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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...

I would definitely try to save that old mule, especially if I was doing the work myself. They don’t come close to making that quality of engine. Before getting in to far, I would pull the head and make sure the cylinder was fully good condition FIRST. They can be rebore if needed, but you...

I hate to say this but, “you’re the customer the dealers hate, because they will never be satisfied “. They do their best but, the customer thinks they know more than the dealer and tech and we will never be able to satisfy them. Glad I’m now retired, but still see them and now can refuse service.

My question is what do you mean by “perfect”? Can you get perfect when the handles are not aligned? Many times I’ve got them “perfect “ by tweeting the handles not trying to adjust the hydro. I would also check and make sure the tire pressures are all within specs.

If you’re positive the seat switch is good the next thing to test is the PTO switch.

How did you test it? Some seat switches need a jumper to test.

First place to start is the seat safety switch.

This manual might help you out when you get at the job. https://www.toro.com/getpub/22446

Ok, I understand, but you can see how confusing it looks.

Craftsman, please tell me where in this thread you found the IL quote you posted? I hope you didn’t do that confusing post on purpose. It helps no one.

Engine numbers would help?

First thing I would check is valve clearance.

Exactly!!! My good customers call me a miracle worker, these guys call me stupid.

Have you got any idea what you are asking us to do? Our crystal balls are out of order. Answer IL’s questions before you’ll get any help. Do your home work before you reply.

What gets me are the guys who pick up units at garage sales, auctions, and curb finds, then bring them to me to get running so they can resell it. They get mad at me when I tell them it would cost more to repair than it is worth. Now I’m the bad guy because they are out $$$ because of their...

Maybe this service manual will help you out. https://www.gardentractortalk.com/d3/downloads/20862-GXV610K1-GXV620K1.pdf

If you didn’t use an OEM carb, but purchased one off the web, than could be the problem. Before replacing try this. When you see the leak, set the unit down on concrete and loosen the gas cap. If it stops leaking, I’m guessing your tank vent is plugged.

As Star stated, few little info is available for these 40 year old units. The only suggestion I have is to try and locate a small engine bone yard within reason driving distance. If you are new to scrounging like this give them a call first. I’m lucky I’ve got one within 100 miles and have...

Glad to hear you’re bad in business.

When was the last time you changed the drive belts and checked the idler pulleys? Depending on usage, belts should be changed every 3-5 years and pulleys checked every year.

Check the bushing on that rear wheel, probably worn causing the wheel to catch the bolt, baking it out. I use nylock nuts on those wheels solving the problem.