Recent content by Telesis

As Star indicated the compression testers with the schrader close to the cylinder are key for small engine work. I recommend the Mityvac MV5530. It's readily available for $75-$100 and it comes with spare O-rings and schrader valves. This is, of course, if you are looking to invest in a new...

It's possible the primer bulb is dried out and not making a good seal around its perimeter or has a small crack(s). Given the low cost of a replacement, I'd change that no matter what. Just a thought... good luck!

You mentioned the ground terminal on the switch was "M" and I'm pretty sure that's the kill circuit to the ignition. The "G" terminal is the ground. I would try a jumper between B and S right at the switch. It can be in the off position and it should still pull in the solenoid when you...

I would agree that if you are having to pay someone to do all the work, it is likely not worth it. However, it can be very beneficial and satisfying if you have the capabilities and tools(nothing fancy) to do the work yourself. I bought a JD D105 with a blown 17.5 B&S in otherwise mint...

Forgot to mention, if it is a rod replacement, when you have the piston out, pull the rings and check ring gaps. Since you have it apart, ring replacement is a no brainer if needed!

Have you considered repairing the existing engine? Do you know why it seized in the 1st place? Low oil perhaps? If it's just a matter of the rod seized to the crank, and the piston/rings/cylinder are OK, the repair is pretty basic. Get the rod cap off and double check if piston is free. The...

No hate intended but I have to respectfully disagree with the assertion that the blade should be like a knife. It's well documented on the inter-webs as to the reasons why too sharp is not preferred so I won't repeat them here. A quick search will answer why. Suffice it to say, 'butter knife'...

The way the circuit works normally is you push the dash button and then switch into reverse. Then you can let go of the button. The button energizes a latching relay(K3 in diagram) until you shift out of Reverse which drops the relay out. Electrically, there are 3 basic components to check...

I thought I'd share my 2 cents. If the cylinder and rings were not the issue, and it was the rod freezing up on the crank, I'd offer the following caution (that comes from experience). My experience with this is you can free it up and think all is good but beware! Every engine I've repaired...

I switched to a 60 grit flap disc from a grinder wheel years ago and haven't looked back. So much easier to deal with the irregular contour on the majority of blades I deal with. Very fast on most blades. I also don't try and make it so I can shave with it! Just my 2 cents!

The Briggs service manual you need is the Single Cylinder L-Head # 270962 The good news is you can easily find it here on the interwebs for no charge. Good luck!

This info assumes you have a 2 cycle! Your mileage may vary! In my experience, check that the tank filter is not plugged. Make sure the fuel lines are not rotten and that the tank filter is still attached to the line in the tank. Pull the carb and buy a diaphragm/gasket kit(usually under $10)...

Thanks guys. First, the idle screw on mine is definitely adjustable as you can see in the pic. I think the new Briggs replacement is not adjustable (as well as the cheap Chinese knockoffs that cross to this). I think they are as Star describes. Second, I don't know how the main jet we've...

Thanks for the reply. I have a couple sets of micro-drills and I use a hand-held pin vise with them. As you indicated, I too have had kinda 50/50 luck with ultrasonics. One last question. I've taken a closer look at the pics of the 498298 replacement carb and, like your pic above, I see the...