Welcome to Mister Potter's Garden. We're located in Central Maryland zone 7A, and growing outdoors year round. We've had mixed results in winter, but we're getting better. We don't post too often, so turn on notifications to see our latest videos. - Clay.
Great video! Was working on the neighbor's LT1000 and needed some guidance. Your video answered all of my questions - except one. What is the mechanism that returns the choke into the open position once the throttle is moved out of the choke position? I see it happening in your video, but it does not happen on the neighbor's lawnmower. My guess is there a missing or broken spring somewhere to force the choke to return to the open position, but I can't find a reference drawing showing that. Any ideas what the issue might be? Thanks.
I'm pretty sure the choke IS spring-loaded open. I can't remember how, and it's not my mower. I will look and post the answer, but it will be a few days.
We have blades that may fit your mower. We're happy to offer you the product completely free of charge in exchange for a video review. Are you interested?
In a word, Yes. Some springs are more important than others. There are multiple springs in the throttle/governor/choke system. All work together to start the engine and regulate its speed. I've been told the long thin spring hiding below that piece of linkage is there to keep the linkage from falling out. The engine will run without it, but unpredictable things can happen if the linkage falls out while you are cutting. As a general rule, all the pieces are there because some engineer decided the cost of adding them was worth the increase in safety or performance. Making alterations to your engine is beyond the scope of this video. Safety first, performance second, efficiency third!
That mower still cuts 3/4 ac. every week. It's old so it doesn't have an hour meter, and some day it will give up the ghost; but for now it just keeps going and going and ...
Thanks. I learned a lot trying to make that video ... and I learned some more from commenters. There are some real experts out there willing to share with us Average Joe's. Good luck with your project.
Jeez, 2 years without comments?? Let me be the first to thank you for this, man. Did you use fertilizer or other nutrients? Because I'm stupefied about how those crops grew with that little bit of soil.
The most important thing is to keep the soil moist, but you have to feed container plants with something. You can use a potting soil mix with fertilizer in it, and that may be all you need. The plants will only be in there a couple of months. You could use an organic fertilizer or compost tea. It only takes a wee bit because the pot is so small. I used old fashioned Miracle Grow (blue crystals) mixed to about 1/3rd strength, and I used it to water about once every three weeks. It's a high-nitrogen fertilizer, but that's Ok since I'm not looking for flowers or fruit. Good Luck!
Forgot about the spring that connects between governor arm and the throttle arm controlled by the throttle cable. That spring allows the governor to be controlled by the throttle plate and its position via spring tension.
Some others have commented about the long thin spring. Here is part of my response from below: "4) There is this super thin spring that runs under the rod that connects the governor to the throttle plate which I didn't mention in the video. Re-watch starting at time stamp 3:28, When you get to time stamp 3:47 you can barely see the spring under the rod when I manually move the throttle plate by pushing on the governor. I think that spring is MANDATORY for the governor to function properly." I'm going to pin your comment at the top so everyone will see it first. Thanks, Clay.
@@claypotter378 the light spring that goes between the governor arm and the carb throttle arm within the same holes as the actual rod serves a purpose of keeping the rod from falling out of its connection by keeping constant tension between the carb throttle plate and the governor arm. It would be a rarity for that rod to fall out but apparently the engineers had it happen during their R and D. Even it did fall out the throttle plate would return to idle by its own spring.
My mower is slightly different but works in the same manner. For some reason when I start the mower it immediately starts shooting WAY high in the RPM's to the point where it would blow up if not dealt with. I have to manually close the throttle to keep oxygen from getting into the engine which then shuts it off. any ideas on how to solve this?
The throttle plate (not the choke plate) should automatically open and close to regulate RPM. If it doesn't: 1) Check the idle screw (if it has one) to make sure it's not holding the throttle plate open too far. 2) Check to make sure the throttle cable is properly positioned in the cable clamp. 3) Check to make sure the throttle plate is open when the engine is off and the throttle is set to low. (it is spring-loaded open - the governor system should close it as soon as the engine is running) 4) Check to make sure the throttle plate opens and closes easily with finger pressure. The carb may be dumping too much gas into the engine and the governor system is revving the engine to burn it. Or there could be a problem with the governor system itself. Make sure the governor vane moves freely and is able to move the throttle plate without sticking. It's a spring-loaded balancing act, but will give trouble-free service once you find the problem. Good luck with the repair. Let us know what was wrong.
@@claypotter378if I understand this correctly. In the video at 4:10 the governor/throttle is closed (choke position)? 4:05 is slightly cracked open, then closed and closed again in the choke and run position?
I wasn't very clear in my explanation of how the throttle plate moves. Maybe this will help: 1) The governor does not work when the engine off, so the throttle plate will be open no matter what position the throttle is in. 2) As soon as the engine starts, the governor will push the throttle plate closed against the idle screw - or at least nearly against the idle screw. This is super important! Make sure it does or the engine will rev uncontrollably. (Like yours does.) 3) Push the throttle plate closed against the idle screw, and then back the screw out until it doesn't touch. Then screw it back in a couple of turns so it opens the throttle plate just a wee bit. You can fine tune the idle speed once the engine is running correctly. 4) There is this super thin spring that runs under the rod that connects the governor to the throttle plate which I didn't mention in the video. Re-watch starting at time stamp 3:28, When you get to time stamp 3:47 you can barely see the spring under the rod when I manually move the throttle plate by pushing on the governor. I think that spring is MANDATORY for the governor to function properly. Let us know what you find. P.S. My previous reply has some miss-statements which I have corrected.
@@claypotter378 thank you again. I’m currently waiting for a diode to arrive so I can get the mower running as I ran into another issue. I’ll use this information to the best of my ability because as I said earlier, my mower is different. I did rewatch and see the small spring/line you mentioned but my mower actually doesn’t have that. And after watching other videos of people working on the same exact mower as mine, I confirmed it’s not needed to run. I’ll give an update when I replace the diode and hopefully get it running! In case you know anything about it, my mower is the Craftsman Kohler 15.5hp 42” inch mower (CV15S)
I've only worked on one with a Kohler engine (LT2000 model?). It had two problems: Automatic fuel shut-off was stuck closed so the engine wouldn't start; and a stuck open float dumping too much gas into the engine - it ran too fast and smoked. A good carb cleaning fixed both problems. I never saw that mower again so I guess it still works. Upload a video of your repair. Maybe it will help someone else.
This is very similar to mine - and I have a stupid question. So throttling all the way up is just for starting and normal running condition is when the throttle is in the mid position where the throttle 'clicks' in place? I ask because when I try to throttle past middle position, it wants to choke and die. I've been chasing my tail trying to figure out why.
Your understanding of operation is correct: The choke plate should only be closed when the throttle is pushed all the way. When you pull the throttle back to the "click" run position, the choke should fully open. The choke plate is spring-loaded to open so it should open automatically when the throttle is moved to run. If the choke is partially or fully closed when the throttle is in run, you should be able to adjust it by moving the throttle cable back and forth in the cable clamp until its in the right place. - Clay. P.S. If your engine isn't running fast enough in the run position, it could be almost anything. I had a Troy-built tiller that wouldn't throttle up to full speed last spring. Turns out it was just a really dirty air filter. Tilling clay into powder makes a cloud of dust and the filter was totally clogged. I'm surprised it ran at all.
@@claypotter378 Thank you, very informative. So, yeah, I don't feel like it's running fast enough in that running (clicked) position. But I really have nothing to base this on, as I bought it used. I'm very good about keeping clean filter and oil. She gets the job done, so maybe I should leave well enough alone.
If the motor is running smoothly and you just want a little more RPM/hp, look into "adjusting" the governor spring. I can't go into details here - and don't go too far - but you may find your solution there. - Clay.
I've moved my repair videos to another RU-vid channel called "The Hapless Handyman". There are a couple more LT1000 videos in the series. I haven't posted anything new recently, but those older videos still get a lot of views. Happy Holidays! - Clay.
There are more informative videos on RU-vid that are worth searching for. Good luck with your project. Post a link here to any videos of your overhaul so we can all benefit. Best of luck! - Clay.
Glad it was helpful! Grass cutting season is over here in Maryland Zone 7A. It's time to start year-end maintenance and get ready for next season. - Clay.
We shred our leaves, then layer them with grass clippings and dirt in the compost bins. We add in anything else organic we can find like: kitchen scraps, dead plants, and rain gutter trash. The time we spend making compost now leads to a better garden in the spring. South Jersey is much like here, but you have a sandy component in the soil that is better than our pure clay. I have fond memories of Uncle Dewey's Outdoor BBQ on the way to and from the Jersey Shore. - Clay.
Mr. Potter, you pulled me out of a fix! I was replacing the carb on my riding mower, and when I got to the linkage, the the choke rod fell off. I hadn't looked at it prior to that, as I thought the control end of the rod was connected to something. Just couldn't figure that one out when trying to reattach. Came in and watch your video, and voila! The rod doesn't attach there, it just gets pushed. BTW, for those of you who watch this video, My B&S is a 13.5 hp, but it's the same configuration as Mr. Potter's 17.5 hp. I'm tellin' ya, if I had a buck for every time a RU-vid video helped me do a job................ Thank you, Thank You, Thank You
Glad you found it helpful. RU-vid has pulled me out of a jam many times. If you shot a video of your fix, post a link here to help the next guy along. - Clay.
They will do fine in a light frost. If you are expecting a freeze, I recommend you put a row cover of some kind over the plants. Start them now (as transplants?) so they will grow to a decent size before winter. I don't know why, but for me they take longer to mature than the package says. And they grow really slow when it's cold. Let us know how you do. - Clay.
I rarely comment but I just bought a used replacement engine for my LT1000 when the motor exploded (check your oil before you mow) and I can understand how to attach the throttle cable to the plastic slider but I had no idea how the other parts worked and was worried it wasn't done properly. Your video explained how and why each part works so I really appreciate it.
It's nice to hear from a viewer who finds one of my videos helpful. I hope your engine swap is a success. And yes I agree, you should always check the oil before you cut. A friend's son blew up the engine in his mower; and when asked about the dry crankcase, shrugged and said, "I don't know what kind of oil it takes." To which dad replied, "When the engine is out of oil, it takes ANY KIND!"
Thank you for the information. I got a question. I had to replace the coil in my Briggs and Stratton 13.5HP after I did that there is a wire that post to connect to the coil called a kill switch does that have to be plugged up in order for it to RUN
Very informative video explain how the throttle linkage work. Hipa supplies all kinds of small engine parts and we are looking for youtubers to work with to share more tips and trick on repairing. Are you interested in a collaboration on making a small engine repair video?
Hi! Thanks for reaching out. I'm curious how this works, but I don't know if I can be of much help. I'm migrating my repair videos to another channel called "Hapless Handyman". It has less subscribers at present but gets more views, so in the long run I think it will be better. - Clay.
It's a great addition to a small backyard garden. This one is in its third year and has been very productive. Based on quality, fitness for its intended purpose, and price, I'd give it 5 Stars! - Clay. P. S. The cover is put away in mid-spring and re-assembled in the fall. At some point in the future the plastic cover will need to be replaced. It would be great if you guys added a tab to your website so replacement covers are only a couple of mouse clicks away. Thanks!
Yes that works to free up the engine; but then when it sits unused for a long time, it seizes up again. Maybe I need to go fishing more often to keep the engine from sticking! - Clay. P. S. Still looking for an engine cover.
When we started taking this thing apart, I didn't fully appreciate how much corrosion we'd have to deal with ... and the need for a bunch of specialty tools! It's still a work in progress. - Clay.
Generally speaking, I no longer engage in political commentary on this channel because it's just too divisive; however, I'm making an exception here because you posted your comment on the day our DOJ indicted former President Trump, and our FBI released documents to Congress implicating President Biden. It's possible government has pissed off the entire country in a single day. Now that's what I call efficiency. I wonder if that was their goal? Now go outside and make some stuff grow - unless you live in New York. Now that Quebec has made the air unfit to breath, you should probably stay inside. - Clay.
Thanks! Although I've added Grand Rapids, Red Sails, Thai Oak Leaf, and Drunken Woman to the leaf lettuce varieties I regularly grow, none of them are as productive and robust as Black-Seeded Simpson. Your results may vary. - Clay.
The next time I have the chance, I'll look for "the tiny long spring" you mention. Is it connected to the choke plate or the throttle plate? I didn't see one, but that doesn't mean it's not there. Thanks! - Clay.
Very good video. I have a 2012ish LT2300 Set up very similar if not exactly the same. My engine keeps “surging” and was not responding to my throttle control, so I figured the linkage was off a little. Can’t wait to look so it again after seeing this.
Shoot a brief video of the problem and the repair, put it on your channel, and put a link here so others will see it. It could be a linkage problem, a carb problem, bad gas, a vacuum leak ... I always learn something watching other DIYers solve problems. Good Luck! - Clay.
Good question! When the blade engagement mechanism is functioning smoothly, the clip seems fit for its intended purpose. I don't know if the broken cable was the original (twenty year old) cable or a replacement. The clip is definitely the weakest link. If the old cable wasn't cut up from laying on the belt and pulley, I would have cobbled together a make-shift clip from metal bits. - Clay. P.S. The quarter of a roll of electrical tape the previous owner used to re-attach the broken clip did not work at all.
@@claypotter378 my brother took off the carburetor. And I have no idea how to get the choke and throttle to work together. And the butterfly, I’m assuming choke? Is not moving right. Any help would be awesome. Thank you
I talked to the owner and he said Ok. It might be a couple of days before I can gain access 'cause he hasn't gotten it out for spring. I've been on both sides of the brother/lawnmower thing. My brother pulled one apart and abandoned the project; and then I pulled his apart and haven't finished putting it back together. So many broken lawnmowers ... so little time. - Clay.
Good luck. Mark the holes where the linkages are inserted before you take it apart. I was careless and am not sure I got them back in the original holes - introducing a variable. Measure the length of the throttle arm on the old and new carbs too. The governor system will compensate to a certain extent, but the geometry of the throttle linkage matters. Make a video of the repair and post it on your channel. If you paste a link in a comment here, others may find it and benefit. - Clay.
I think RU-vid just does what it wants. If you go against the grain, but not against the guidelines. You'll get "shadow banned". Where you just stop showing up in feeds, notifications don't show up, and basically people have to look for you, rather than stumble across your videos. Also, I've noticed on my most popular videos, I have the most comments/activity in there.
I discovered your channel last year while researching for my garden. You inspired me to start a channel. Do it for fun even though no one's going to see it.
When I started my channel it was for me and family. Videos are a useful tool to go back in time and see what worked and what didn't. The pandemic made my videos interesting to a slightly wider audience, and now I keep posting them on RU-vid hoping to convince a few others to go outside and make some stuff grow. I have no delusions of making a living from RU-vid ... but maybe someday it will pay for my annual seed purchases!
It does seem that way, but I haven't given up. There's a lot going on around here these days. You may have noticed I haven't uploaded a video in 5 months. I was getting 250+ views a day; but then views started falling, and each new video accelerated the decline so I stopped uploading. Somehow I broke my channel and I have no idea what happened. Nothing from RU-vid to suggest a problem. Views bottomed out at 25 a day - down 90% from the peak. Now that I haven't uploaded a video for nearly half a year, my channel is starting to rebound - so obviously this has nothing to do with me. I'm monitoring the channel and replying to comments; but I don't want to upload content because of the damage it causes. Strange times we live in.
Well you're running out of time. I saw them once in Virginia about 20 years ago. They were the opening band for Chicago! Best concert I ever attended. The original line-up pre-Michael MacDonald. Jesus is just alright with me ...
Takes me 2 hours to service my tohatsu 3.5 every year. I clean the plug, disassemble and clean, carb, change the lower oil, clean the tank, and fuel filter, check the pullstart, check the impeller and shear pin and prop. I put anti-seize on all screws. I do this every year. I’m a full time cruiser. It almost always starts first pull.
Can you post a link to a youtube video showing your annual service process? I (and a few others) would like to see what you're doing. Especially how the cover comes off, and gear oil change. Does this impeller need maintenance? (my atomic 4 has a grease cup that requires refilling) Thanks for sharing.
That has been my experience. When the flowering process starts, the lettuce gets too bitter to eat. I haven't tried saving seeds because we grow several varieties all together and the seeds won't be true to kind. As an aside: Several of us grew various pepper plants this year that were not true to kind: Poblano Chilis the size of Jalapenos, Jalapenos that grew pointing up like big Tobascos and were yellow and green, and Pepperoncinis that had no zing at all (they looked right but tasted like bell peppers). All were seeds from national seed companies. Anyone else having this problem? - Clay
We laid in the main bearings and checked them with plastic-gage. They all look good. Then the whole thing got set aside for other projects. Hopefully we can finish the rebuild over the winter. Next step is to gap all the rings.
Welcome aboard fellow defender of Water, Soil, and Air. It is our 100th Anniversary! I wish I'd seen your post earlier: I would have attended. - Regards, Clay.
We're setting out lettuce, spinach, kale and cabbage now. We'll eat some over the fall and replace it as we go. You never know how rough winter will be here in Maryland Zone 7A - it can be mild, or we can get heavy snows and have the temp reach 0 degrees F. We've always had some plants survive the winter. Give it a try and let us know how you do. Good Luck!
