Recent content by grumpyunk

Is it possible your muffler got filled with mud dauber buildings? They will find semi protected spots and start to add mud if not disturbed. That could cause exhaust gas backup/back pressure that would make the engine able to run for a while and then ... not. Had that happen on a SYM Super 9...

Good luck with the new carburetor. The results seem mixed for new imports. Some brands work right out of the box, and others become another problem area. Most(not all) will get the engine to start and run, which would be a good thing. Be prepared for the float to be sticky when you first...

You might be concerned that the throttle will be wide open when the engine is at rest. That is normal, as the governor will close the throttle to control rpm once the engine has started. The manual engine speed control just adjusts spring tension set to open the throttle which is matched by...

Look for scored surfaces. Those are the bits that leak and reduce performance. If you cannot get a very smooth surface using abrasive paper and a flat surface, it likely may disappoint. Don't be afraid to spend a bit more on the parts you find questionable. Pistons and cylinder that are...

Run and stall sure sounds like a fuel flow problem to me. Ima few years behind you but still able to do a lot of things I expect will be more limited in a few years. I would remove the fuel tank, and check the outlet fitting for debris that can get drawn to the outlet by fuel flow and...

All the mowers I have used did not vibrate excessively. If the vibration is happening once the deck is engaged, I would suggest removing the blades and checking their balance. You can balance on a screwdriver through the hub, and the blade should stay pretty level when allowed to move. Remove...

Price based on what you have invested in material, parts and labor. I assume you are not donating your time, and want to be paid for your efforts. I do not think price should be related to a percentage of new. I think it all depends on the machine(brand/mfg), its condition, and the local...

Just my opinion, but I would look for a used AYP(craftsman, poulan pro, and others) and do a bit of refurbishment to make it usable and reliable. I also tend to want a Kohler CV single as the engine. I have a 6 speed geared, but would like a hyrdo sometime in the future. I know very little...

You could have a worn out starter relay. The relay has internal contacts that get a good spark every time the starter is engaged. The contacts arc and get a pitted surface that may become less conductive, and limit current fed to the starter motor. You can jumper across the two large...

Depending on vintage, you may have a safety lockout that kills the ignition whenever it wants. Older models had a black plastic capsule/cylinder with several wires that grounded the magneto when certain switches were open/ closed. It fails in a miserable way, causing misfire intermittently...

Honda engines command a good price when they are offered for resale. If you don't get the crankshaft straightened, you could use a HF vertical mower engine to replace the Honda. Good places to look for a used engine seem to be Facebook and Craigs list web sites. Likely you can find a new...

Have you removed the intake valve guide seal to compare guide heights? One other thing that can help cause guide migration is having clippings and critter nests above the cooling fins on the cylinder and head. The detritus blocks cooling air and causes overheating, which can allow the guides...

The only way to bend a valve is for the piston to collide with a valve that is not on the seat. A sticky valve can cause the valve to remain off the seat. The bent pushrod can be caused by too much clearance allowing the push rod to fall out of the rocker arm and get tangled with the mechanism...

I would take a look at the deck belt mechanism. If you cannot move it far enough to engage fully, so that the blade brake releases completely, then there is something wrong with the mechanism. Many times clippings can build up on the deck, and either start to jam the mechanism, or keep it from...

I think those are kept in the hen's teeth drawer of the parts bin. Never had to find one. I did not look closely at the posted image, but some carb<>governor links use a thin long spring to keep tension on both ends. If that spring is missing or broken, slop on either pivot point can get the...