l went out yard sale shopping and came across this scotts lawn mower in the free pile. lets see what it takes to bring it back into usable service.and not spend a bunch of cash.
No worries but why not use a cheap android phone like an Samsung galaxy S4 or something and download an editoring app and upload via the phone and put in a massive capacity micro SD card just an idea would be better
I talk to myself without a camera .. People usually have strange looks on their faces when they walk past me .. lol .. Oh well .. I never claim to be sane ..
Aside from Mustie's very soothing voice, personality and manner (not to mention knowledge and skill), the thing that struck me most about this video is how nice it is to have a roomy, well equipped shop -a lift, an ultrasonic cleaner(!), a push to light torch, an air wrench, and a pipe bender that he not only has, but is able to find it in less than 15 minutes. I am envious!
Recently got laid off, got a new job, but with a pay cut. The fact that you are putting these skills to work and share them has helped me pick up side work doing winterizing and tune up work for folks in my town to help make ends meet. I knew a bunch of the basics, but learned some great tricks and tips by watching your videos in the evenings in my down time. Thankyou for all you do.
Mustie's favorite tools: 1. Wire wheel 2. Ultrasonic cleaner 3. Air compressor Mustie's habits that make me raise an eyebrow. 1. Uses whatever oil is in the engine to test, no matter if it's 37 years old. 2. Tests engines without air filters in place but makes sure that damn carburetor is spotless, LOL. I poke fun but it doesn't take away that I think that he's a master mechanic and troubleshooter with a true gift for fixing things. I thoroughly enjoy the videos. :D
I love listening to your videos cause you talk to us like if we were right there with you doing the work. You always make any project fun to watch. Thanks.
A comfy chair, a cup of coffee and a new Mustie video to watch, what more could you need. Gotta say i get a real kick out of seeing filthy carbs going in the ultrasonic cleaner and coming out all fresh.
Anyone who throws away a lawn mower, is being selfish and irresponsible. Any mower could be serviced and made workable (to a certain extant) and passed on to people in need. You did a great job, fixing this old Scott's, those rear wheels were a lost cause, they are cheap plastic wheels. The pull start was the reason they threw it out? incredible and sad how we live in a throw away culture. Excellent video!!
I just want to thank you for taking the time to show all this. I feel like I never learned so much of this kind of thing as a kid and am playing catch up as an adult. I watched it literally front to back and learned a TON!! Thank you so much!
I never get tired of it, either. I can watch for hours! He always ends up doing the right thing. In fixing, in aesthetics, in everything. Even if he is unfamiliar with something he figures it out and fixes it. And the projects he takes on and the toys he has are really cool. And DEALS!! He has the Mida's touch when it comes to yard sales. Getting too thick Mustie? :-)
Excellent video. Coming up on retirement and looking for things to tinker with and make a buck. Been a mechanic on and off most my life. Those little carbs are my sticky part. I've thrown so many out and spent the 30 to sixty bucks. Think its time to dive in and try and fix them. Thanks again and keep the videos coming.
Hey Mustie1 I'm a avid watcher & have began to make small repairs on all my small engine equipment because of your vids. Today I tackled my YardMan plastic Pulsa carb, replacing the diaphragm & gasket, only to find the 'pulse' spring broken. Not having one, I went in my 'hoard' much smaller than yours of course & modified a spring that was close. Runs like a champ now. My wife was impressed. (You know what that means). ;) Thanks for all that you do. You should know that you are making a difference to millions of men & women with what you do. Thanks Again. Stay safe out there. Blessings from Hopatcong NJ to you & the family...
Thanks to watching your videos I was able to diagnose and fix my Husqvarna riding mower. It worked perfectly one week ago and wouldn't start when I tried to mow my lawn. I checked for spark, it was good, checked for air, it was clean.... so it had to be the gas. Shot some starter fluid and it fired right up but died extremely quickly. I took apart the card and cleaned it.... still a no go. Now here is where the videos helped, although I have never seen the fix in one of the videos. There was a solenoid coming off the bottom of my bowl, so I researched what it did. It is a fuel shut off/ anti backfire solenoid..... $60 to replace. Did some more research and found that if I added a shut off valve and ground down the tip it would work just fine. 5 minutes of precision grinding and the mower started within seconds! Thanks for giving me the confidence to tear into my machine and fix the problem!
Me too. Just resurrected a crappy ole Sanli mower left for dead. It is now our go to mower. I call it Mustie, and now my brother is borrowing it as it runs better than the expensive battery start Rover. Hopefully we can pull that apart next.
Great find and fix. I have been doing the self propelled models this year. I am amazed at what people throw away. Thanks for all of your videos and time.
I have two mowers won't start, now that I have learnt the tricks from Mustie1, can't wait to have a go at the 2 mowers tomorrow when the sun is out. You are a guru, Mustie1 !!!
I've been watching your videos for a while but to take a free busted lawnmower, replace the pull cord and clean the carbs.. and then have it start ON THE FIRST PULL. It still blows my mind a little bit. Thanks for another video!
As I face bring the exact same mower back to life, I'm REALLY grateful for this well-explained video. I don't have a shop or garage- or all the tools you do, but if push comes to shove, I won't sound like an idiot when I bring it to the mower guy! Thank you.
most certainly. id do that too. if i hated golf quite alot the clubs would make excellent bar stock for machining or blacksmithing or even for a ratrod.
Most golf club shafts these days are carbon fiber, make good model airplane or quadcopter struts. Cookware looked good. The skis? could be used as traction boards to drive out of mud or sand if you put alot of short bolts through them. Nice to see someone refurbishing a perfectly good mower that was discarded by someone who probably doesn't even own a screwdriver.
I was a Lawn & Garden Tech, among other disciplines, for Sears, Central Florida (long mower seasons) for many years, . I'm retired now (not from Sears) but I still love them old tractors and have a small collection of 7 tractors. I once had a collection of 13 in Palm Coast Florida, but no lawn. I've tore down and put back together those little engines, not spending a dime. Cheaply molded with cracks and pits everywhere, I'd tear them down, seal all the leaks with liquid steel, was in a grey tube, they don't make anymore, put them back together real nice... crank 'em up one pull, run smooth, and no leaks. I often vsaid many times that you can dig 'em up out of a landfill and get 'em goin' inside of 4 hours, I'm happy to have found your stuff here. I cn't get enough of this sort of thng. Thanks. It's very generous and kind of you to take the time to contribute these awesome useful, helpful RU-vids. `John.
Great find and great job getting that mower running! You always make it look so easy! Thanks for putting together this video. It'll help a lot of people!
I love watching these types of videos. As a woman, I have no clue how stuff works, couldn't even change the oil on something..I can't tell you how many things I've taken apart and can't get back together. It drives my husband nuts.
Hey Mustie1, I’ve been watching your vids now for about a week, and they really are helping to shake the cobwebs out of my ancient noodle. I’ve been able to get my Craftsman 16” chainsaw running again after it’s been sitting for 3-4 years. Next “round tuitt” project is to get my weed trimmer going. Waiting on the stupid carb adjustment tool to arrive! Thanks for your expertise and sense of humor.
Pretty entertaining after just comming in from working on a snow thrower. Got it for $49 dollars at the good will. Its a four stroke Toro. Very very clean. It had a dealer sticker from down state by Detroit Mi. I live up North, not across the Big Mac. Anyways. I was going to let it go until I saw the price on a new four stroke Toro snow thrower. It doesnt have electric start but hand pulls easy peasy. I cleaned the carb and changed the oil. Fresh gas and fired right up! So thats three I have ready for sale come November. I buy up stuff dead or dying, fix it and sell it. The money goes for my RC hobby. I fly planes, helicopters and whatever I happen to buy. I am retired/ disabled. Gives me something to do. I enjoy your video just for the entertainment of it. Been doing small engine repair for 25 years. I had my own shop and worked for local shops,so lots of experience. I have to limit what I do now. No more snowmobiles or riding mowers or tractors. At least I try to avoid them. lol.
ah like the humble copper and parts laden microwave oven or the gold plate filled jewelry waiting to happen inside tower computer the motor and gear packed printer or even a crusty vacuum that sucks in a bad way or even a gorgeous ye olde console radio cause ether the person ain't the brightest vacuum tube or living in stupid strict California where straws are illegal and the gov't watches you flush and even more just waiting to be saved or salvaged!
When I was a young boy, I loved to push junked mowers back to our garage and tinker with them-much to the chagrin of my understanding parents-most of the time the recoil springs would be broken-I fought the springs back into the housing, cutting up my fingers-then my friendly neighbor came over and showed me how to connect the end of the spring to the hub, and wind it into the housing-amazing!-no more bloody fingers-thanks for your videos, my friend-looking at the other nice comments, it is plain that we all love you-Namaste!
Your theory on how the carb bulb works is 100 percent correct and you did a very well explanation of how it works and I use shot gun cleaning bits to clean carbs on small engines your welcome DennisCarb that is my whole life 6 to 600 hp since 1984.
Thanks again for another video, Mustie. I am autistic and have huge problems with anxiety. Your videos are just the ticket for me. They give me something to learn, whilst being very relaxed at the same time. You're a good guy, and you make me feel at ease. And laugh, a lot. So yeah, thank you, and please do keep the videos coming. I always look forward to whatever you are going to do next. Andrew, South U.K.
Andrew, i don't know why but this comment kicked me straight in the heart...probably b/c my son has autism as well...mustie1 is a good source of information as well as a funny funny guy...be well friend..Gulf Shores USA
Calming, intelligent with an addictive, charming personality. Darren is an inspiration to many. Do you also feel like you could walk into his garage and you'd know where things are and how to use stuff? I know it almost seems like I've been there and could do anything while there at his garage. Just a friendly, fun classroom with some dirt and dust and grass and snow, etc. Cheers to all. Chuck in NE Kansas
Another follower from the UK, there's alot of us over here mate! You should try fixing some stuff up (if you don't already) it's a great way to lose yourself 'focusing on fixing'. Great sense achievement when you succeed and a good learning experience when you don't! Just don't get addicted to acquiring tools (my problem) Best wishes.
Same here. My son has autism (and I suspect that me too...) and I love Mustie's videos for the same reason as you. I find it very relaxing and I am learning something at the same time. As others have suggested, find something that you can work on and loose yourself in. Works for me! :)
Mike Hale: one of the best drugs in this world: seeing (& hearing) all your labors come to fruition, restoring New Life into these tired old machines ! Mustie`s Livin the dream, eh ?
My Beautiful Wife would have problems with that.... She does so much for me. I feel both blessed and at the same time, It's like I ask her to do too much, I try not to ask but I always feel that way.
To straighten your plastic tires... heat the entire wheel up in the oven to around 150 degrees or so (farenheit), then set it down on a flat surface with a cutout for the hub. Lay a sandbag over the top to weigh it down equally. The blade is upside down, someone also ground it improperly. On the outer side, the chisel points down, but on the inner wings, the chisel side points up. This is a mulching blade.
Brings me back to the good old days watching my dad repair mowers. All the modern tools would have made his job so much easier. I don't think we ever had a new lawnmower. We always had a Frankenstein's monster mower made from scavenged parts. Worked very well. My dad was very talented with his hands. Thanks for the great memory.
As many mowers as I have picked up off the curb and posted on my channel, It is still fun watching someone else do the exact same thing. Thanks for the video!
You brighten my day everytime you bring us a new video Mustie1. Just want you to know your efforts are appreciated. You've inspired me to tackle my oil leaky 1978 Honda cm185 that's sat for 10 years. You made it slightly less intimidating to a novice, and actually got it running though poorly. But learning a lot. Found a 1200watt free generator on the side of the road 2 weeks ago and have it running quite smoothly after cleaning the carb twice. Very rewarding and wouldn't have tried if not for your vids. Big fan, from a VT neighbor.
"Mustie See TV!!" This guy is smart, clever, amusing, modest, entertaining, etc. I'm up too late watching this because he does such a superb job making the subject more than just a chore. Bravo!
Never bought a new mower yet, for the same reason. Throw away world.....just research, learn and fix. Great vid, thanks for sharing. Don't think the scrap man was happy..
Enjoy your videos and your humor. You have a lot of patients to do it till it works. I have tried some of your tricks and had great success. Great job!!!
Awesome, Reminds me of a time when I knew all this. Thanks for the refresher of my memory. I love garbage finds. My favorite price is free! I live in a neighborhood where tons of good things are thrown out with a lot less wrong.
You should be very happy that we are not all standing around your garage yelling at you to do it this way and that way. Hahahaha Thanks for sharing again Darren.
I would like to here more about air compressors and tools, just short tips , tricks and quips about being a mechanic. Thanks I'm learning a lot watching all your videos.
This is a very informative video. I have been working on three different lawnmowers the last two days, got two running, but not before getting very frustrated, after watching you , i feel much more confident that i will get the one left running today. Thank you for your expertise. You keep putting video out, i will watch them all.😁
you've given me a whole new set of eyes and appreciation for my stable of crusty old craigslist small engine machines. I'm looking forward to my autumn maintenance/tune up chores. thanks for the videos and sharing your adventures.
Just fixed a mower set down at the end of a neighbor's driveway - took all of two minutes. I was afraid the shaft might have been bent, but it spun freely in their driveway so I put it in the back of my van on the way home from work to see if I could get it to run. The sign said "FREE - ROPE CAUGHT IN BLADE AND MOWER WON'T START". I took it home, they had already cleaned out any rope that was wrapped around the blade, but the engine cutoff cable had come loose from the handle. Placed the cable linkage back in the mounting hole in the handle, tightened it with a zip tie and viola! Started on first pull. I've been putting up with a smoggy, clunky 35 year-old 2-cycle Lawnboy, and now have a self propelled late model mower. After a good hosing off under the deck, a blade sharpening, clean air filter, new spark plug and some fresh oil, this will be good as new and run for many years to come. Thanks for the inspiration to take on these projects Mustie1! Your channel is a rare gem.
I do this all the time! I fix them on the cheap and run them till they die. Who needs to spend money on a new one? I actually took one from the guy across the street (he was throwing it out), 2 days later he saw me mowing my lawn with it hahaha.
Great video. Bought the cable last week been telling my wife Dunno how to fix .I'm now headed outside to replace my drive cable. Thanks alot. My wife knows youtube how to videos . Damn youtube!! Lol
HI FRIEND I LIKE ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS KEEP UP THE AWESOME WORK I'M 67 YEARS OLD I JUST WISH I'D OF KEP GOING ON I LOVED WORKING SMALL ENGINES AND BIGGER ONES TOO WELL TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE 😅😅TTYL
I have had luck saving electronic devices from water damage by doing the following. 1st remove the battery, next rinse in deionized or distilled water. This is followed by air drying or preferably placing the device in a vacuum container to drive the moisture out. The water is normally not the issue, however the dissolved solids are. Love your videos.. Keep tinkering.
@@manolisgledsodakis873 Not the battery... The device. Rinsing the device with distilled or de-ionized water will remove the dissolved solids and help prevent any electrical shorts. Placing in a vacuum will cause the water to boil off leaving nothing behind. In addition rinsing the battery in those two types of water would not hurt.
I like the fact that you didnt put mud and fake oil looking stuff so it looks 500 years old. Also the fact you did just what it needed and didnt polish every bolt screw and a shinny brass handle for the pull. I cant stand being treated like we are stupid . Anyway thanks for the very informative video I have a mower in about the same shape. I think I'll give it a clean up. Thanks again.
After watching 5 of your vids I got the courage to “fix” a lawnmower I had in my shed that hadn’t been turned on in 3 years. Mannnn let me tell ya that sucker runs so good. Thanks man saved me from buying a new one.
great job. remains me of my first job, right out of a curb rescued mower, turned into my first tool for cash jobs... I was 14,,, fun times in McLean VA
hi been watching reruns of some of your vids because of the shelter in place order in Illinois. i must say even though i have watched almost all your "wrenching"videos i seem to find something new and thought provoking in them. i really like your philosophy or outlook on life.Stay safe and please continue what you are doing,in my opinion you are making a difference to the way people look at old rusty junk i know i do. thank you
You’re a good mechanic man! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your good natured spirit through these terrific videos. I once had a cat that was a mechanic. Every time I stepped on it ‘s tail, it made a bolt for the door!
It’s like I’m hanging around the garage with you. Great instructional style, Mustie. My brother turned me in to your channel. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills.
I had foot surgery Mustie and stuck in my chair for 3 weeks and I have watched every video i think! I feel like I can be your apprentice now. Lol. Your my favorite channel by far and I can't tell you how much stuff I have fixed around my mule farm thanks to you buddy. Plus I would be going crazy right now without your videos. My wife thinks I addicted to old Mustie. She might be right!
Thanks for the video and youtube! My mower wouldn't start at all. I sprayed some carb cleaner in and it will start but won't stay running. Thanks to you, tomorrow I'm going to do my first attempt at taking the carb off and cleaning it. Hubby can no longer do these things with his Parkinson's so I'm learning all kinds of useful things now :)
Learned quite a bit from watching your vids, whether it's wrenchin' on old veedubs, my favourites , or power tools and mowers etc, please keep em coming Mustie, best wishes from England
I like to cut the bad fuel lines ends off and maybe add a fuel shutoff valve and/or a fuel filter ... both are cheap. The shut off valve is like a maintenance valve for carb work or fuel filter changing .... you can check the needle valve too with the bowl off. That's my 2 cents. I like when you tell what the repaired mower sales for new approximately, and how much you'll put it up for sale. You do good adding life to these mowers. We enjoy your videos too.
I've got a MTA mower that didn't work. So I watched your video and "Viola", just like Matrix movie, how to fix a broken mower is downloaded into my head and BAM! Mower fixed..Thanks for the video.
Just wanted to say: "thank you". You've taught myself and my husband so much about repairing engines. You'll got the patience of a saint.....not to mention your knowledge and experience that you share is impeccable. Would love to have one oui f your VW's that you've restored.
There's something satisfying about watching a restoration/rescue/salvage project on mechanical things like cars, mowers and motorcycles. Nice job keeping that mower out of a landfill and giving it new life so it can be used for its intended purpose. Kudos!
Nice find Just goes to show people don't want to put a little work into something and you now have a pretty nice lawnmower for ten dollars Joe... Navy veteran ACU-2
Very nice recovery on both the mower and the camera, thank goodness you did not put it in rice (like people do with cell phones) all that does is make the situation worse!
I've been using 550 parachute cord (aka: paracord) to replace starter ropes on small engines due to the replacement ropes like the one you bought at tractor being cheap and thin. Works well. It's a little thicker than the OEM starter rope stuff, so you may get less length onto the recoil spool. So far, that's not been an issue. Seems to last far longer than the OEM stuff...and certainly longer than the Tractor Supply stuff. 50 feet of it is about $4.00. I once bought a 1000 foot spool of it for $40, so I've got a lifetime supply, hahaha. Keep up the good work - enjoy your vids. :)
I just buy it by the spool on ebay, Stens brand. Its good strong stuff and it has yet to snap on anything I use. Its also thick enough to where, when you have to route it thru the two holes on a recoil where the old string snapped it goes right thru in one shot, without curling. It was cheap enough. Before that, I used to just re-use recoil rope that was long enough from machines that were tossed. I was finally running out of it and got the roll. I probably still have half that roll left and must have replaced the rope on 100 machines recoil by now.
I just love how you laugh of every mistake, frustrating little thing that happens, you seem like a real happy go lucky mkind of guy. I subscribed because I love your attitude and the way you handle everything. Thank you for that.
i enjoy watching these "get yer mower running" videos every April(but not May).tx for your entertaining & informative video..i'll do my best to clean the carb & nozzle,clean up the flywheel & ignition contacts & check the ignition spacing.wobbly wheels are bad on an Audi not a lawnmower. i enjoy your attention to detail & love of screwing with stuff,you have fun with stuff,yay!
I know that engine. It’s the same as in my mower. I almost threw mine away last year but decided to give it a go at fixing it. Mine was leaking gas too but I tracked that down to a cracked plastic tank so I replaced that. It also had a problem with not starting when the engine was hot. What it needed to fix that was a new ignition coil/module. I’ve had my this mower for 17 years and it runs great now. I’m glad I fixed it and didn’t just throw it away. Your videos inspire me to fix things and not just replace them when they have a problem. One more thing, I think the key to longevity in these is to not keep gas in them. I run mine out of fuel almost every time I cut and certainly before putting it away for the winter. Never a problem with the carb.
Nice find! Back when I was in high school I ran a busy lawn-mowing business. Can't tell you how many freebies I got from the curb that cost zero to $10 to get running again. Awesome!!
thoroughly enjoy all your repair videos. Here in Africa there is no giveaway unless you include the removal of your mower from the front lawn while you go inside to get some water to drink
really informative and straight to the point of the video, I really hate the 'banter' that so many of these videos bore you to death with, very well done thanks.
