Recent content by frenchriverco

After replacing the diaphragm does fuel still burp out the cap? There's pressure created by the diaphragm pump and it has to go somewhere. Usually that's through a breather tube. If that's blocked, then perhaps it is pressurizing the tank so the fuel comes out the cap.

As the previous replies have confirmed, this is normally associated with a dirty idle circuit in the carburetor. I wrote an article about this topic here: https://frenchriverco.com/how-to-fix-lawn-mower-surging

Second bertsmobile1. Sounds like a flywheel key shear. This happens when hitting something suddenly, and it also produces a backfire when attempting to start.

Sounds like more than valve lash. Pop the cylinder head off; might be a dropped seat or stuck valve.

Let's start with the simple things first. How clean is the engine? Is the smoke coming from the exhaust or the crankcase? The reason I ask is because when the engine is under load like with wet grass, it exhibits more heat on the block. If there is debris or old oil, this will burn off and...

80 PSI should be sufficient to run. Goal is around 90, but 80 isn't terrible. If it runs on starter fluid or ether, then it sounds more like a fuel supply issue. Perform the usual checks: air filter, fuel filter, overhaul the carburetor. My guess is the carb.

Sounds like a fuel issue. If the carb is clean, check the fuel filter. I'm assuming it's fresh gas...When it dies will it restart and repeat the cycle?

Pump diaphragm or filter screen are common causes for fuel starvation. Burping out the fuel cap though, that's odd.

Only thing I can think of is the transmission. When an engine meets extra resistance, that's when it "bogs down." If it clears up when putting it in reverse, and then forward, it has to be linked to the transmission. Is it a hydrostatic? In either case, I would start by doing a transmission...

I wouldn't think that this would be a seized engine, so to say. It seems too coincidental with the catalyst being the machine in reverse. Check the reverse switch, remove the deck and drive belts. Then try to turn it over with no peripherals connected. That isolates the engine so you can...

Check the PTO. When you hit something with the blades, that "stopping" force is transferred somewhere. The PTO is what drives the blades and is often found underneath the engine on the crankshaft. A small metal rod holds it from moving when energized. This rod can often shear, so the PTO is...

Second Star Tech's post. Leave the kill wire off the ignition coil. If it fires, the coil is good and there's a short somewhere. Inspect the spark plug wire and the kill wire.

It sounds like the oil had seeped above the rings and into the combustion chamber. While most of the fluid returned to the crankcase, as it indicated the correct level, there's a chance that some remained above the rings. This would cause the smoke once the engine was warm. As that oil burns...