Having a problem with my hustler fastrak. After mowing for a couple hours a few weeks ago (usually takes 3 hours total) it started backfiring at full throttle with the pto engaged and sounding like it was dying. It sounded fine without the pto engaged. I took it to the local hustler dealer for repairs. When they finally did get it back to me--after a week and a half--they said that they replaced an ignition coil that was preventing the mower from running both cylinders. Made sense. I brought it home and ran it for about 20 minutes before it started doing the same thing again. Took it back for repairs again, and as of last week the answer was, "we don't know what is wrong with it." They also say they can't get the problem to repeat. I think they won't be getting another dime from me again when this is all said and done, but does anyone have a theory of what the problem could be?
Mower backfires and nearly dies
- Thread starter nblasa
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KrashnKraka
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Not a "theory"... more of an observation based on what I have seen and
heard of contemporay "dealers", regardless of manufacturer.
Many of them should not be in business.
You are likely only getting entertained because your operation of the unit
cannot be faulted. That's what "cannot be repeated" actually means.. in
dealer speak.
Ask them if they have feeler gauges, a strobe light and know where the
highspeed adjustor is on your machine.
I am sure you will baffle them :biggrin:
that is true.
does your dealer have an actual small engine repair shop? or do they just sell mowers on the side?
KrashnKraka
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Both factors vary.
The bigger dealers have like a service bay for assembly
and minor items like belt changes. The repairs they sub out.
Factory shops have fully equipped and trained professionals in
"back of house". Usually excellent they also charge maybe 20%
above the standard rate. You need insurance to do "out of warranty"
work with those outfits.
Engine repair workshops often have a set line with a few
products on the floor and a huge list of products signed/displayed
they will not work on. The sign usually goes like " Do not even ask"..
and the list follows. I usually source my spares from those guys, filters
oils, blades, springs, tyres etc etc.
Then you have the majority, aspiring wannabees flogging to death a few
broken down ex-lawn operators supplemented with a sprinkle of juvinile
hopefuls struggling with lefthanded wrenches and righthanded vicegrips!
Out front it is all glitter and rock music with the brand stock changing
manufacturer every other year.
It is worth the drive to go to a showroom where the floor owns some
grime stained pathways to "back of house" and no "Staff Only"
on display. Well from a retired mechanic's POV. 0MMV.
Sorry it took me a bit to reply. Trying to mow and build a deck before the 4th so it's busy here. Got the mower back. It is a small shop, and frankly I'll be looking elsewhere next time. They worked on the carb this time and everything seems fine. Hopefully it continues
KrashnKraka
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Local WOM may help you then... ask or follow where the pros are
getting their repairs done.
Luck to yer an' stay positive
KK