Lawnmowers & Small Engines

2004-09-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here is my main mower. I think it was purchased new in 98' or so and takes only one pull to start.

2004-09-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

Here is another lawnmower i "garbage picked" and gave a simple tune-up and now it runs very smoothly.

2004-09-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

All finished and clean. Afterwards i had to start the mower which was hard because some mowers come with safety devices that wont let the engine to run without the blade being tightly on. I had to use a torque wrench to tighten it down sufficently. Then i forgot to gap the spark plug so the fuel would drown the spark. After that quick fix it started right up.

2004-09-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

New champion spark plug and fresh oil.

2004-09-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

Finished. A new air filter is in place.

2004-09-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

After cleaning most of the parts I put the clean wheels, engine, power drive system back on. Right now im tightening down the 1/2 inch engine mount bolts.

2004-09-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

Then i gave then the wheels, red housing and starting coil a good rinse off.

2004-09-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

With the engine unbolted, wheels off for cleaning, i started the clean a thick layer of grease off with some disposible rags.Note, once you have the front end on jacks just lift the mower by the handle and with your foot slide the other jacks underneath it.

2004-09-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

Although this engine looks nice it's actually the bad one. I will however re-use some of the nicer looking parts from this engine like the red housing.

2004-09-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

With the mower still on jacks i unbolted the three 1/2 inch bolts connecting the engine to the deck. Before i took them out completely i made sure that i could turn the bolts free with my fingers. Then lower the jack stands so when i completely unbolted the engine it would not fall off.

2004-09-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Then i unbolted both blades. Make sure to save all parts, washers etc., or you'll find yourself driving to a hardware store for a 10-cent washer.

2004-09-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

Next if you have jack stands, a milk crate, or blocks of wood position them so they stand up about a foot or so. Then lift the mower by pushing down on the handle and set it on. Make sure to nudge the mower a bit so you know its secure and wont go anywhere.

2004-09-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

I have everthing ready, with my tools, rags and other supplies near by.

2004-09-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

First drain the oil from each of the mowers. You can do what i did and purchase an oil container. The containers do come in smaller sizes but this was bought for my car and i felt no need to purchase a seperate one. Also you can pull a plug on the underside of the mower deck, but it is difficult, akward to position over the container. This way is easier.

2004-09-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

The worst rust continues under the the duct tape.

2004-09-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

Quite a bit of oil, dirt, grime, grease.

2004-09-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

This is "oily". Notice it looks very dirty because the oil traps anything on it.

2004-09-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

This is "rusty". Notice the use of duct tape. All it does is trap moisture between the tape and the deck while the underside traps moisture between the old grass and deck

2004-09-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

First off i'd like to say that this can be done by anyone, pro or begginner for very little money at all. This blog will include instuctions for basic maintence and repair of small engines and outdoor power equipment. Also this will tell you what basic tools and supplies you might need.

I recieved two lawnmowers with equal operational abilities from my friend. My friend found both of these for free, by "garbage picking" them. The first one i will call "oily" for obivous reasons spits a complete oil resivour during an operation period, but the deck is rust-free and it has front wheel drive. The second one called rusty has an engine that runs well, but a deck that has a good 8-inch stretch of rust completely through and also has front wheel drive. The plan is to put all the good condition, working parts all together to make one good lawnmower.

First off i cleaned both mowers a little bit to make my work easier. As you read this blog you will find out that i'm a firm believer in clean machines.