Recent content by Rivets

Yes, she says “don’t let dummies stop you from helping those who are willing to say I’m in over my head. They will assume that those trying to help are smarter than they are. Not questioning what they are told.”

Either behind the left rear wheel or under the grass catcher cover.

I taught automotive and small engine repair for 30+ years, plus have worked on small engine for 50+ years, I think I know what I’m talking about. I assure you I would never put anything in my procedures which will intentionally harm anyone or equipment. I expected the reply you posted, because...

Ok, as a retired instructor I have to give this one more try, to lead this child through the electrical forest of how to wire an engine into a circuit. I know I’m going to get $./#@ for doing it this way, but at th end those that hate me go to the back of the line. You’re not alone. First I’m...

Ok, that’s a new one on me, but even at my age I’m not too old to learn. I’ve heard of this on a 4- stroke engine, but never on a 2-stroke. Thanks you for teaching this old dog a new trick

If it is in the fuel system, I’m guessing a bad pickup tube on the fuel tank!!! Craftsman, this is a 2-cycle engine.

You state you have good spark at all times and it is not a fuel problem, so only thing left is compression, which I doubt is the problem. Can you narrow down which of these three system was causing the problem, or will it give away the answer?

Your post is very confusing, as I assume you were asking how to wire a motor into your tractor. The manual I posted tells you where each of the engine wires is plugged into the tractor wiring. What I now think you are asking is, does anyone have a wiring diagram of my tractor, so I can wire in...

Here’s a service manual which will help you out. https://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Tecumseh-Service-and-Repair-Manuals/TECUMSEH-SERVICE--REPAIR-MANUAL-3HP-TO-11HP-4-CYCLE-L-HEAD-FLAT-HEAD-ENGINES-692509.pdf

Even if the valve clearance is off you still have to remove the head to get the valves out. That is a good time to check and clean the valve seats and faces. L-head engines are a little more difficult to do the job, but both the cleanliness and clearance needs to be done. Valve clearances are...

Time to remove the carb and give it a good cleaning. Here is a service manual if you have a Loncin engine. https://www.toro.com/getpub/167041

If I remember Tecumseh numbers right, it should be 2005.

This manual should help you identify where each wire goes. https://www.briggsandstratton.com/content/dam/briggsandstratton/na/en_us/Files/FAQs/alternator_replacement.pdf

Not without all the engine numbers. Tecumseh stopped building engines in 2008, so at least 15 years old.

First, the foam air filter which goes over the paper filter should NOT be oiled. My guess is the oil is being sucked from the foam filter onto the paper filter, clogging it up, causing a rich running condition. I recommend you purchase a new paper and foam filter and install them DRY. If it...

Star, in my years of dealing with engines in our cold weather, if I’ve seen it once I’ve seen it a dozen times. The DIY guy takes a tiller engine and mounts it on a snow blower. Can’t understand why it won’t run in cold weather with a frosted up filter. Also, has carb problems even with no...

With an engine that old I’m betting that you have an exhaust valve which is not closing fully. Cause would be carbon buildup around the valve face or sticking valve stem. The only way to find out is to remove the head and check.

Trying to teach someone how carbs work and troubleshoot them is difficult on a forum. We know what to do, but delivering that knowledge can be difficult. Maybe one of these sites will help you understand how Walbro carbs work and give you repair instructions...

I doubt there is a repair manual for the unit, but I you post the Briggs model, type and code numbers, we should be able to find you a service manual and parts list for the engine.

Can you restart the unit after you allow it to cool down? If so the next time it happens check for spark. If no spark I suspect you have a coil which has either a hot short or hot open. Not uncommon for an older unit. Solution replace coil. If you still have spark, we know the ignition...

If you want to do it on your own equipment go ahead, but if you are in business NEVER on a customers unit, unless you have great liability insurance.

I pity the poor tech that has to work on a filter where someone has tried doing this. Try explaining to the customer why they have to pay for a new filter housing.

Did it ever occur to you if you glue the filter to the housing, you will probably ruin the housing when trying to remove it? Notice how easily they warp with nothing applying added pressure to them. These housings warp easily aand it won’t take much pressure to change a flat surface into a...

Are you asking us to post troubleshooting tips for all the different systems on your mower? I don’t have time to do that much typing. How about posting your problem and we can narrow it down to that system. This is a help forum, not a hold my hand while I fix my unit forum. Mst techs here...

Thank you Star for correcting me, I thought it was a vertical engine.

Shouldn’t have to pull the engine to access the coil.

Sounds like your coil has either a hot short or hot open. This means the coil breaks down when it gets hot. Next time it happens check for spark. No spark, time to replace the coil.

How can you test a magneto outside the engine? Today’s magnetos use a Hall Effect trigger which can only be tested with a very expensive piece of equipment. If the plug is dry and you are sure it is firing when installed and you are sure that fuel is not getting to the cylinder, I suspect you...

Are you sure that the engine is not flooded? These 2-cycle engines like to have an accumulation of fuel in th crankcase when the user keeps priming, resulting in a flooding condition. Maybe this manual will help you out. Comeback with more specific questions. https://www.lawnboy.com/getpub/6930

If this manual does not help, come back with more questions. https://www.lawnboy.com/getpub/22446

Why would you think you have the right belt when it is longer than the OEM belt?

Two things I would check. First, the belt would be Lawn Boy part number 71-5381, with a size of 3/8” X 34 1/2. Second, have you checked to make sure that the brake is releasing?

Looks like it should go to the seat safety switch.

Check the battery voltage with the key in the start position. If it drops below 10.5 VDC time for a new battery

Check to see if the battery cables are clean and tight at both ends. Especially the negative to chassis.

Many of the auto parts stores have free loaner programs for tools which you don’t use very often. Far cheaper that purchasing new.

I always instruct new Z-turn customers to position their hands so their thumbs are touching when in neutral. Moving straight, forward or reverse, means their hands are moving as one, turning means the hand opposite the direction you want to turn goes ahead of the other hand, thumbs no longer...

MP, replacing a cam shaft is not as easy as you describe. You forgot to mention that the valve clearance will need to be checked and adjusted after assembly. For the inexperienced guy this can be a challenge.

This is to the OP. If you understood how the fuel, ignition and compression systems work together on a small engine, this thread would have ended 60 posts ago. Reading what you are posting the techs on this forum can see that by not even knowing the names of the components or how that work by...