For the past, well, year almost - I have been without a petrol (gas) mower. I did briefly own an Atco Commodore, but it's best we don't go there!!
Anyway, last week I picked up a Sterling Cyclone (probably unknown here in the UK let alone USA and Canada!) push mower with the Tecumseh Vantage 35 motor.
First of all, it was filthy, the throttle control had broken off, the handle was on upside down and not correctly bolted on and to top it off the oil was black as tar and just as thick!
I have some pictures of it in its original state, which I will attach to this thread along with some during and after pictures (including ones of the horrifically fouled spark plug).
I haven't really done a great deal to the mower, just cleaned it up, changed the oil & spark plug (it ran before but coughed and spluttered like you wouldn't believe), cleaned off the deck which was actually surprisingly clean and corrected the handle. Unfortunately the throttle is still held onto the handle with tape because I cannot find another housing nor do I think I ever will be able to.
I'm not sure why people seem to be so negative about Tecumseh motors though, because even with the fouled spark plug, a miniscule amount of stale fuel and what looked to be 10 year old oil, it fired up on the 1st pull after I got it home. I've never known a Briggs to do that despite them being considered better engines.
Anyway, I'm rambling as usual, so I'll attach a few pictures here for your perusal should they be of any interest to you.
