Recent content by Auto Doc's

Think about getting a pull behind sweeper with a catch hopper.

The Briggs and Stratton 695666 is a very good one rated at 30 Micron.

Very interesting. What engines are on these and are they designed to have a starter mounted? https://www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/002/9/7/2976-lennox-kittytrack-600.html

The high speed setting needs to be adjusted?

It helps to know a little more about what machine you are working on and need help with. Crystal ball is in the shop and my telepathic powers are failing me. LOL Here is a generic approach that may work without having to remove the engine, just loosen it.... Loosen the engine bolts enough to...

If you have to use the choke constantly, there is an air leak at the intake gaskets more than likely.

Next thing to try is locate your fuse box/panel, then pull one fuse at a time and check it carefully for being blown in the middle or a crack due to age and vibration. This is basic a diagnostic procedure to avoid overlooking anything so simple. If a fuse is bad, replace it with the same size...

Hello Alex, Want to know more about oil testing and legitimate information, check out Lake Speed Jr. on You Tube. He is a legitimate "oil guru". Learn from people who work in the oil testing business, not from 100 different "traditional user opinions" like you will see here. Most modern oils...

Hi Chuckers, A twist in a deck can be subtle. Check the engine mount hole areas for cracking. The engine mounted firmly to the deck if the main stabilizing and strengthening component. If the holes are cracking, this will induce metal fatigue and twist. The torque and vibration from the...

Hello ILENGINE: I don't disagree with you, and I have used that same process myself when a solenoid fails. It works sometimes and others not. The other term used for these which is technically correct is "after fire solenoid". After fire occurs when fuel is drawn into the hot exhaust system...

Hello Jan1985, Did you ever get this figured out? You can get a device on Ebay pretty cheap called a P3 Kill a Watt. It will measure the Voltage a Hz output by plugging into one of the 120V receptacles. Ideally a generator running with no load should read around 122V and 61.5 Hz. Once under...

The higher end models typically have Kawasaki engines, and the prices reflect that also.

Unplug the solenoid while it is running at any speed, let me know what happens.

Check the PTO switch and operate it a couple of times with just the key on and not running. After that, turn the key off, get on the seat and start the mower and see if the deck height control's function.

Hello C., Get a real gas operated mower and do the job right yourself or spend the money and have someone cut your grass and pick up the yard debris. Robot and electric mowers are simply a "Going Green" fad that is quickly passing. See who still owns (an original) one they purchased in 3-4...

Hi digg7, I think both of you are correct. The solenoid is intended to physically shut the fuel off, and it prevents backfires and run-ons While the engine is still spinning once the key is shut off. It also takes a lot of the reliance away from the fuel float valve as well. As fuel evaporates...

Don't worry, soon all anyone can rely on is repairing and rebuilding a used gas mower. They are cramming gadgets and expensive electronics on new riders at a record pace. Along with that, the prices are going through the roof. They are making yard ornaments, not mowing equipment.

The folks you purchased the sod from would be the best ones to answer that question. It is a mixed variety though. It is common to use mixed grasses when it comes to sod. Not all varieties grow at the same rate.

Hello W. I've been working with Equipment and Automotive electrical for 50+ years and there are still times when things fool me. The approach of "it looks good and tight" has tricked me way too many times to count. First, get a good battery in this thing before doing any testing. Repeated...

Cut back on the water and definitely the fertilizer. Let nature take care of itself without so much intervention.

It is easy to do on some models. Glad you got it figured out. Check the crankcase to make sure it did not pump the fuel into it.

Use sealed bearing wheel, they will last longer.

Soak it and tap on it and sand the rust clear, it will come off eventually.

Hi John, I've picked up quite a few chainsaws and weed eaters over the years for this problem. It's simple to fix, but many overlook the muffler and spark arrestor. Sad part is, very few people these days want to buy perfectly good and often more reliable older units like this one.

Hello Hayward51, 3600 RPM has been the industry "safe" standard for many years, anything much beyond that is asking for trouble. Yes, it can be done but why take the risk. I managed to blow up a few "racing mowers" in my youth, several were rather explosive with internal parts finding their...

Looks like time to shop at Ebay. Just make sure you study the design you have and match it, because choke shafts are often different.

Looks like time to shop at Ebay. Just make sure you study the design you have and match it, because choke shafts are often different.

Hello ACF, It is never a good thing to jumper any safety device. Manufacturers are intentionally making the wiring more complex to prevent people from doing it. "Accidents don't happen on purpose".

No bleed screw that I am aware of, just raise the wheel and operate the forward and reverse a few times.

Check you fuel line. Usually, I set the initial adjustments at one turn from lightly seated. With an aftermarket carburetor it is a guess. For what it is work, I recommend you rebuild your original carburetor if possible. Have you verified spark and compression? Is the muffler choked with...

Does this have a right and left drive motor unit? Please provide the model number information on your machine manufacturer label. Trying to suction out of the fill port will only allow a limited amount of fluid removal. if this had a spin on filter with a guard over it (under the bottom...

You can fabricate one out of fiber material or some nylon plastic such as a Gatorade jug cap. It is basically there to keep dirt and debris from getting to the shaft bushing. Make sure the thickness is the same.

Hello Hayward51 On these small single and V-twin engines, coils do not often totally fail totally open circuit, but the resin insulated windings rub together. When that happens, spark for combustion is not complete or consistent. The next thing to check is to verify your valve lash adjustment...

A quick method is with a spray bottle and shoot a stream of water on each exhaust outlet near the head to see if the water instantly burns off. If one side is slow, you have a weak combustion problem. Check at idle, then at high RPM.

Have you broken in the engine and changed the oil yet? The new rings have to wear in properly. Next question is: Are you sure the cylinders are both firing properly? Put a spark gap type tester on each plug wire and confirm they are firing good all the way through the operating range. Ignition...

You don't want the actual throttle to go to full wide open; the engine will exceed the maximum safe RPM of 3600 RPM and blow itself apart.

These hydrostatic transmissions are great units, but they do wear with age and use. The internal brass swash plates gradually wear, and the hydraulic plunger piston springs get tired. Along with that the oil get tired and dirty from repeated heat cycles and fine metal sediment that naturally...

With the age of the machine, I do not advise pulling much of anything with it. This unit has a sealed hydrostatic transmission that has never had the oil changed in it.

Look at the clutch control linkage and tensioner pulley arm carefully. Some designs had an adjustment that needed to be made with the drive belt replacement. Were any pullies replaced with the belts?

Does the control plate have a top speed limiting screw?

Most have an Allen head screw to lock them on the shaft. You need to loosen that screw if it has one. If the old engine crankshaft is rusty, it will have to be sanded down to clean metal. From there soak it with PB blaster and then tap it lightly with a hammer a drift punch close to the...

Have you adjusted the governor? There are some good videos online about how to do this properly. When you rebuilt it the sump gasket could have been thicker or thinner and that would affect the governor. Also, there is a tension spring for the governor arm some models have multiple holes for...

Pull behind finish mowers are designed that way. As for your ground, it sounds like it needs to be tilled, then leveled with a box blade.

Thanks, ILENGINE, I work in the industry like you do, but many people here don't, so terminology and acronyms can be confusing for them.

Even if the key is sheared, it will still spark

This girl knows small engine equipment: https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?&q=chickanic&&mid=2DD8A95C56377A76DEE22DD8A95C56377A76DEE2&&FORM=VRDGAR

https://www.equipatron.com/collections/honda-engines?msclkid=10076c05999f182eae52044776f3a6f2&utm_campaign=Honda%20Engines&utm_content=Honda%20Engines&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=%2Bhonda%20%2Blawn%20%2Bmower%20%2Bengine

CDI unit? That is a fancy technical term for ignition coil. A simple test to check for ignition fire is to remove the plug and ground the metal end against the block, then have a helper slowly pull the start rope while you watch for spark. If you have a bright blue spark, the coil is working...

Hi Douglas, Make sure to check your spark plugs regularly to make sure the engine is not burning too lean. If the porcelain is very white, it is too lean. Ideally, a light to medium tan color means a good mixture. A lean mixture creates excess engine combustion heat and that is not good for...

Model 53AA5A7M710 Serial 1H024Z00013. 360 hrs. This past week I have had an interesting zero turn that the hydro drive totally quit on. The nylon tensioner pulley locked up and the drive belt melted it in half. It goes without saying that the deck has to be removed before digging into one of...

Model 53AA5A7M710 Serial 1H024Z00013. 360 hrs. This past week I have had an interesting zero turn that the hydro drive totally quit on. The nylon tensioner pulley locked up and the drive belt melted it in half. It goes without saying that the deck has to be removed before digging into one of...

I never recommend bypassing any safety switches based on sound repair ethics. I've seen machine damage, and some serious injuries happen when people bypass safety switches. You need to go over the entire harness and disconnect, clean and reconnect every safety switch. Also check the ignition...

Some lubricant migration is not uncommon on these as they age. I've seen them go for years because they are packed with a lightweight grease that will seep, especially in hot weather...

Check this out: https://repowerspecialists.com/products/john-deere-400-with-kohler

That favors a left side drive motor is not getting fluid due to bypassing, that is why it is whining when the lever is used. The left side hydraulic pump swash plate is likely worn out. I have seen this happen before on several different machines.

Hello ILENGINE, I've watched the initial video a couple of times and that popping back into the intake is indicative of badly worn cam lobes or a valve adjustment that was not done correctly. If this original cam design has press on lobes, there may be a chance that a lobe slipped on the shaft.

Hi Douglas, That is a restrictor that some models came with to limit the full engine output potential. They sell more of the same engine by juggling the horsepower numbers around. B&S has had multiple lawsuits regarding their advertised horsepower numbers. The same model engine could be on a...

I'm not sure what you are referring to when saying 1/8". If they are barely opening, then someone as already tried adjusting them and the cam lobes are very worn down. These engines were bad about eating cam lobes. I'm not sure if B&S ever got their supply caught up, but aftermarket cams are...

The belt chunking a section is most likely the problem. Make sure you take pictures of how the old one is routed before you remove it. It would be wise the replace the idler and tensioner pullies while you are this far into the project. You can find all the parts on Parts Tree.com. Need to have...

If the coil was bought through Amazon, it is likely a dud. Aftermarket parts are a crapshoot these days. Need to know the numbers on the engine valve cover or etched into the side of the main block.

Heck, in today's throw away society and poor-quality machines, the oil is outlasting the machine.

3000 RPM is good, max RPM would be 3600.

3000 RPM is good, max RPM would be 3600.

Hi Greg R., A governor has only one job and that is to limit the top safe running speed of the engine. Most lawn equipment is limited to a maximum of 3600 RPM (no load). Governors seldom fail or wear out. Most governors come apart if someone has tried to "adjust" them by loosening the shaft...

Hello rhkraft. Ethanol absorbs moisture from the humidity in the air, and that moisture never goes away, it collects over time and increases. Aside from that the actual gasoline breaks down and oxidizes with time. Hot weather just speeds up the process. Many carburetors on small engine...

Not everyone can afford or need a top-of-the-line trimmer. From the sound of things, he only needs a more user-friendly strip bump head.

How did you check the valve clearances? "Looks good" is subjective. This thing is popping like an intake valve has poor clearance or the intake valve is leaking. Check out Teryl Fixes All on You Tube. He has some good valve adjustment information on several different models.

Does it have the correct spark plug in it? I've seen the "Torch" brand cheap plugs do this. I only use the correct Champion plugs in these engines.

Hello motoman, A "trick" that helps prevent line from jamming up when hot is to wet the cutter head with water before each use. Water actually cools and strengthens the nylon cutter line. Your cutter line will go much further. Give it a try, you might be surprised. Along with that, there are...

Hi farmerdave1954, If a person uses 2-strokes a lot, then it makes sense to mix your own oil and fuel.

Hi farmerdave1954, If a person uses 2-strokes a lot, then it makes sense to mix your own oil and fuel.

Right Stuff expanding foam in a can is an awesome adhesive to reattach seat foam to the plastic or metal seat pan.

Hello Greg R., Governor tension spring broke or came off? Without the engine running, move the throttle to the fast position. Locate the governor arm and see if it has tension on it. If it does not, the spring is not working. Item #9...

Hello Olddrivers, I would recommend you take it to an authorized dealer, that has someone trained on this design. That will be a challenge all by itself, because training in small engine shops and even the dealers is almost non-existent. Probably the best solution is to get the actual repair...

I don't think the Gator blade will be much different than what you l already have,