In case you new people missed it, the reason for a fuel shutoff, mainly, is to shut the fuel off when you are done mowing, letting the engine run to burn all the fuel from the line and carb bowl so it doesn't go bad and cause carb issues. Another great video James, even I have learned a lot from them. Thanks.
Yes. I have 2 generators that have this but my dual fuel inverters I tried switch to propane spot and just dies. However they do have a straw on the carb drain and a screw to drain. But since I use ethanol free I don't really need to. Checked after one sitting for a year carb full and looks brand new lol. But yes if you have a fuel shutoff on anything like power washer or mower, use it. If you don't, try and add one if out of warranty. Bleeding carb dry never hurts no matter what gas you use but especially ethanol.
I've been using shutoffs on all my equipment for decades and never have issues with my carbs. They are absolutely essential for small engines because of the garbage gas we're forced to use. Great video James and very nice looking Toro
Just walking around the area here I see people finish up mowing, then stop the mower with the throttle or brake and start rolling it away. Very rare to hear one being run until the fuel is cleared out. Same goes for small generators if a storm takes out power. Fuel off and running it dry is something I was shown as a kid and have done ever since.
@@retrozmachine1189 I run both my Tractor and mower dry. Then I clean the decks and wash and wipe them down. I'm using a 1990 Dynamark that I restored, it looks and run like the day it was manufactured. My motto is if people take care and do simple maintenance their equipment will last a very very long time.
Thanks for taking the time to do these videos. I am in my eighties and it makes my day when a new video comes out . I fixed a lot of stuff in my day so it gives me my repair fix.
agreed. I cut the area between me and my neighbor's house in hopes she will leave it alone, but every time she comes out and scalps "her" half almost to the dirt. You can see after it "regrows" that my half is mostly lush grass, but her half is mostly crabgrass which invades my half...
I've got a Kubota tractor I pull a Land Pride lawn trimer around my yard. It does a great job mowing even and doesn't skin the ground. No need to cut it to short as I've got plenty of retired time to mow it again when it needs it.
No coincidences with James' work - always a pleasure watching his calm and accurate way of diagnosis and repairs. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to the next one!
Nice Job. I usually shut off the fuel shut off valve and let the mower run until it runs itself out of gas and I store the mower that way, even through the winter without draining the gas tank. I do this to all three of my mowers and my lawn tractor. I bought stick on labels for Straight Gasoline or Mixed Fuel to place on all the lawn equipment fuel tanks and the different storage fuel cans. This is a good reminder to put the proper fuel into your lawn equipment especially for us seniors. A friend told me that he uses 89 octane in all his lawn equipment and he never had problems. He's a 65 yo lawn mower repair guy and so was his father.. He also told me when mixing oil to gas mixtures, like 3.0 to 1 and 4.0 to 1, to mix it all 4.0 to 1. I have nothing here that requires 5.0 to 1. When my mowers seem to run a little rough, I add a cap or so of Seafoam to the fuel tank, for the most part it take care of the problem. Note: This is just what I do, you do what works best for you. I'm 75,
Just an FYI . A few weeks ago I refueled my ancient riding mower , which had been running like a top . Suddenly , it would not start for love or money . The gas In the can had been sitting a while , so , I decided to just drain the tank and put fresh gas in . No water or trash in the old stuff , smelled fine , burned good in the open . Once the fresh gas was in it fired back up like a champ . I gave it an oil change as a reward for cooperating so well .
Saw an idea from Steve's Small Engine Repair for ultrasonic cleaners. He puts the item to be cleaned and the solvent in plastic peanut butter jars. He then fills the ultrasonic cleaner with water and sets the PB jars in there. Never has to clean or degrease the cleaner tank, or deal with spillage when draining it (even the valve with a tube is a nuisance). His favorite solvent appears to be gasoline, although he does use Dawn detergent and water sometimes, and also a degreaser. Says it also uses less solvent overall, since you're not filling the tank to the minimum level.
Or just use zip lock type bags, no gasoline. I use them to keep brass separated or for different bolts and nuts. Saw it on Adept Ape. Much much easier to keep the ultra sonic clean on small batches. A big time saver.
That's a real cool idea actually. But if you have a smaller ultrasonic you'll want to remove any plastic baskets to not deaden the ultrasonic waves more if using this method.
I've found that thick plastic containers give poorer performance. I believe the flexability of the plastic absorbs the vibrations. Glass is very rigid so it transmits the vibrations. Baggies? Dunno.
@@davidparrish1133 most ultrasonics come with plastic basket. Does inhibit but designed for it. If you're going to use jars, just remove the basket. Should equal out to the same thing. 🤷🏻♂️
@@davidparrish1133 If you're using something like Tupperware, I'd agree. The plastic on peanut butter jars is thin and stiff, and seems to transmit a large amount of the energy through. You've basically got a liquid plastic liquid interface. As far as glass, no thanks. I don't need glass shards on my floor and workbench. As far as baskets go, I've only ever seen metal baskets. That's a new one for me.
Best video I’ve ever seen on full view and explanation’s of the bones of a mower! I am a widow that has had to learn to do so much on her own. Thank you so much ! Would love more mower videos.
What I noticed when you first removed the fuel cap, is a small amount of fuel left in the tank. I have a Hyundai mower, and the very first time it run out of fuel, I removed the cap and noticed it still had what I thought was enough fuel, but to make sure I topped the tank up and my mower started, so I guessed the fuel pickup in the tank does sit some what higher. Maybe it's the same in the tank as that carb looked like new when you took it apart. Another great video James, keep them coming.
I own both gas and electric. A lot of people who have owned gas won't be happy with electric. A lot depends on your lawn. Due your research! I like mine.
I have a pristine lawn in front that I bought an electric for because i couldnt pass up the deal, 60V Greenworks with bag 2 batteries 2 blades and dual port fast charger. Its been great for 2 years so far. I saved the old Craftsman for the much rougher backyard which is more brush than grass. The Craftsman was getting harder and harder to start every year. this year I just couldn't get it. the deck was rusting through though, and it was just really heavy and clunky compared to the very light electric. So the craftsman went to the curb. Im not against gas at all, i might keep an eye out for a used gas mower to take the abuse of mowing the back, but MAN the electric people were right. just drop a battery into the mower and go. you can tip it up for storage where it takes up hardly any space at all. there is no smell. I dont mind buying oil and gas, i have other gas items in my garage but everytime a gas item dies i replace it with electric and i havent regretted it a single time. but i do have an easy, flat lawn that isn't any sort of a struggle.
@@danwake4431 In the push mower category, there's absolutely NO reason to buy or mess around with a gas mower anymore (or any homeowner yard tool for that matter). I'm also not an electric snob by any means, and like you were doing I keep an old gas pusher around to clear brush in an easement, but I've been mowing .5 acre of centipede and st. Augustine with a 80v Greenworks for the last 5 years. No issues with cut, or mower reliability, but I have needed to buy a new battery along the way since it gets a ton of use in the south, and I also use the batteries in other tools. It's a fair tradeoff for all the other benefits.
Well you are kind of lucky. Where I live there is no financial room on a used mower to install a $50 tank. I would have had to heat the older tank with a heat gun to make the neck round. Thus saving the $50 for a potential larger margin. It is always a pleasure to watch you work James. You always restore machines to their maximum level. Thanks. I even learn what i can replace if needed.
Thanks Bruce! It was a free mower which is why a spent a little on the blade and filter which were probably fine. If I had spotted the tank issue sooner I may have skipped the tune-up. I bought the tank from eBay because it was cheap. The parts sites wanted $83! A few have mentioned that there was a recall/service bulletin so maybe I could have gotten it for free? Not sure.
Surprised you didn't just sharpen original blade. With your tune up, carb clean and fuel cut off valve I would have run that for ten years. I own one of those mowers, put a mulching blade on it, starts first pull runs great for ten years. There is a bolt to drain oil under blade on bottom if engine, thought you would use it since you were taking blade off.
Hey, I have that same mower for over 16 years now. Still runs fine. Tread about worn off the front tires. Some regular maintenance over time has been done to it.
Jim, I think you had this one nailed right from the gitgo. Every step you took was logical and methodical. Watching your videos I usually try to compare what I'd do if I was there and on this one you backed me up all the way from the start. I just bought 2 brand new cheapie push mowers from Rural King who had them on an end of summer sale down from $219 for $100 each. They're 21 inch and 200cc's 4cycles, but I have no idea what brand engine they use. Like your Toro, they have no throttle and are automatic choke also. I want to take the handles off, bolt them together and pull them around behind my Ingersoll 3016 2cyl Onan powered 42 inch cut riding mower so I can pull a good 6 1/2 feet cutting about 4 acres of grass. Thank you for showing patience and being so methodical, that is the sign of a true master craftsman. ben/ michigan
Push mowers with Honda GCV engines do come with shutoff valves. I've worked on a couple of them. I'm actually working on one right now for a customer. It certainly makes them much easier to deal with.
Worked on small engines for years. When your mower worked fine last year and won't start this spring, 9/10 times it's because last year's fuel is still in the tank. If you empty out the tank and replace the fuel with fresh premium gas, it usually does the trick. If it turns out to be something more serious, at least you've eliminated the obvious.
When you installed the new blade I saw that the drive belt was without a protective cover! I also have to say that you are the best - your uploads have taught me a lot. Thank you for sharing.
HEY 👋😊 I recently stumbled onto one of your videos and now I'm addicted 😁. I found your very informative and knowledgeable. I'm in my 70's and too fixed many small engines. I enjoy all your episodes keep up the excellent 👌 work.
To Begin with, when my mower is like that, I remove the gas cap on the tank and apply air pressure to the tank! That usually helps to prime the engine as well as remove any junk in the carburetor! The passages are so small on these it really doesn't take much to clog the carb!! After all my years as a model airplane builder and flyer small engines can seem haunted, but knowing what to look for gives you an advantage!
I was surprised seeing the engine start so easily after the carb cleaning, especially when the carb looked as clean as it did during your intense inspection of each component. Guess it proves even the closest inspection doesn’t always reveal those hidden foreign particles. The gas tank leaking from the cap reminded me of a problem I had with that Troy-Bilt Pony tiller. I used to put a piece of plastic wrap between the tank and the cap. It always fit loose and it appeared to be a design flaw. If you still have that tiller you may want to check that for a better solution.
These mowers you get look like new, the ones we get look like they have operated for years, rusty, bent, oily and rough.. If only we got new ones like you to fix!
I have the same make and model lawnmower, which I bought back in 2015. I have the same problem of the filler neck being out of round. This makes placing the cap on to be difficult, and I have to be careful that the cap does not go on at a slant. Even so, the oblong opening of the filler neck may be deliberate because that enables the cap to hold on securely.
Mr condon thank you for the emulsion tube impact idea, I never would have given that any consideration ,due to it being a soft metal, I spray crc knocker loose, then ultra sonic clean ,It usually works pretty good ,but good Golly gee that impact is the bees knees again thank you for this lesson ,also the generator repairs you do has saved my family and friends in times of great need from hurricanes and cold snaps please keep the lessons coming proffesesor !
That Kohler engine is famous for the fuel leak. Most ppl mistakenly replace the $30 fuel cap. I got two of these mowers. Thanks for pointing out the egg shaped fuel tank
I've got the same exact mower so your video was very helpful to me. I've had it about 5 years now and it still starts on the second pull. I've changed the blade once and the air filter a few times. Great mower!
Great videos with clear info, thanks. Yup, I used to have trouble with my 2008 McCulloch M7053D with B&S series 875 engine. Carb always found gummed up and dirty after winter. A few years ago I fitted a cheapo filter and pet shut-off valve to a new hose and run carb dry after every startup. Keep it clean and new oil every 2nd year. Runs like a champ. I also use B&S "Fuel Fit" which keeps my fuel "fresh" as they say. Only trouble since was throttle cable corroded and broke. Replaced and ready for another 10 years I hope. I also start and warm up my mower a 3 or 4 times during winter just for lube etc.
Those fuel tanks on the XT engines had poor cap sealing and nylon bits broken off which clogged the fuel filter causing hunting. Service Bulletin number 344. Warranty replacement with a new design fuel tank provided. Also the fuel filter which slips into the fuel tank outlet nipple was susceptible to pinching off so I remove it and install a red Briggs disc filter.
Another great video....thanks! I had the same thing happen to our Toro.....the tank neck became distorted and egg shaped. I used a wrench to compress it, and it has continued to not leak. That was a year ago, maybe 2 years. The mower has never had any kind of impact or stress that might account for the tank problem. The mower is about 10 years old and continues to start on the first pull almost always. A drive belt wore out....simple to replace, and I change the oil every year. I have never replaced the spark plug and do not intend to until it becomes hard to start. In my area, we can get ethanol-free gas which I use in all small engines!!!
You just gave me a great idea. Someone should create a fuel filter which is also a shut off valve that way both items occupy the same space. I’ll take 30% of the cut
I've worked on plenty of riding mowers with Kohler engines and even own a couple, but I have never worked on a push mower with a Kohler engine. That is an interesting carb setup. It is similar to a Honda carb setup.
my craftsman had a kohler motor. i will say its a beast. my gf bought it when she got divorced, paid $50 for it. never changed the oil. when we moved in together it went into storage since we didnt need it. i bought a house and started using her mower. That was another 10 years and i never changed the oil either so at LEAST 15 years of running on the same black as molasses oil. i couldnt believe it. carb problems finally took it down but considering there were rust holes in the deck, i didnt bother trying to clean or replace the carb, it was the excuse i needed to finally get rid of it. But i surely would never hesitate to get something with a kohler engine again.
Hi James, This comment has nothing to do with this video, but is simply an opportune moment. I just today, August 17, used my new Champion rototiller that i purchased thanks to your post. The thing is very heavy and a real brute, and chews up the soil like crazy! I couldn't have afforded one without the deep, deep discount Home Depot had on them. Thanks for letting the community know about this great machine at a great price!
I was a small engine mechanic during my graduate work. I loved it. I love your show. But, your initial procedures are right on the money. However, if it is a small lawn mower and all your initial procedures check out, don't hesitate clean the carb. If you've got spark and compression, guess what it is. Thanks for an enjoyable time!
Sometimes when fuel doesn’t work at least 70% of the time it’s the needle on the floater gets stuck in closed position. Even those cleaning the carb is a great option but checking the float and needle before fully disassemble carb. Although a great cleaning is the best to do in almost all cases. Thanks for your video enjoyed watching
I've had openings on plastic containers which weren't quite round. A little heat (a propane torch should do it 😈) usually sorts them out. Seriously, fill the tank with hot water, replace the cap and invert the tank into a bowl of boiling water for a couple of minutes. Leave it inverted while the water cools before removing the cap and the problem should be fixed.
James, that lawn is poster perfect for demo'ing a mower. One other minor improvement I would make, if possible, is to upgrade to a high lift blade. When I run my bagger I am watching for it to swell and to stay swollen. That tells me when I need to empty, or to upclog. 2 cents.
Like the videos. I think using a torque wrench on a small engine for things unrelated to engine assembly is a bit over the top, but to each his/her own. I would have left the gas tank alone or attempted to use a heat gun on it to reshape it after I had drained the fuel out of course.
Another magic video from James, attention to detail and solving problems that drive homeowners crazy leaking fuel frustration solved hard starting solved, easy starting no leaking fuel frustration GONE ! Thanks, James love your videos
One major problem with this repair video is you didn't make sheep sounds when applying the lanolin (Fluid Film) so it may not work as well. But I still think Eric O. would be proud of you. 😁
@@davyarthurs I guess you don't watch "South Main Auto". Eric has one of the most watched auto repair channels on RUclips. It's both informative and humorous, including sound effects. Many folks who watch James Condon also watch Eric.
@@Tom-In-Ga I have watched Eric’s videos for years. Just don’t understand the baa noises when using fluid film - what’s the connection? Guess being a UK person I’m missing something. . Always disappointed when the noises are missed out.
You should invest in a pair of fuel line channel locks. They are about $6 at Lowe's, and they are a lifesaver when you are working on fuel systems. They allow you to control when the fuel comes out, and even allow you to remove the tank without draining the fuel.
Great video. After watching lots of your videos I felt brave enough to buy a broken generator and broken riding mower cheap. Westinghouse df9500 generator was bad fuel, cleaned carb. Riding mower was bad fuel and a bad spark plug. Both pretty easy. Resold now I have coffee money. Thanks!
I recently bought a mower that ran the year before last, but wouldn't fire this year. I smelled the gas in the tank which smelled fine, then pulled the bowl to inspect (left the carb on the mower) - all was good there too, so I reassembled and gave the rope a pull - started first pull and has been flawless since. Moral of the story is that sometimes the easy fix is all you need!
This was a nice fix to what looks like a good mower, that could be used for several more years with proper maintenance. It's too bad the fuel tank had to be replaced, and that there were no Chinese copies at 1/4 the price of the OEM, but since the mower was free, oh well. I found out how pricey some fuel tanks can be. My 1989 Snapper Hi-Vac has a B&S 3.HP Max engine. Around 5 years ago, the tank was leaking along a seam. I tried melting it back together, but NG, so I had a dead Max engine, and just used that tank until earlier this year. I couldn't get either one to seal when I tried melting the seams again, so I found a new OEM B&S tank (#490623), complete with the decals, but it cost $ 101.83 with tax & shipping. But I can still use the mower, so OK. But when you get used to being able to solve a problem with a $15 carburetor, $ 50 or more can for a part can be a surprise.
Nine times out of ten when I have experienced this problem, I drain all the old gas, and replace with fresh gas. After replacing the gas, the mower usually starts right up. Only once have I had to have the carburetor cleaned, and rebuilt. Also, I put stability in the gas that is in the can for my lawnmower. Stability helps preserve the gas while it is being stored.
Had an old push mower with a Tecumseh engine , and the wrap around plastic shroud with the built in fuel tank . It would start and run intermittently . After several rounds of cleaning and inspecting the tank and carb , found the problem to be the plastic intake manifold that was broken causing a vacuum leak and lots of profanity . A tube of epoxy nursed it along for a couple more seasons .
Just did one, but did not record it since it is the middle of the summer. That said, I did turn on the camera for the mouse nest ruclips.net/video/ZGmxI8p6BMk/видео.html
This is the lawnmower that I have. Mine has the same starting problem. Right down to running with starter fluid and then shutting off. I've been avoiding messing with the carburetor because I have very little experience working on engines. But I think I can handle a few bolts and a bit of wire. I've already drained the oil the messy way, changed the spark plug, changed the air filter, and pulled off the gas tank to check all of those lines. (Though, now I'm realizing that I'm going to need to put some thread lock on those long bolts.) Hopefully clearing out the carb (and maybe installing a fuel valve) will put a few more years into a pretty nice mower.
Good video Jim...thanks! Along with the old tank filler being ovaled, it looks like maybe there is dirt tracks where the tank vent hookup is. Maybe that was a leak-site, too.
I love those Harbor Freight transfer pumps. I pull the oil out on my British bikes when not riding. I store the oil in clean plastic jugs under the kick start lever. The bikes do not leak or wet sump.
James, I had the Lawn-Boy version of this mower and the gas tank leaked gas too; and I found the fix. I kicked it to the curb and bought a Troy-Built. Problem solved. The Lawn-Boy had drive issues as well.
My last 3 mowers were salvaged from the trash,cleaned fuel tank,new sparkplug, changed oil=free mower,haven't bought a mower in years. Ps.clean. air filter.
James, I couldn't help but notice @16:48, it appears to have been double gasketed on the fuel bowl (maybe). Could definitely be the reason for both the leak and the poor to no run.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
In case you new people missed it, the reason for a fuel shutoff, mainly, is to shut the fuel off when you are done mowing, letting the engine run to burn all the fuel from the line and carb bowl so it doesn't go bad and cause carb issues. Another great video James, even I have learned a lot from them. Thanks.
Also if the needle is not working perfectly the fuel will keep flowing from the tank causing it to flood the cylinder and contaminate the oil.
Yes. I have 2 generators that have this but my dual fuel inverters I tried switch to propane spot and just dies. However they do have a straw on the carb drain and a screw to drain. But since I use ethanol free I don't really need to. Checked after one sitting for a year carb full and looks brand new lol.
But yes if you have a fuel shutoff on anything like power washer or mower, use it. If you don't, try and add one if out of warranty. Bleeding carb dry never hurts no matter what gas you use but especially ethanol.
I've been using shutoffs on all my equipment for decades and never have issues with my carbs. They are absolutely essential for small engines because of the garbage gas we're forced to use. Great video James and very nice looking Toro
Just walking around the area here I see people finish up mowing, then stop the mower with the throttle or brake and start rolling it away. Very rare to hear one being run until the fuel is cleared out. Same goes for small generators if a storm takes out power. Fuel off and running it dry is something I was shown as a kid and have done ever since.
@@retrozmachine1189 I run both my Tractor and mower dry. Then I clean the decks and wash and wipe them down. I'm using a 1990 Dynamark that I restored, it looks and run like the day it was manufactured. My motto is if people take care and do simple maintenance their equipment will last a very very long time.
Thanks for taking the time to do these videos. I am in my eighties and it makes my day when a new video comes out . I fixed a lot of stuff in my day so it gives me my repair fix.
So nice to see someone understand not to cut the lawn too short. Very rare to see.
I agree. Actually thought it was a little shorter then I normally like.
agreed. I cut the area between me and my neighbor's house in hopes she will leave it alone, but every time she comes out and scalps "her" half almost to the dirt. You can see after it "regrows" that my half is mostly lush grass, but her half is mostly crabgrass which invades my half...
I've got a Kubota tractor I pull a Land Pride lawn trimer around my yard. It does a great job mowing even and doesn't skin the ground.
No need to cut it to short as I've got plenty of retired time to mow it again when it needs it.
Yep. I scalp my grass in late spring and then raise the cut several times throughout the summer.
No coincidences with James' work - always a pleasure watching his calm and accurate way of diagnosis and repairs. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to the next one!
Nice Job. I usually shut off the fuel shut off valve and let the mower run until it runs itself out of gas and I store the mower that way, even through the winter without draining the gas tank. I do this to all three of my mowers and my lawn tractor. I bought stick on labels for Straight Gasoline or Mixed Fuel to place on all the lawn equipment fuel tanks and the different storage fuel cans. This is a good reminder to put the proper fuel into your lawn equipment especially for us seniors. A friend told me that he uses 89 octane in all his lawn equipment and he never had problems. He's a 65 yo lawn mower repair guy and so was his father.. He also told me when mixing oil to gas mixtures, like 3.0 to 1 and 4.0 to 1, to mix it all 4.0 to 1. I have nothing here that requires 5.0 to 1. When my mowers seem to run a little rough, I add a cap or so of Seafoam to the fuel tank, for the most part it take care of the problem. Note: This is just what I do, you do what works best for you. I'm 75,
Just an FYI .
A few weeks ago I refueled my ancient riding mower , which had been running like a top .
Suddenly , it would not start for love or money .
The gas In the can had been sitting a while , so , I decided to just drain the tank and put fresh gas in .
No water or trash in the old stuff , smelled fine , burned good in the open .
Once the fresh gas was in it fired back up like a champ .
I gave it an oil change as a reward for cooperating so well .
I wouldn't have thought fuel went 'bad' but I after renewing I had my mower running as well! Treated it to a new spark plug haha!
James and his timely reminder that it's Thursday. Another informative and great video to watch
Saw an idea from Steve's Small Engine Repair for ultrasonic cleaners. He puts the item to be cleaned and the solvent in plastic peanut butter jars. He then fills the ultrasonic cleaner with water and sets the PB jars in there. Never has to clean or degrease the cleaner tank, or deal with spillage when draining it (even the valve with a tube is a nuisance). His favorite solvent appears to be gasoline, although he does use Dawn detergent and water sometimes, and also a degreaser. Says it also uses less solvent overall, since you're not filling the tank to the minimum level.
Or just use zip lock type bags, no gasoline. I use them to keep brass separated or for different bolts and nuts. Saw it on Adept Ape. Much much easier to keep the ultra sonic clean on small batches. A big time saver.
That's a real cool idea actually. But if you have a smaller ultrasonic you'll want to remove any plastic baskets to not deaden the ultrasonic waves more if using this method.
I've found that thick plastic containers give poorer performance. I believe the flexability of the plastic absorbs the vibrations. Glass is very rigid so it transmits the vibrations. Baggies? Dunno.
@@davidparrish1133 most ultrasonics come with plastic basket. Does inhibit but designed for it. If you're going to use jars, just remove the basket. Should equal out to the same thing. 🤷🏻♂️
@@davidparrish1133 If you're using something like Tupperware, I'd agree. The plastic on peanut butter jars is thin and stiff, and seems to transmit a large amount of the energy through. You've basically got a liquid plastic liquid interface. As far as glass, no thanks. I don't need glass shards on my floor and workbench.
As far as baskets go, I've only ever seen metal baskets. That's a new one for me.
Well spotted with the tank, James. Great to have another video from you again, I look forward to them every week. Thanks for sharing.
I'm need I place fixing machine for cut grass. In Portland Or.area please thanks you
Whoever donated that machine is awesome
"Didn't really shine any light on the situation" when referring to a fire in the dark is some prime Dad joke material right there.
Best video I’ve ever seen on full view and explanation’s of the bones of a mower! I am a widow that has had to learn to do so much on her own. Thank you so much ! Would love more mower videos.
hey James, as you were saying about the tank, just order it and if something is wrong then at least you ordered it. thank you and have a great day 🙂
What I noticed when you first removed the fuel cap, is a small amount of fuel left in the tank. I have a Hyundai mower, and the very first time it run out of fuel, I removed the cap and noticed it still had what I thought was enough fuel, but to make sure I topped the tank up and my mower started, so I guessed the fuel pickup in the tank does sit some what higher. Maybe it's the same in the tank as that carb looked like new when you took it apart. Another great video James, keep them coming.
I own both gas and electric. A lot of people who have owned gas won't be happy with electric.
A lot depends on your lawn.
Due your research!
I like mine.
I have a pristine lawn in front that I bought an electric for because i couldnt pass up the deal, 60V Greenworks with bag 2 batteries 2 blades and dual port fast charger. Its been great for 2 years so far. I saved the old Craftsman for the much rougher backyard which is more brush than grass. The Craftsman was getting harder and harder to start every year. this year I just couldn't get it. the deck was rusting through though, and it was just really heavy and clunky compared to the very light electric. So the craftsman went to the curb. Im not against gas at all, i might keep an eye out for a used gas mower to take the abuse of mowing the back, but MAN the electric people were right. just drop a battery into the mower and go. you can tip it up for storage where it takes up hardly any space at all. there is no smell. I dont mind buying oil and gas, i have other gas items in my garage but everytime a gas item dies i replace it with electric and i havent regretted it a single time.
but i do have an easy, flat lawn that isn't any sort of a struggle.
@@danwake4431 In the push mower category, there's absolutely NO reason to buy or mess around with a gas mower anymore (or any homeowner yard tool for that matter). I'm also not an electric snob by any means, and like you were doing I keep an old gas pusher around to clear brush in an easement, but I've been mowing .5 acre of centipede and st. Augustine with a 80v Greenworks for the last 5 years. No issues with cut, or mower reliability, but I have needed to buy a new battery along the way since it gets a ton of use in the south, and I also use the batteries in other tools. It's a fair tradeoff for all the other benefits.
Very easy fix to get this mower up and running again, very nice work James!
I always enjoy your videos. I like how you explain things. I have learned many things just by watching your channel.
A trick learned from Chickanic is to tip the mower up on the front wheels to help purge air from the fuel line and bowl.
Well you are kind of lucky. Where I live there is no financial room on a used mower to install a $50 tank. I would have had to heat the older tank with a heat gun to make the neck round. Thus saving the $50 for a potential larger margin. It is always a pleasure to watch you work James. You always restore machines to their maximum level. Thanks. I even learn what i can replace if needed.
Thanks Bruce! It was a free mower which is why a spent a little on the blade and filter which were probably fine. If I had spotted the tank issue sooner I may have skipped the tune-up. I bought the tank from eBay because it was cheap. The parts sites wanted $83! A few have mentioned that there was a recall/service bulletin so maybe I could have gotten it for free? Not sure.
Surprised you didn't just sharpen original blade. With your tune up, carb clean and fuel cut off valve I would have run that for ten years. I own one of those mowers, put a mulching blade on it, starts first pull runs great for ten years. There is a bolt to drain oil under blade on bottom if engine, thought you would use it since you were taking blade off.
Hey, I have that same mower for over 16 years now. Still runs fine. Tread about worn off the front tires. Some regular maintenance over time has been done to it.
Jim, I think you had this one nailed right from the gitgo. Every step you took was logical and methodical. Watching your videos I usually try to compare what I'd do if I was there and on this one you backed me up all the way from the start. I just bought 2 brand new cheapie push mowers from Rural King who had them on an end of summer sale down from $219 for $100 each. They're 21 inch and 200cc's 4cycles, but I have no idea what brand engine they use. Like your Toro, they have no throttle and are automatic choke also. I want to take the handles off, bolt them together and pull them around behind my Ingersoll 3016 2cyl Onan powered 42 inch cut riding mower so I can pull a good 6 1/2 feet cutting about 4 acres of grass. Thank you for showing patience and being so methodical, that is the sign of a true master craftsman. ben/ michigan
Push mowers with Honda GCV engines do come with shutoff valves. I've worked on a couple of them. I'm actually working on one right now for a customer. It certainly makes them much easier to deal with.
This is a really good mower. You scored on this one.
What a score, that mower looks new!
Odd problem with the tank, probably like that from the factory.
Worked on small engines for years. When your mower worked fine last year and won't start this spring, 9/10 times it's because last year's fuel is still in the tank. If you empty out the tank and replace the fuel with fresh premium gas, it usually does the trick. If it turns out to be something more serious, at least you've eliminated the obvious.
When you installed the new blade I saw that the drive belt was without a protective cover! I also have to say that you are the best - your uploads have taught me a lot. Thank you for sharing.
HEY 👋😊
I recently stumbled onto one of your videos and now I'm addicted 😁.
I found your very informative and knowledgeable.
I'm in my 70's and too fixed many small engines.
I enjoy all your episodes keep up the excellent 👌 work.
To Begin with, when my mower is like that, I remove the gas cap on the tank and apply air pressure to the tank! That usually helps to prime the engine as well as remove any junk in the carburetor!
The passages are so small on these it really doesn't take much to clog the carb!!
After all my years as a model airplane builder and flyer small engines can seem haunted, but knowing what to look for gives you an advantage!
Spark is super strong nice purple pink Arc 4:01 @James Condon
I was surprised seeing the engine start so easily after the carb cleaning, especially when the carb looked as clean as it did during your intense inspection of each component. Guess it proves even the closest inspection doesn’t always reveal those hidden foreign particles. The gas tank leaking from the cap reminded me of a problem I had with that Troy-Bilt Pony tiller. I used to put a piece of plastic wrap between the tank and the cap. It always fit loose and it appeared to be a design flaw. If you still have that tiller you may want to check that for a better solution.
Very nice Toro Mower Just a fuel Delivery Issue not to shabby 5:49 @James Condon
After 2 pulls the cat’s like “Yeah, that’s not gonna’ start”.
These mowers you get look like new, the ones we get look like they have operated for years, rusty, bent, oily and rough.. If only we got new ones like you to fix!
Wow started up first Pull makes me wonder what the issue was hmm 🤔 25:00 @James Condon
Hi James, yet again a professional quality video, informative, clear and precise as we have got to expect. Well done James!
Angelo, thanks for supplying the mower for us.
Seems to be cutting way better with the new blade 33:00 nice first pull start again @James Condon
I have the same make and model lawnmower, which I bought back in 2015. I have the same problem of the filler neck being out of round. This makes placing the cap on to be difficult, and I have to be careful that the cap does not go on at a slant. Even so, the oblong opening of the filler neck may be deliberate because that enables the cap to hold on securely.
Mr condon thank you for the emulsion tube impact idea, I never would have given that any consideration ,due to it being a soft metal, I spray crc knocker loose, then ultra sonic clean ,It usually works pretty good ,but good Golly gee that impact is the bees knees again thank you for this lesson ,also the generator repairs you do has saved my family and friends in times of great need from hurricanes and cold snaps please keep the lessons coming proffesesor !
This mower is a trooper. Mines had a really hard life and it just continues to live and do its thing. Very nice mower in my opinion
Nice video, it was probably time for an oil change. Lots of great tips. Thanks
Wow that carb is super clean looks like it was cleaned before you got it 10:05 @James Condon
Another well made video. Thank you Angelo for your generous donation.
Very good video! You make repairing lawnmowers look easy!
That Kohler engine is famous for the fuel leak. Most ppl mistakenly replace the $30 fuel cap. I got two of these mowers. Thanks for pointing out the egg shaped fuel tank
I've got the same exact mower so your video was very helpful to me. I've had it about 5 years now and it still starts on the second pull. I've changed the blade once and the air filter a few times. Great mower!
Great videos with clear info, thanks. Yup, I used to have trouble with my 2008 McCulloch M7053D with B&S series 875 engine. Carb always found gummed up and dirty after winter. A few years ago I fitted a cheapo filter and pet shut-off valve to a new hose and run carb dry after every startup. Keep it clean and new oil every 2nd year. Runs like a champ. I also use B&S "Fuel Fit" which keeps my fuel "fresh" as they say. Only trouble since was throttle cable corroded and broke. Replaced and ready for another 10 years I hope. I also start and warm up my mower a 3 or 4 times during winter just for lube etc.
Those fuel tanks on the XT engines had poor cap sealing and nylon bits broken off which clogged the fuel filter causing hunting. Service Bulletin number 344. Warranty replacement with a new design fuel tank provided. Also the fuel filter which slips into the fuel tank outlet nipple was susceptible to pinching off so I remove it and install a red Briggs disc filter.
Hi, James. Your intuition was right on target. Still, luck was on your side. Thanks for sharing! See ya next time!
New tank looks way better then old tank the 2 bolt heads give it a nice look on the mower 45:30
Thank you very much James. You always highlight unique faults.
Another great video....thanks! I had the same thing happen to our Toro.....the tank neck became distorted and egg shaped. I used a wrench to compress it, and it has continued to not leak. That was a year ago, maybe 2 years. The mower has never had any kind of impact or stress that might account for the tank problem. The mower is about 10 years old and continues to start on the first pull almost always. A drive belt wore out....simple to replace, and I change the oil every year. I have never replaced the spark plug and do not intend to until it becomes hard to start. In my area, we can get ethanol-free gas which I use in all small engines!!!
Wish I could buy ethanol free here. It's actually not allowed to be sold in my county :(
You just gave me a great idea. Someone should create a fuel filter which is also a shut off valve that way both items occupy the same space. I’ll take 30% of the cut
i had the same thought
I've worked on plenty of riding mowers with Kohler engines and even own a couple, but I have never worked on a push mower with a Kohler engine. That is an interesting carb setup. It is similar to a Honda carb setup.
Exactly like a Honda. Hmmm
my craftsman had a kohler motor. i will say its a beast. my gf bought it when she got divorced, paid $50 for it. never changed the oil. when we moved in together it went into storage since we didnt need it. i bought a house and started using her mower. That was another 10 years and i never changed the oil either so at LEAST 15 years of running on the same black as molasses oil. i couldnt believe it. carb problems finally took it down but considering there were rust holes in the deck, i didnt bother trying to clean or replace the carb, it was the excuse i needed to finally get rid of it. But i surely would never hesitate to get something with a kohler engine again.
Another great video. Kohler are still using these tanks with that horrible fuel cap, it’s absolutely the worst cap design.
I agree 😊
Hi James,
This comment has nothing to do with this video, but is simply an opportune moment. I just today, August 17, used my new Champion rototiller that i purchased thanks to your post. The thing is very heavy and a real brute, and chews up the soil like crazy! I couldn't have afforded one without the deep, deep discount Home Depot had on them. Thanks for letting the community know about this great machine at a great price!
Awesome! I still have not received mine. Hmmmm
I was a small engine mechanic during my graduate work. I loved it. I love your show. But, your initial procedures are right on the money. However, if it is a small lawn mower and all your initial procedures check out, don't hesitate clean the carb. If you've got spark and compression, guess what it is. Thanks for an enjoyable time!
Fantastic video tutorial James. I’ve learned a lot from your perfectly paced video. Thank you.
Great video as usual Jim👍Another careful investigation. Looks like the grass needed some attention😊Well done
Sometimes when fuel doesn’t work at least 70% of the time it’s the needle on the floater gets stuck in closed position. Even those cleaning the carb is a great option but checking the float and needle before fully disassemble carb. Although a great cleaning is the best to do in almost all cases. Thanks for your video enjoyed watching
Another great video! That machine is definitely a winner.
I've had openings on plastic containers which weren't quite round. A little heat (a propane torch should do it 😈) usually sorts them out. Seriously, fill the tank with hot water, replace the cap and invert the tank into a bowl of boiling water for a couple of minutes. Leave it inverted while the water cools before removing the cap and the problem should be fixed.
A heat gun would get plenty hot then put the cap back on to hole it round.
Maybe, but I have same mower and yeah, the hole for the gas fill isn't round. it leaks.
James, that lawn is poster perfect for demo'ing a mower. One other minor improvement I would make, if possible, is to upgrade to a high lift blade. When I run my bagger I am watching for it to swell and to stay swollen. That tells me when I need to empty, or to upclog. 2 cents.
Good point
Like the videos. I think using a torque wrench on a small engine for things unrelated to engine assembly is a bit over the top, but to each his/her own. I would have left the gas tank alone or attempted to use a heat gun on it to reshape it after I had drained the fuel out of course.
Yea, the torque wrench on stuff like blower shrouds and carb nuts is driving me crazy. But I keep watching
I agree. But if I was a paying customer, I would appreciate someone like James being meticulous about working on people's equipment.
Another magic video from James, attention to detail and solving problems that drive homeowners crazy leaking fuel frustration solved hard starting solved, easy starting no leaking fuel frustration GONE ! Thanks, James love your videos
I've had several Toro mowers.
GREAT mowers, one flaw the ones I've had gas tank had seam and that's where they would leak.
Just kept gas below seam
One major problem with this repair video is you didn't make sheep sounds when applying the lanolin (Fluid Film) so it may not work as well. But I still think Eric O. would be proud of you. 😁
Always enjoy the additional sound effects, but why the baaa noises?
@@davyarthurs I guess you don't watch "South Main Auto". Eric has one of the most watched auto repair channels on RUclips. It's both informative and humorous, including sound effects. Many folks who watch James Condon also watch Eric.
@@Tom-In-Ga I have watched Eric’s videos for years. Just don’t understand the baa noises when using fluid film - what’s the connection? Guess being a UK person I’m missing something. . Always disappointed when the noises are missed out.
Fluid Film uses lanolin, wool grease from Sheep's sebaceous glands, thus "baa".@@davyarthurs
@@davyarthurs Ah, ok. Now I understand. Fluid Film is lanolin based which comes from sheep. Always good to hear from someone across the pond!
You should invest in a pair of fuel line channel locks. They are about $6 at Lowe's, and they are a lifesaver when you are working on fuel systems. They allow you to control when the fuel comes out, and even allow you to remove the tank without draining the fuel.
Good point. I have on, but it has clamped on a generator fuel line for a long time. Need to get a few more.
Crazy but it’s easy to get so many special tools you forget to use them and just use what is handy 😊😊
Great video. After watching lots of your videos I felt brave enough to buy a broken generator and broken riding mower cheap. Westinghouse df9500 generator was bad fuel, cleaned carb. Riding mower was bad fuel and a bad spark plug. Both pretty easy. Resold now I have coffee money. Thanks!
Nice
38:45
A small mouse or something like that jumps in the grass collecting bin
I recently bought a mower that ran the year before last, but wouldn't fire this year. I smelled the gas in the tank which smelled fine, then pulled the bowl to inspect (left the carb on the mower) - all was good there too, so I reassembled and gave the rope a pull - started first pull and has been flawless since. Moral of the story is that sometimes the easy fix is all you need!
Another great video. You have to love those easy repairs. 😊
That was a great video thanks for posting! You have a wide array of tools including the lift table which is a new one on me!
Hello James, once found your channel and I dive into your work 👍😀🍀🌞greetings from Germany again and I switch over to another one of your videos
I'm glad someone opted up to electric but I'm also sad that they dumped a perfectly good mower.
Electrics sucks.
Thanks!
Thanks
Is that a 4 cycle i see straight fuel no 2 cycle? 7:30 @James Condon
This was a nice fix to what looks like a good mower, that could be used for several more years with proper maintenance. It's too bad the fuel tank had to be replaced, and that there were no Chinese copies at 1/4 the price of the OEM, but since the mower was free, oh well. I found out how pricey some fuel tanks can be. My 1989 Snapper Hi-Vac has a B&S 3.HP Max engine. Around 5 years ago, the tank was leaking along a seam. I tried melting it back together, but NG, so I had a dead Max engine, and just used that tank until earlier this year. I couldn't get either one to seal when I tried melting the seams again, so I found a new OEM B&S tank (#490623), complete with the decals, but it cost $ 101.83 with tax & shipping. But I can still use the mower, so OK. But when you get used to being able to solve a problem with a $15 carburetor, $ 50 or more can for a part can be a surprise.
Nine times out of ten when I have experienced this problem, I drain all the old gas, and replace with fresh gas. After replacing the gas, the mower usually starts right up. Only once have I had to have the carburetor cleaned, and rebuilt. Also, I put stability in the gas that is in the can for my lawnmower. Stability helps preserve the gas while it is being stored.
Thanks for sharing. I picked up the same mower from a neighbor with the same gas cap issue. Guess I need to replace the tank as well. 😮
Outside of carb cleaned up well with just carb cleaner
That's the same as my mower. I garbage picked it and it started on the first pull.
Had an old push mower with a Tecumseh engine , and the wrap around plastic shroud with the built in fuel tank .
It would start and run intermittently .
After several rounds of cleaning and inspecting the tank and carb , found the problem to be the plastic intake manifold that was broken causing a vacuum leak and lots of profanity .
A tube of epoxy nursed it along for a couple more seasons .
Nice video and well explained, a mower repair job well done 👍 Au
Hoping this fall you will do more snowblowers; single stage and two stage. Enjoy the channel.
Just did one, but did not record it since it is the middle of the summer. That said, I did turn on the camera for the mouse nest ruclips.net/video/ZGmxI8p6BMk/видео.html
This is the lawnmower that I have. Mine has the same starting problem. Right down to running with starter fluid and then shutting off.
I've been avoiding messing with the carburetor because I have very little experience working on engines. But I think I can handle a few bolts and a bit of wire.
I've already drained the oil the messy way, changed the spark plug, changed the air filter, and pulled off the gas tank to check all of those lines. (Though, now I'm realizing that I'm going to need to put some thread lock on those long bolts.) Hopefully clearing out the carb (and maybe installing a fuel valve) will put a few more years into a pretty nice mower.
Good video Jim...thanks! Along with the old tank filler being ovaled, it looks like maybe there is dirt tracks where the tank vent hookup is. Maybe that was a leak-site, too.
I love those Harbor Freight transfer pumps. I pull the oil out on my British bikes when not riding. I store the oil in clean plastic jugs under the kick start lever. The bikes do not leak or wet sump.
another keekee cameo. I miss my black cat! Can't wait to enjoy this one, thanks James!
enjoyed the video on the old tank, heat the opening and make it round you are smart enough to do it
Very nice to see it has a Kohler engine instead of Briggs & Stratton.
I've been repairing small engines for 40 years, but I have been using electronic lawnmower for 25 years.
James, I had the Lawn-Boy version of this mower and the gas tank leaked gas too; and I found the fix. I kicked it to the curb and bought a Troy-Built. Problem solved. The Lawn-Boy had drive issues as well.
My last 3 mowers were salvaged from the trash,cleaned fuel tank,new sparkplug, changed oil=free mower,haven't bought a mower in years. Ps.clean. air filter.
James, I couldn't help but notice @16:48, it appears to have been double gasketed on the fuel bowl (maybe). Could definitely be the reason for both the leak and the poor to no run.
Hi James, is there a reason for the BOLTS in the side of the new tank, perhaps for support or ballooning out the side of the tank ?
It would be educational to some of the viewers if you put a little water in the gas so they would know what it looks like. Nice video.
I have the same mower - Engine PH-XT675-2011. The tank leaks from the cap too. I have just left it, but I'm going to check for out-of-round. Thanks!
Back in the '60's, when I was a kid. A neighbor of my was a Toro Dealer; he would bring home new mowers and let me try them out!
I have the same mower. Cap feels like its always cross threading. But no leak so far. I wouldn't spray ff on there unless the grass has been removed