Recent content by ktpnw

Thanks all. I cleaned the carb and drained/replaced the oil and filter (which by the way, what a mess. Need to get one of those quick drain tube things). It now runs better, still doesn't like full throttle but runs plenty well enough to drive around and mow. I haven't yet noticed more gas in...

Excellent, thanks. Yeah it sounds like opening up the carb is the next step. As I said I've done that on a Honda CX500 (V-Twin motorcycle) so I've got no problem getting in there. I did also just now notice that the oil seems quite thin and has a gas smell - it seems like there's gas in the oil...

This is a great resource, thanks much

I forgot to mention, he said it was a basically brand new engine when it "blew". Less than 5 hrs, and from looking at the oil and general state of it, I believe it. My guess is he didn't tighten the spark plug enough in assembly.

This weekend I picked up a riding mower for $50 from a buddy manages a farm, it is a Craftsman LTX1000 with a Briggs & Stratton 24HP Commercial Series engine (not the stock engine). My buddy described the engine as "blown". He said he was mowing, heard a loud bang and lots of black smoke, and...