Rebuilding a Mower ... In Progress
First off, the "In Progress" refers both to this post, and to the project. [Well, now it doesn't.]
We moved to a house, and now have a lawn* to care for. My in-laws graciously gave me their not-used-in-years gas-powered lawn mower. To my surprise, it ran fine once I threw in some gas (and rounded up a gas cap for the gas tank). Well, it ran fine for the first few times I used it. Then it would barely start. And once started, it would stall.
At this early point in the repair process, I'm not certain what the problem is - there could be many. However, from what I've read it seems that you start with the cheap/simple solution, then work your way up.
While I do have the original manual from 1981, Sears doesn't seem to use most of the part numbers listed anymore. However I have found some useful resources:
Sears Parts (order by model or part #)
Tecumseh Technician's Handbook (My mower's Tecumseh model # is TVS90-43094B, which means it's a Tecumseh Vertical Styled, 9.0 cubic inch displacement, .)
Small Engine Repair: Free Help (Free, but they charge for Service Manuals, including the one that available online free [see link, above])
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/35624/troubleshoot_a_gas_lawn_mower_carburetor.html
http://www.lawn-mower-shop.com/carb1.htm
http://www.tekbook.com/?hop=okie48
http://www.lawn-mower-shop.com/
http://www.kichline.com/chuck/fixit/mowers/default.htm
http://www.m-and-d.com/helpfaq.html?id=5GJGBIA8
10/14/07: Today I performed an oil change. That oil was BLACK! Blacker than night.
Cost: ~$5 (quart of 10W30 and a funky flexible funnel.)
Result: No improvement.
10/15/07: Ordered spark plug, spark plug socket, spark plug gauge, air filter
Cost: $17.10 - 2% FatCash
Result: TBD
Next project: Replace spark plug and/or perform "minor tune-up" or both. I don't have a 3/4" spark plug socket (required for this mower) ... once I'm ordering that, I might as well get a new spark plug as well.
10/19/07: Sears order delivered. I plan to work on this on Sunday.
10/21/07: Today was the day. Using my new 3/4" socket, I removed the old spark plug. It was definitely dirty, but seemed to still be working. I replaced it anyways, after setting the space to .030" as per the specifications. Next I installed the new air filter. I tried to start it, and it was still a bit weak, but better than before. I threw in some more gas (even though it already had plenty), and it ran a little smoother. I was able to complete the lawn without stalling. Which one (or more) of the variables was the culprit will remain unknown, but at least it now works. I drained the excess gas when I was done and then ran it dry. Next season I hope it starts nice and easy!
*Calling the mixture of dirt, weeds, and stray grass a "lawn" is an insult to lawns everywhere.
Comments
it might not run on pure gas, but has to have some sort of mixture of gasoline and oil (difference b/w 2 cycle and 4 cycle engines).
this is all from old memory of discussions w/ my father.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 15, 2007 5:52 PM
Anonymous,
You'll note that I changed the oil as my first "step." There's no oil reservoir in which to change the oil in a 2-stroke engine, that's why it's mixed with the fuel. However, this is a 4-stroke engine, so there's no oil to mix with the fuel.
Posted by: David | October 16, 2007 7:20 AM