Well I purchased a 1981 LawnBoy 4502 to use as a weekly mower. I fell in love with this style LawnBoy when I was young because my father and grandfather both owned LawnBoy Scamps and I mowed countless yards with those mowers.
Anyways, after I purchased my 4502 I replaced the spark plug and air filter, put in new gas, and have been using it ever since.
The last few times I have mowed it has started surging as if someone is turning the ignition "on" and "off" at about one second intervals. Today it started to die intermittently and became difficult to start.
I decided to take the top cover off and check things out. The gas lines need replaced and the carburetor is beyond filthy both outside and in the float bowl. The gasket between the carb and the cylinder is in terrible condition and fell apart when I removed the carb. The coil pack also looks a bit worse for wear. This mower definitely has some "acres" on it. Ha!
Anyways, I am new to lawn mower mechanics and have never really messed with carbs. What do I need to look for and make sure is clean inside the carb? Also, can I soak this plastic carb in some sort of parts solvent? I don't want to damage the plastic.
Are replacement carb gaskets and carb base gaskets still available? If so where can I source them. Also, is there any kind of maintenance I should do to the coil like setting a gap or cleaning the surface where it meets the flywheel? Should I just replace the coil as preventative maintenance and if so where can I locate one?
Sorry for all the questions. I have searched online and haven't found much about this mower specifically.
Any help is appreciated!
Anyways, after I purchased my 4502 I replaced the spark plug and air filter, put in new gas, and have been using it ever since.
The last few times I have mowed it has started surging as if someone is turning the ignition "on" and "off" at about one second intervals. Today it started to die intermittently and became difficult to start.
I decided to take the top cover off and check things out. The gas lines need replaced and the carburetor is beyond filthy both outside and in the float bowl. The gasket between the carb and the cylinder is in terrible condition and fell apart when I removed the carb. The coil pack also looks a bit worse for wear. This mower definitely has some "acres" on it. Ha!
Anyways, I am new to lawn mower mechanics and have never really messed with carbs. What do I need to look for and make sure is clean inside the carb? Also, can I soak this plastic carb in some sort of parts solvent? I don't want to damage the plastic.
Are replacement carb gaskets and carb base gaskets still available? If so where can I source them. Also, is there any kind of maintenance I should do to the coil like setting a gap or cleaning the surface where it meets the flywheel? Should I just replace the coil as preventative maintenance and if so where can I locate one?
Sorry for all the questions. I have searched online and haven't found much about this mower specifically.
Any help is appreciated!