This channel was started with the "let's try filming this, it might help someone out" mentality to share the repairs I do on (mostly) non-running discarded/neglected outdoor power equipment (and anything else I find interesting). No garage or fancy repair shop, I work out of my back yard and a small workbench in my basement while sharing as much information as I can along the way. I hope these repair videos help others gain the confidence to fix their own equipment and keep good equipment out of the landfill.
Please keep in mind: - I do this in my free time, so the upload schedule may vary and/or be inconsistent based on project and time availability. - I'm a hobbyist and am not a trained professional. The information shown in these videos is not intended to be used as formal instruction and/or a "How-To", but I try to show and explain as much of the process as I can. Please use all necessary safety precautions when attempting any repairs yourself.
Greetings. If I may suggest, on that last start up right after the oil change when the engine is cold, prime it 10 times and it will start much easier. I have the same machine, the exact model and I prime it 10 times Per the directions. Also, we’re waiting on this year’s video on this machine
This video was great in trouble shooting my EM250 oil leak. The instructions very clear and solved my problem of blade oiling. For the special torx screw a set of security bits purchased years ago on line worked great
Great video! I had a Toro and a LawnBoy version of this exact deck style this summer, sold them both off because they weren’t self propelled models though. Something I like to do when changing the earl is to start the mower then clamp off the fuel line. When the carb runs dry and the engine stalls then it’s warm enough plus there’s no fuel in the carb bowl to leak into the engine while it’s tipped up. I also make sure it’s on the compression stroke too, just in case. I agree, you can tell from the (lack of) witness marks that the belt was never on there right.
I'm glad you were able to show the gray metal debris in the oil. One thing I wanted to mention. I had to overfill the oil in a customer's mower. By the manufacturer specification. He seized two mowers before he came to me. He has a hill in his front yard, and it was causing oil starvation. It too called for 15 oz of oil. Older mowers like the quantum engine call for 18 Oz. He hasn't had a problem since. Don't get me started on "the lifetime oil".
yeah the gray cloud is the problem I have with the "check and add" marketing campaign. It makes sense that oil consumption rates require adding more oil which "replenishes" a certain percentage of older oil, but I can't get around leaving break-in material in there forever.
I just purchased one of these for $50. It starts and runs good, but the throttle vibrates and moves down to idle. Any ideas on how to tighten or fix this issue?
Looking at mine, I don't think there's a spring that keeps tension there and the lever pivot is held in by a larger diameter rivet. Outside of just replacing it, it may be possible to remove it and pein the rivet-end to get a tighter fit around the throttle lever. I think either way you're looking at removing it
Good repair. So much gets thrown away without service attempts but I get it. Some folks just not their thing. I personally get satisfaction tearing down, diagnostics & the fix. 1 thing I do toss is weed eaters. So much cylinder scoring … not interested in them anymore. Unless it’s a very expensive one! Good video. (SUBd)
I'd recommend browsing the Oregon website and look for one that fits Homelite with that square cutout for the chain tensioner/adjuster. You may not have the best selection of bar length, but it does look like some are available there
I typically do that, but this one didn't really have a good spot to keep a screwdriver engaged on the rope drum. Could have probably used a clamp to hold it too now I think about it
The previous owner could have just purchased and electric starter for it instead of throwing it away. I guess one man's trash is another's treasure....literally.
I pulled a Craftsman Gold Series self propelled mower out of someone's trash a couple of weeks ago. It was covered in mud, and clearly hadn't run in a while. When I pulled on the cord, the engine came to a dead stop, so I decided to turn the blade by hand and see if it would make a full revolution. When I looked at the underside of the deck, there was approximately 2 inches of hardened grass buildup going all the way around the underside of the deck, and it was preventing the blade from turning. I scraped all the grass away, and the engine turned normally. I put a little gas in it, pulled the cord five or six times, and it fired right up and ran perfectly. It started on the first pull the next time, and has every time since then. I am going to change the oil and filter, but beyond that, there was nothing wrong with it at all. It runs and cuts great. It got thrown away because they never cleaned it. I got another little Murray push mower out of the same pile, and it just needed a valve adjustment, carb, and fuel line. It only needed the carb because it had been sitting. I'm always shocked when people do not investigate something before throwing it away. I got both of these mowers out of the trash, and got both of them running for $9 and a piece of fuel line.
I was debating evaporust/vinegar bath and then epoxy putty, but I didn’t have either of those on hand. I also don’t have a torch for brazing in my arsenal yet either. Maybe I’ll hold off tossing it to do a short video on repairing that tank in the future
I used to have a similar Craftsman compressor. It was trash the day I bought it. Bought a better one, and eventually sold it to a pawn shop. I'm convinced they only offered the scrap value.
Completely understandable and I don’t think you’re alone lol. I just prefer to wait until I have a working machine to keep it “as-found” and unchanged for troubleshooting before I go to clean it.. unless of course its going to get in my way during a repair
The downside for that combo tank/carb from Amazon is more than likely the hole the air cleaner bolt screws into in the carburetor is metric in size whereas the long screw is SAE. I had to build up the air cleaner screw to get it to hold in the Amazon combo tank.
I was actually thinking the Venturi insert might have been different for the different HP rating. Probably should have taken the donor apart to compare and confirm that
Great job! Those little Briggs engines run forever. I’ll bet it would always start on the very first pull with a new diaphragm, but still a couple of pulls is nothing.
Hey dude, I like your channel but also I guessed that there was no compression before you even said it. This is Eric from San Diego California. I knew that because I used to do small engine repair quite a while ago up in northern Arizona.
I have one similar to this. The head cover cracked in half while I was using it in the winter. I have had no luck being able to find any parts for it. So disappointing.
