Recent content by Skippydiesel

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    Switching to longer blades?

    Never done an Australian survey - My subjective observation - Lawn mulching is rarely done, even collecting (harvesting) clippings not so common. Why? Simple - the clippings on the surface will be quickly consumed/processed by the organisms (worms/beetles/fungi /etc) living within the sward...
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    Oil filter

    News to me!!! - For the last 50 years plus, I have understood the "drain back" prevention valve is so that oil will be available immediately at start up ie not drain back into the sump. This is specifically to reduce the accelerated wear, that would otherwise occur, due to the delay in oil...
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    Oil filter

    What is it with us humans? - We almost always prefer the costly $$$ solution to the cheap. Why purchase this single use item, in a glossy package, when you can get a small role of ductile aluminium flashing (probably for less $) that will do the job just as well & can be used for a host of...
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    Oil filter

    "Metal was a material I tried, but found that it would not hold its form" Obviously you did not try aluminium flashing. Its designed to be easily formed by hand, no tools or heating required ( similar to the lead flashing it replaces) and hold its form 😈
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    Oil filter

    All way too complicated - I use a piece of malleable aluminium flashing (replaced lead). Can be purchased from the hardware in a small role. Its thin enough to cut with scissors (best with metal shears/snips), soft enough to be easily fashioned into a trough, that will hold its shape. Can be...
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    Tips for blade sharpening, how do ya’ll do it?

    Just being pedantic; Weight is but one factor in blade balance. The other factors are "tracking" & weight distribution (base to tip). Tracking means, are all the blase following exactly the same path? This could be effected by damage, blade security, etc Weight distribution - A blade can weigh...
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    Tips for blade sharpening, how do ya’ll do it?

    Sir! You are both a gentleman & a scholar - you flatter me. "Is this because the Cub has three mowing blades, and the John Deere has just two? What do you think?" Speculation: Depends on what you mean by blades. Two cutting heads will have 4 blades (even if its a single part, each blade has...
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    Tips for blade sharpening, how do ya’ll do it?

    Hi TMT, "Hold on a second there, Skippy! There are those of us in society who are not content to just settle for the basic explanations of life. Many want to know the mechanics of how things work, why a blade cuts, etc. I confess that I am one of those people!! I enjoy a challenge and an...
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    Spark Plug Tachometer - good enough?

    I check rpm, on a verity of engines, single to four cylinder, about once per annum. To reduce error, I usually use a couple of photo types and a wire in/spark plug lead digital tacho. If the machine also has its own tacho, I end up with up to four comparisons (usually just two) - go with the...
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    Spark Plug Tachometer - good enough?

    They are far from precision tools. If cheap enough, purchase two & compare the reading. 😈
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    Tips for blade sharpening, how do ya’ll do it?

    Sorry Stevestd - no idea how Took MakerTims name got attached to your words You only have to worry about blade balance, when you damage the blade OR sharpen it. Can only try and avoid damage - S--t happens! Sharpening is a deliberate choice, that you impose on yourself, for little gain &...
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    Carb float GXV390

    Is the float valve rubber/Viton in good condition? I there any fuel "varnish" , other crap, on valve tip/valve seat? 😈
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    Fuel filter micron rating

    What can I say? - Mechanical aptitude/knowhow used to be common - no longer.
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    Fuel filter micron rating

    Or a "Mr Funnel " combination funnel & filter that will also remove any free water in the fuel. Mr Funnel comes in various sizes. For the penny pinchers ; You can make any funnel into a filter funnel by using filter fabric or very fine brass gauze (hard to find these days). The fabric or gauze...
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