everything now is made with a life span of 3 years then you have to fix it or buy a new one and in some cases the fix is more expensive then buying a new one..

@superspecialty5169

2 жыл бұрын

That’s why I detest the phrase “good enough”, the cause of failure, crashes & lives!

@richschafer3354

2 жыл бұрын

Zero cool I agree 💯%

Plastic cams.... Insane. Seems that every time they stick plastic inside an engine, reliability disappears. Good work.

@BitSmythe

2 жыл бұрын

Plastic INSIDE an engine? That is ABSOLUTELY the worst case of planned obsolescence!

@michaeld1906

2 жыл бұрын

Especially coming from Briggs and Stratton, that’s what happens when you have try to save on cost

All the men (maybe a woman) sat gazed and fixed with coffee in hand I'm sure as the video unfolded...something about tinkering! Well done vid!

any effort in the war against the disposal generation is a good move. People throw out just about everything at the first sign of trouble. Weak and lazy generation filling up the landfills!!! Honorable work from an honorable man....

Another win. Interesting issue found. James, it’s time you treated yourself to a lift. Even a simple one would do. My knees hurt just watching you work on the floor.

@elcomandante9299

3 жыл бұрын

A lift? I don't think he needs one,after all I suspect this is his hobby n not his profession.

@RCGshakenbake

3 жыл бұрын

I work on mine on my tailgate. Lol I have a bad back to begin with and troubleshooting a small engine always takes more time than I would like to spend bending over. The last mower I repaired was a husqvarna AWD motor and it is the heaviest mower I have ever seen. It's a beast. I had to have my wife help me lift it up there. 'Twas a 450 dollar mower brand new and I fixed it for 16 bucks. It's what I am using at home now.

@RCGshakenbake

3 жыл бұрын

B&S motor. Lol

Your methodical focused trouble-shooting is enjoyable to observe.

@Pterocarpous

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed. A real pleasure in and of itself.

@QuantumMechanic_88

3 жыл бұрын

even though he leaves the sparkplug wire connected . LOL

I just started working on lawn mowers. Already had experience working on vehicles. Thought I'd start flipping lawn mowers. I just got a Toro, same engine as this craftsman. Except I paid 80 bucks for mine. I can sell the toros 200 to 225, so I dont mind spending money. Well after today I'm not spending that much any more. When I got it home, gave it a pull. It was a hard pull, locking up, almost jerking my arm. It did start and run half way descent. Sounded good. So I did the service. Flushing the fuel system. Then gave it a bath. Then went to start it. Still locks up when pulling, and now wasnt starting. So I pulled the rope several times, and it fires up. But it's hard to start and violent on your shoulder joints. Timing. So I checked the timing. The key is about 3/4 out of timing. I'm thinking that the engine its self is good. Since it started and ran. That all it could need is a cam replacement. I'm gonna tear it apart tomorrow, see what happens. Gonna use this video as guidance.

A great demonstration of systematic diagnosis and appropriate repair. I especially appreciate the meticulous approach to eliminating problematic oil leaks by meticulous cleaning of mating surfaces, careful assembly and use of a torque wrench. However I did notice a safety issue. You should ALWAYS remove the sparkplug wire BEFORE doing ANY work on the engine that doesn't require live ignition. That includes inspection or manipulation of any part of the machine that could bring any part of your body or clothing into proximity to any moving components, even if you're working on a "dead" engine. It's just a good safety practice that should always be followed, even when it's "unnecessary".

@jcondon1

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. The plug wire was removed.

I've never bought a NEW lawnmower in my life. I've found DOZENS of mowers throughout the years on Garbage day. I've fixed almost all of them. Some were abused so badly, They were just good for parts, but most of them needed just a little bit of work to get them running again. In almost ALL cases, The problems with the mowers could have been prevented by simple maintenance. (Changing the oil, replacing/cleaning the filter). I usually find that if the mower is left outside other than being garage kept, that's where the problems start. one more thing, Always DRAIN the gasoline from the tank when the mower is not being used in the off-seasons. The methanol in the gas will screw up the carb.

@Coladudetje

3 жыл бұрын

I have briggs and stratton 21 years old :D

@derekp6636

3 жыл бұрын

yup stopped having issues in the spring when I started running the mower empty in the fall and actually prepping for storage.

All the people that have had the failure in those engines should start a class action lawsuit!

I used to have a Murray push mower, had the big wheels in the back, and a Briggs Quantum on it. LOVED that mower and engine. What killed it was the stellite valve seat for the exhaust valve came loose from the block. I tried everything I knew, even tried peening the seat back secure in the block and re lapping the valve, but there was no saving it. That killed it dead. Loved that mower. It had a cast iron cam in it, it was a bit older than your mower here I'm sure.

Most of the mowers I have rescued from the trash dump had gummed up problems with the carb float and/or the needle valve. Easy peasy. It's largely a cleaning job. Had one last year that needed a set of carb gaskets to restore horsepower. It started just fine but would always stall under any kind of load. Never had to go as deep as you did with this one... It's almost always the carburetor. When a small engine spends at least half the year unused in storage the fuel evaporates and what is left looks like gummy varnish.

Well done James, you should be teaching a small engine course, you would be a good teacher, thanks for sharing your knowledge , you were very helpful.

Very interesting. I thought it would be the lobes on the camshaft that got loose. Your channel has taught me more about small engines than I ever learned in school.

@jjyemg2397

2 жыл бұрын

Check out Mustie1 You will learn a ton more

@chrisnemec5644

2 жыл бұрын

@@jjyemg2397 I already follow him.

🗣Thank you sir but I hope I never have to go that far in fixing a lawn motor unless I have a lawnmower service.That just made me so tired😂😂😂

Got a all steel w glass headlights, 1983 Murray RIder 42" , Hood opens like car , peerless transaxle, has the Briggs 12HP IC (industrial commercial) engine, we just fix it instead of buying new plastic front end types which seem to be the only choice anymore for new ones, ( plastic would crack the first time someone tapped a bush or tree). Runs good ! InventPeaceNotWar

I'm about to lose faith in engine manufacturers. Plastic cams? You did a great job of diagnosing the problem.

@jcondon1

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. The quantum engine is a good engine, but would be better without the plastic.

@mikeclarke3005

3 жыл бұрын

losing faith in most manufacturers period, is all about profits over quality now, over customer loyalty and service. Most corporation now only look forward to current, next year profits, focused on current quarterly performance, never anything long term, all about increasing superior returns for their shareholders. Why I try do as much business with private owned, family owned etc when can.

James, I’ve come across this as my sister hit a water shutoff valve in her lawn. I was able to straighten out the decompression valve and drilled a hole for a spring pin to locate & lock the plastic gear in proper timing. My sister has used it for a couple seasons now with no issues. The air trick is a great way to diagnose what's going on.

@cliffhalse1326

Жыл бұрын

That’s exactly what I was going to suggest to anchor gear n cams 👍

I’m in the uk and have a 90 year old ATCO mower with a Villiers 2stroke engine that runs perfectly every year . Plastic internals ensure you need to buy a new mower regularly as a mower that lasts 90 years means no repeat sales .

I was hesitant to watch this when I saw it was 26 minutes long. Most videos that long tend to have lots of babbling with little real diagnosis and repair steps. This video was properly detailed. I learned a lot. Thank you.

First clue there was a problem, it was exactly full of fresh, clean oil. Especially if the mower is under warranty. I've seen engines with broken connecting rods, but they were full of fresh oil! F.Y.I. always remove the spark plug when Workink underneath the mower, I have seen them start and run with the plug wire over an inch away from the plug!!!

Hello James, what a lot of people don't realize is when you tip a mower over on its side to make sure you tip it with the carburetor side up. it can cause problems tipping it carb down

@ddd228

3 жыл бұрын

oops!

Sir you have no idea how valuable your video was for my family living on a disability check from the government you just save us a costly repair and save us some money by doing it myself Thank you Thank you God bless Sir

Now since you are learning about small 4 cycle engines its time for you to learn about automobile engines. This is how we all start off learning about lawnmower engines then progress to 4 cyl 6 cyl then 8 cyl engines. I did this when I was a kid and take a lawnmower engine and put it on our minibikes we made and go carts too. I am glad to see the younger generation get their hands dirty. But when I was a kid, We didn't have rubber gloves to wear when we worked on them, we just got greasy and we loved it. That is when we could drink out of a hose, ride out bikes in the street past dark, only had 3 tv channels and played outside all day and into the night. No computers, no phones, no video games just having fun and staying out of trouble. Yes I am Old 67 to be exact.

Pro-tip.... whenever turning a unit on its side,make sure the carb is facing upward,so oil doesn't drain out of the PCV and into filter housing and then draing into your carb when you flip it back, upright(which will definitely hydro-lock it)

@donaldharris8826

Жыл бұрын

With older mower engines that are or are not IC Series, take and put the engine crankshaft at TDC of it's Compression Stroke on a 4 Cycle engine, so that the valves are shut, to keep oil from seeping into the Carb or Combustion Piston Cylinder Chamber and cause hydro-lock, which can be caused by a faulty carburetor fuel leak into the intake and from there into the combustion Piston Cylinder Chamber. You'll know hydro-lock fairly easy because you will not be able to or easily be able to turn the crankshaft up to and past the engine's TDC of it's Compression Stroke, or you will have a broken starter cord in your hand, or electric start will not be able to turn the engine past the TDC of it's Compression Stroke either. Sometimes, Timing being off can cause a ignition misfire on the TDC of it's Compression Stroke that may in turn cause a Kick Back that can break the Starter Cord or the Starter Chord Spring Backlash whereby either may break or fly out of the Retainer in their perspective retainer housings, wether on a Vertical or Horizontal Shaft engine with a Pull Chord Starter, a Electric Starter Motor or Both. In rare occasions Electric Starter Gears may get Ring Gear Teeth stripped or broken. Sometimes an engine can just Back Kick on the TDC of it's Combustion Stroke. Aw Man, notorious arm or leg breaker, ect.on Kick Starter engines. GR8T Video ! ! ! 👍😎🎸🤘🇺🇲🙏 DDH 1-20-2023

@davidpowell3347

9 ай бұрын

That one has a top mount breather on it with a hose that can put oil into the air filter box or carburetor. Most had the breather in the valve spring cover. Also before tipping shut the fuel cut off (hopefully it has one) and run it until it quits or let the gas out by loosening the bowl nut. Otherwise the gas in the carburetor might go into the intake pipe.

$20 for part but time invested does not make it worth fixing unless you have time on your hands. Now the money you might make from the video and helping anyone watching is priceless.

@robertdimarcantonio3580

3 жыл бұрын

Taking time to fix it. Have a point. But the use of cutting one lawn. Your even. Machines taken care of the right way will be there when you really need it.

@VictorPoulin

2 жыл бұрын

@@canuck64 Like I said, ( unless you have time on your hands)

@VictorPoulin

2 жыл бұрын

@@canuck64 I'm not sure if I will know how to retire when the day comes lol

@VictorPoulin

2 жыл бұрын

@@canuck64 Thanks for that.

@javierbaron1856

2 жыл бұрын

You said it. I personally wouldn’t waste time trying to fix something that’s not worth putting the time. You can pick up a new mower for under $200

I have a small engines certificate from my local community college and I must say, I still have plenty to learn. Subscribed to your channel today and hope to get some repair knowledge from a front line mechanic. Thank you for sharing this. I did replace the crankshaft on one machine and it worked fine for a long time after.

@tomrogers9467

4 ай бұрын

I was in the industry for thirty years. The way things are trending, small i.c.e. are going to be extinct in a few short years, replaced with battery electrics.

perfect instructions on resetting timing..I recently ran over a rock that knocked the timing off and caused this problem..it started once and belched smoke like a champ.. i shut down immediately and it wouldnt start again so i tore it apart to see what was happening but had no idea what to look for till i got this vid. and it worked perfect... thanks amigo.. good job.

Nice work JC, always a calming influence within the small engine fraternity. No stress, no fuss and no rush. A discerning upload!

@roynorris5146

2 жыл бұрын

Hi

@maecaron6220

2 жыл бұрын

Ivoiiie

@johnwilson7809

9 ай бұрын

@@roynorris5146 Hi

This is a very satisfying video from start to finish. Just because you did not skip any of the steps made this easy to follow in fact I think it is genius. Even to the final chapter of demonstrating the reliability and cutting ability make for a complete presentation. I even enjoyed sweeping up the debris in your shop. It shows respect for your craft and pride in your work. Now this is what I call a video! Very well done.

@jcondon1

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@scott5309

Жыл бұрын

Next time drill a small hole in it and install a cotterpin for a much cheaper fix.

@larslarsman

Жыл бұрын

@@scott5309 What I was thinking. My idea a roll pin but the cotter is a better idea, as it would be mechanically unable to fly out.

Always check the flywheel key before assumeing it is out of time on the cam/crank. Been working on thesee thiings since 1977, worst thing they ever done was put the plastic cam in it. I save my old cams out of the older metal cam motors and change them out when ever I can.

James: For laughs & giggles, I would have been tempted to file several shallow notches on the shaft & tried JB weld to see if it would hold. Not likely considering the drag on the cam lobe as it climbs the slope of the lobe, but it would still be interesting. Great video Sir, as always. Cheers! from the wind swept hinterlands of Alberta

Thank You James A pleasure to watch a video taken by someone who knows what he is doing with a camera while giving clear and concise commentry of what he is doing. Take Notice all you muppets on You Tube that grab a cell phone in one hand and wobble it around in one hand while attemting to dismantle machines this is how it is done properly.

@billhenry7833

8 ай бұрын

James did the same wobbling when he started doing videos.

You know, I love these small air cooled engines. That “Quantum” engine was a bad design. The silliest idea was the plastic cam.

Perfect, this is the film I needed to see. I think my lawn mower have the same issue. Thank you.

I have seen this quite a few times on Honda CRF250/450 dirt bikes and a few Kawasaki KX250/450F bikes also. Usually the intake cam gear rotates on the cam and causes a no start condition. 24 years in the powersports industry and ya learn something new every day.

I liked the sweep-up end shot. Smart.

Thank you for your explanations and accuracy. Learned some points on checking the timing outside and the compression nob. Very clean video.

Outstanding shipmate. Press on USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 Jan 1980 to July 1983. Lawnmower mechanic for life.

I have the same exact engine since 2010. In 2017 the engine block simply developed big crack after I hit a stump, so big in a way if I simply pulled both sides apart where the crack is,with my hands, I would have probably made 2 separate pieces. I just ground the crack, clean it and filled it with "J-B Weld". Let it cure for couple days, added oil and still using it until now 2023. It always start on the 1st pull

Hello James. This is my first time to see one of your videos and I have now subscribed to your channel. It is a pleasure watching someone work who methodically and properly diagnoses problems. It is impressive to see another person who cleans before disassembling, also. Great job on doing things RIGHT!

@jcondon1

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@waili1078

Жыл бұрын

+1

It's a pleasure watching such professionalism and expertise in action. I dount I'll be tearing into any small engine motors anytime soon but I enjoyed (and learned from) your video so much, I downloaded it just to watch again sometime. Well done and thank you for sharing your expertise.

@visitorfromoutthere

Жыл бұрын

Plastic cam are u kidding me talk about garbage plastic carburator s too more garbage with higher prices talk about greed wow

When you discovered the gear off position re: the lobes James, then you pointed out the decompression ears bent and binding against the gear web, that told me it was the gear that moved in regard to the shaft, as, if you will recall, the decompression assembly is pinned thru the metal shaft so it stayed true to the lobes.

I did not know there were expert lawn mower Doctors out there. So meticulously approached in repair! Obviously the repair man is very dedicated to fixing things and maybe know basic mechanical engineering! All this just to cut those damn grass. Wow!

I get so jealous watching this video. I would give most anything to have the skills and knowledge to take something like that apart, analyze the trouble, repair it and put it back together. It just amazes me. Thanks James.

I always learn something watching your videos. There’s something to be said about the way you go about things! Your easy to follow and you don’t rush through anything! So many you tubers rush through there video’s with very little information or show the steps needed to do the job leaving you feeling like their main interest is getting subscribers instead of actually putting out helpful information. Guys…You gotta put in the effort and be more focused on the video and not how many likes you get!

In the sumner of 78 & 79 I worked at a lawnmower shop that my drivers education teacher at high school owned. I then went on to work on motorcycles and even at a motorcycle repair and machine shop. We did pretty much everything except plain bearing crankshaft and connecting rod repair. We even built performance street bikes and drag bikes. I even worked at a few dealerships. Mostly worked on Japanese bikes. The only time I saw plastic parts inside and engine was on the late 96 & maybe 97 VN1500 Kawasaki vtwin which had a plastic oil pump gear. We found some of them eventually turning on the shaft even though it had a locating pin to keep it from turning. This caused no oil pressure because the oil pump was not turning. Later models came with a steel gear which fixed the problem. Apparently lawnmower engine engineers are building engines cheaply while costs go up. My guess is if the gear had more of an interferance fit on the shaft it would not have moved or if the shaft had a locating pin for the gear to engage, it would not have turned, but the gear may have broke due to the force on it. Doing a compression test would have shown low compression due to the cam timing was off. Also a leak down test may have shown leakage past the intake or exhaust valves depending on if the valves were opened or not. The $ you spent on this mower and just a few hours of work was well worth it in my opinion.

I found a two stroke Iron horse in the trash one year - minus base and blade - checked it on the spot and seemed ok. A couple years later I found a base. It backfired a bit and with a new blade went for 10 years. Then I moved house and gave it a going over and replaced the keyway. Now it runs perfect. That was 25 years ago...

Excellent video all the way around ! You did a fantastic job trouble shooting the problem, and explaining why the need to remove the motor. Your knowledge to small engines is wonderful. Thanks for sharing !

I really liked the way you worked, clean and methodical.

Thanks for your time and your knowledge you know when I was a teenager I had a lawn business and about 10 lawns as far as I got on rebuilds was the timing on the flywheel and the key used had to be replaced because I hit something hard I thought it was really doing something back then but now after watching you I think I can dive into the guts of the engine thanks again