Recent content by Auto Doc's

I agree with a blocked fuel cap vent, especially if you can mow that long. The excess heat is created because the fuel mixture is getting leaned out and starved from the carburetor. Fuel also cools the cylinder when ideal combustion occurs.

read my upadate

Is there a secondary harness on this that needs to be checked as well? Especially under the top engine cover. Those critters can get into some tiny places. They like to build nests and snack on wire insulation. They think the insulation is food because it is made from cooking oil byproducts...

To run parallel on a hill you need a 50 lb. wheel counterweight on one side (uphill side) as a minimum to maintain traction. Loop around and always keep the weight towards the rise of the hill. I still use a 1980's Snapper RER with a 30-inch deck, and it is a monster on any terrain.

Gee! Is this a repeat help request to jam up the system more than it already is?

What engine are you dealing with?

Sorry, there is no "Blue Book" value on mower equipment. Most of it comes down to how well it looks and how well it has been maintained. Being 10 years old is a lot of mowing seasons. I've seen 5-year-old mowers that were not worth $50 dollars.

Hello PL9, Likely the wrong belt, especially if you got it at a local hardware store. Even online is a gamble these days unless you go through Parts tree or Pro Parts Direct. Don't mess with the engine governor if you do not know what you are doing on these engines. I can cause other more...

Crystal ball is in the shop and my telepathic powers fail me beyond 20 feet on a clear day. LOL Please provide the label information off the machine. usually, it is under the seat or the hood. WAG: More than likely it is an idler tension spring for the drive belt and the belt has failed or the...

Your description favors a very worn cam. Gummed up main jets are also a real issue if it only runs with choke, The fuel anti backfire valve will also produce similar results when it is not working. Full choke will pull fuel past the shutoff and allow it to run as a "get it in the shop"...

What model? Raising with a come along or similar from a sturdy tree branch would be easy enough, but don't try to stand it straight up. Usually about 2 foot is enough for access to the blades for changing. Harbor freight sells mower jacks cheap enough that it makes it an investment.

What is the actual page number are you referring to? The image numbers are all different per chapter.

I think JPEG should work.

Hello MParr, Glad you got it running.

Remove and torch the muffler red hot to burn the carbon buildup out of it. I have had many of these with a choked muffler due to much oil being mixed with the gas with DIY types. "If a little is good, then more is better" type of folks.

I recommend starting at the tank and verify if there is a pencil filter shoved into the end of the fuel line or the tank fuel nipple itself. Surging is a sign of lack of fuel getting into the carburetor. The clogged fuel filter is literally "dripping" fuel past it and starving the motor of...

I'm not certain what other brands were manufactured by AYP back then, possibly Huskee, Montgomery Wards or Poulan. Not all 50" deck were the same. Some were stamped while others were fabricated Try this: https://www.messicks.com/parts/husqvarna/532185382 The deck part number was updated.

The two main manufacturers of homeowner riders that I am aware of is AYP and MTD. They stamp and fabricate most rider components for many private label brands on the market. The engines and transmissions come from a variety of vendors and are built to specifications for different product lines...

Sounds like trash from a fuel can got in the tank and is blocking the fuel outlet.

You paid $2300 (current pricing) for this new mower and too cheap to buy the manuals? I'm confused. This information was not "free" when they paid the people to develop it. This is not an old mower with lots of old manuals circulating around on Ebay.

You can also disconnect the line on the carburetor and place the end of the line in a jar, plastic soda bottle or plastic cup (do not use a Styrofoam cup), then crank the engine to verify it is actually pumping fuel. Watching the filter while cranking is not reliable, because they do not...

I'm not certain what other brands were manufactured by AYP back then, possibly Huskee, Montgomery Ward or Poulan. Not all 50" deck were the same. Some were stamped while others were fabricated

Hi firhill, You need a 12V test light to check for power to the fuel after-fire solenoid wire, not all of the bowl solenoids click very loudly. Next verify the lines were connected correctly to the fuel pump. It is easy to get them mixed up. The line coming from the block to the pump only...

Hello MParr, All fuel is inherently "dirty", and the fuel filter needs to be replaced to minimize this fine sediment "sludge" from reaching the carburetor and clogging up passages. A fuel filter is cheap insurance to prevent more serious problems. The more hours a machine is used, the more...

Parts tree is a pretty good source, but make sure you have the correct model or spec number. I will say at least many of the old ones still have parts available. Good luck with your project.

Haul it to the dealer and let it be their headache.

Are you getting your non-Ethanol fuel from a dedicated pump with its own service hose? (My local stations have dedicated pumps for only Ethanol.) Or, from a "pick the fuel" style pump with only one service hose? There is a difference. Valve adjustment does effect fuel efficiency. Black smoke...

Maybe this will help: https://www.partstree.com/models/143-026202-craftsman-engine-made-by-tecumseh/engine-parts-list-lev-pg1-0/

Someone with a good MIG welder, a grinder and a little fabricating knowledge could rebuild the spindle mounting areas with replacement metal and then treat with OSFO and some spot painting. Another junk spare deck usually makes a perfect donor for the needed metal segments.

You don't remove the dipstick and cap while running. These are not like a car engine. Inside the crankcase there is oil and air constantly being "slung around" while running . It is known as windage and often referred to as splash lubrication. The moving parts inside the engine rely on this...

Hello Miles1, Are you using E-10 fuel or non-Ethanol? E-10 does not burn as efficiently. Is the blade sharp? A dull blade makes the engine work harder. They don't put cheap blades on these. How tall and thick is the grass being cut. Are you operating the mower yourself or a slow-moving kid...

Hello Hayward51, If this engine were on a generator, the exact high idle setting would be critical to maintain the needed 3600 RPM to and keep the generator steady at 60Hz output. On a rider the difference of 50 RPM is not an issue. Also consider that the engine is still breaking in new...

Hello Star Tech, The variety of equipment has become so vast that I stock very few parts on hand. The old days of common stock parts have passed. I get what I can local, but a majority of my parts are ordered online these days. Even the dealers have reduced their parts stock tremendously. In...

Hello MParr, I will add to that by saying remove the top flywheel cover at least once a season to get any trapped debris out or mouse nests. Mice love tiny areas where they can crawl in and make a cozy nest, especially in the winter months. Baling twine, acorn shells, grass clippings and...

No shortcuts here. Pull the engine and get the loose parts out. Hopefully there is no internal damage. If you are not a mechanic, this is not a time to start trying to be one. Maybe looking around for an independent small engine repair shop would be best. I don't suggest the dealer because they...

What machine is this engine on?

Price a new rider and you will be inclined to replace the engine on what you have. Just my humble opinion. I have purchased a number of good used engines on Ebay. You have to make sure you ask a lot of questions. If they cannot provide intelligent answers, walk away. You will need to know the...

I consider this fortunate. I also recommend you get a can of seafoam or Chemtool B-12 pour in cleaner and put a couple of cap fulls in the tank with fresh fuel. That will help gently clean any resin deposits left behind.

Are the blades all installed the same, or is one upside down? I've seen it happen before. Also, all of the blades should be identical. It's easy to get a set of mixed size blades when purchased (loose on the shelf) at the box stores.

https://www.partswarehouse.com/MTD-Kit-Service-Trans-MTD-753-06608-p/MTD-753-06608.htm?Click=765611&msclkid=b50b960e94c510d6158afe4470f8742d&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing%20Standard%20Shopping&utm_term=4580771612740089&utm_content=Adgroup

Disconnect the coil kill wire on each coil and see if the engine now runs on both cylinders. The engine can be shut down by the after-fire solenoid on the carburetor, when the key is turned off. If it does run fine disconnected, the kill wire harness has a bad inline diode for one of the coils...

Honda got out of the mower business a couple of years ago and are now just depleting remaining stock. Here is a video with lots of info: https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=Honda+HR217&mid=84E68E05B18393E9200E84E68E05B18393E9200E&FORM=VIRE

Thanks, Srubcadet10 I've gotten so used to operator's manuals not having diagram information, that I did not think to check that online. I did narrow the problem down late yesterday evening by manipulating the ignition switch housing once it was removed from the right operator's console...

I have this CC Z Force that has no power to the anti-backfire solenoid with key turned on. Solenoid tests good when powered manually. Mower Model number 53AA5A7M710 w/ the Briggs & Stratton engine. Engine runs but only with full choke on to suck fuel past the solenoid plunger tip. Carburetor...

Like StarTech said, these are already filled with a 00 grease and do not require any maintenance unless they break for some reason.

Check the input drive pulley. Likely it has hammered the center splines and is now loose on the shaft. It may need the shaft replaced which will require teardown.

Switch the wires on the two small terminals, may possibly work, if not, then switch them back. From what you described happening, there has been a ground switched over or possibly not connected for the harness.

Look up Bohls Bearing in San Antonio TX, they can match anything you have if you provide a sample. I've used them for years to come up with odd bearings for all kinds of equipment.

If it is what I think it is, that is a reverse implement cutout switch. That is there so the deck PTO shuts off whenever putting the mower in reverse. If you have a starter relay with 2 small wires, try switching them with each other, then try to start the mower like normal.

Yea, this mower is around 25 years old, so stuff like this happens if they are still going all this time.

Check for a broken, loose or dirty ground in the harness. Often times a relay will function the opposite way if it is not getting a proper ground. This has an opposite operational effect on the circuits.

Just keep in mind that Voltage is potential and Amperage is power. A battery can read 12 Volts on a meter but still not have enough Amperage to do the job of cranking the engine over. If you have to crank it for extended periods of time to get it started, it may be wearing the battery and...

The end opposite of where the starter is bolted to the engine/ transmission. The starter motor brushes are located inside. Be "firm but gentle" when you tap on the starter motor.

The end opposite of where the starter is bolted to the engine/ transmission. The starter motor brushes are located inside. Be "firm but gentle" when you tap on the starter motor.

I use Berryman Chemtool B-12 along with an old toothbrush. Spray the parts and inspect them carefully. The anti-backfire solenoid gets sticky from fuel breaking down. The additives in the fuel gradually turn to a sticky shellac. No need to "soak" parts, just clean them well. Another often...

Hello neighborbill, To add to what Tiger said, Check for any rusty connections. They can be tight and "look good" but rust will not conduct enough battery power, especially when placed under a heavy load like a starter trying to turn the engine. Battery cable crimp areas are another issue to...

This is a Korean/ Asian import that "roadside" overnight tractor/ machine dealers were dumping into the American homeowner DIY markets. I'm not sure the company is still in business, or they were purchased by an umbrella compact equipment company.

This is a Korean import that "roadside" overnight tractor/ machine dealers were dumping into the American homeowner DIY markets. I'm not sure the company is still in business, or they were purchased by an umbrella compact equipment company.

Replace filters and blow air cleaner out or replace it

Try Sears parts direct.com

I don't think anyone is monitoring this site or reading the complaints. They have no contact information. They left the light on and went on a long vacation.

When it does that lightly tap on the tail end side of the starter with a small hammer and see if it starts cranking. If it does the brushes are sticking from dust. It may work for a while consistently after that.

Sounds like the tensioner and stationary idler along with the belt need to be changed. Remove the deck and raise the mower up to check all the drive components out.

Is that a pull behind finish mower with a rear curtain? Or is it a side exit chute model? A picture would help. Just on an initial thought... A section of round baler belt & some flat washers and 5/16 or 3/8 self-tap screws work well for making a chute choke on many decks.

Not surprising. Many people on this site ask for help and automatically think we are standing right there looking at their machine.

Sounds like the fuel anti backfire solenoid is not working on the bottom of the carburetor bowl. They tend to get sticky and act up.

It's a V-twin

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,