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Simple fixes will shut a lot of people down because they don’t even try for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include: lack of interest, intimidation, lack of tools, lack of confidence, lack of time, and lack of self sufficiency. We are a specialized society that has become used to...

First thing I would do is clean carburetor, run and test under load. That doesn’t do it, check/adjust valves.

The tank crossover valve is either on the left position, for the left tank, or on the right position, for the right tank. There is no middle position that has fuel flow to both tanks.

Was just thinking about you this week Star Tech. If a person has skills, knowledge, experience, and a positive attitude, it really makes a great deal of difference. Let’s just say the phrase, “attitude is everything” isn’t just a saying.

I don’t even know of a machinist in our area that will grind valves. When you factor in your time back and forth, and paying labor cost, it would be on the expensive side. Even new valves need to be lapped in to the old seats.

There is no way a 1/4” or 1/2” deck belt is making that much difference. Is it a manual blade engagement, or has a PTO switch? Do you see a way to adjust the belt tension? There usually is.

Front tires should be closer to 20 pounds of pressure, and rear tires closer to 12 psi. Put mower on level concrete and get out your tape measure. At this point pick a spot on the deck as a reference point and measure side to side in front and back. Front of deck should be pitched about 1/4”...

Maybe over time and usage, the engine developed just enough play that the starter wasn’t lining up exactly right. Glad you got it fixed. Lots of customers think their battery is strong and good. I load test it in front of them, and reality sets in quickly.

Yes, new Spartan keypad consoles come with a 3 year warranty. I have seen several over the years that either new a new keypad console or complete wiring harness. Take it to the dealer in this instance would be my recommendation.

I don’t have a valve grinder, and surprisingly, most people don’t. Most people don’t even know what valves do, much less how to lap them. When a valve moves by turning with your fingers while under spring tension, that is what lapping helps prevent. When a valve leaks when you put gas on the...

Either the carburetor anti-afterfire solenoid (most likely), or a start/run relay bad. These carburetor solenoids go bad with consistency on customer equipment.

My ultrasonic cleaner saves time and works great! I use about 3 parts water and 1 part Super Clean.

Good possibility, based on your description, it is the starter solenoid. Next time engine only clicks, remove protective red rubber boot(s) and cross two main terminals with a screwdriver. I bet it starts.

Some aftermarket carburetors run great, except they hunt and surge. They are set up a bit leaner from the factory in China. It can be a very frustrating experience to try to get them to quit hunting and surging. Check to be sure gaskets are in good shape and installed properly and carburetor is...

If it is your mower, you can decide to add more safety switches (sort of joking), or disable safety switches. The liability and responsibility is on you. The manufacturer installed safety switches because people are not always the brightest, accidents happen, and liability. About 2 (usually...

Lapping valves also increases the compression. When valves and the seats are pitted and carboned up, it really affects the engine performance.

You can replace a camshaft in a used engine for less than half of what a new engine costs. Tariffs have been overhyped and used as excuses a lot lately. Most tariffs have not even taken affect and are just being used as a tool to get the countries in line that have been ripping off the good...

Broken baffle that helps maintain the proper vacuum to cut the grass correctly. I have fixed 2 or 3 already this year. It catches on something when mowing and rips off the deck.

Transaxles normally take 20W-50 synthetic.

I would not say this happens quite often, more like rarely.

Sandpaper and a stiff wire brush.

Always check valves before flywheel key. Rarely is it a sheared flywheel key, but you should be surprised how often something wrong is going on with the valves.

I have 9 chainsaws and run 87 octane, 10% ethanol in all of them, including all my other handheld equipment. I realize most people, including my customers, run premium fuel with no ethanol. I guess a part of me does this to be different and to prove that you can. It is not uncommon to be able to...

Auto Doc’s- The anti-afterfire solenoid on carburetor has nothing to do with keeping fuel from hydro locking engine. That is the needle and seat’s job. You say to use fuel shut off valve diligently. You of all people should know this.

Some people have trouble listening and learning. Some people think their skills exceed reality. Most people, gratefully, are not like this.

Also had starter issues. Also need to check the engine mounting bolts for tightness. Be sure to pull engine shroud and check top bolt bolts for tightness and that eliminates potential destruction down the road. The Kohler Courage engines have given Kohler kind of a black eye I believe. Kohler...

I only accept check or cash. Never had a bad check. I very rarely do engine or transaxle swaps for customers. I am a one person shop and am more tune up, and repair focused then major projects. As I have gained experience I have realized my tools, skills, and knowledge have added value and...

Auto Doc’s- Have you ever purchased any used engines or transaxles from EBay? If so, what were your results? Anyone else that has personal experience with used engines or transaxles from EBay is welcome to chime in.

Step 1). Load test battery and clean and tighten all connections. Step 2). Check valve clearance and adjust as needed. Step 3). Listen, learn, and don’t overthink things.

Red and tacky is all I use and buy it by the case. If it were so bad (slomo) how do they sell so much of it? Ha ha 2x

Is is a Craftsman trimmer that few shops will work on. Stop throwing parts at it, you may not even have sufficient compression. Go buy a Stihl, Echo, Husqvarna, or Redmax trimmer and your issues will be solved for years to come.

Cylinder is scored, valves need to be ground or at least lapped, probably need to replace rings. May be time to chuck it and get another engine.

The point of this entire discussion is that customer service in general, has gone down. From fast food to freight and everything in between. Accurately has decreased, experience is lacking, attitude is not always good, and listening skills are not what they need to be. I try to spoon feed...

Rapid clicking when cranking engine usually indicates low battery. People often think their battery is good without ever using a multimeter or load tester.

Need more information. Model number of engine, more details in general.

Do a compression test then if you think the cam has slipped. If you think it is getting no fuel, bottle feed the carburetor to test.

You have to look for a slight bump in either exhaust or intake in order to diagnose for sure, that the compression release on the camshaft is broken. If you do not know how to do this, watch YouTube videos or do more research. This is the only sure fire method of properly diagnosing a broken...

I got a free Tanaka trimmer from a customer last year and it is now my main trimmer. I am also loaded up on equipment to go through and sell. Remember, it pays to be nice.

Go online and look for possible owners manual in pdf form.

The tensioner pulley mounted on the arm should not be floppy. Chances are it has a worn bushing or bearing and needs to be tight and move freely.

Look at the engine itself. Forget the manuals. Look at the base of the engine for a drain plug with a flashlight.

Honda quit making push and self-propelled mowers about 2 years ago. This mower just purchased must be new old stock. It is still under warranty, so take it to an authorized Honda warranty shop to get it checked out. No, it is not normal at all for a Honda GCV170 to smoke a little or a lot. Great...

Gator line (has a thin metal wire that runs the it in the middle). Vortex line (black in color and is great stuff). Any line that has twists, corners, and is not totally round cuts better.

Well, the only part you have not changed is the belt. As long as all pulleys, spindles, alignment, etc. are good, it should be good with a new belt. Old belts that get twisted sometimes don’t work once they are compromised.

The Kohler Courage is a dog. It has several problems and you can read about them online. Keep oil in it and run it.

I love working on Stihl equipment! Stihl is the most common handheld equipment in my area. My success rate for getting Stihl equipment starting and running well is very high as long as there is good compression.

Most newer riding mowers that aren’t ultra cheap have foot pedal forward and reverse control.

Take a heat gun and run it around the two halves of engine case where gasket is.

Anyone that sends back $10 parts that don’t work for a refund needs to seriously reevaluate life.