B&S model 31H7770202E1 18 HP (craftsman LT1000)

[PamG]

VOM=Volt Ohm Meter aka multimeter

Ok so weird thing…just now was able to mow my complete lawn non stop! It’s much cooler today too, but the engine still gets hot.

 

[PamG]

My first thought is trash in the fuel tank. Might flush it out like new. Blow out with compressed air confirming she is spotless. As Bertsmobile1 said, there is clean and there is CLEAN.

New fuel lines might be called for. They deteriorate internally and can block flow. Probably a new fuel filter while you are there. Freshen up the ol' girl.

Awesome! Just figured out how to pull off the cover, so that’s something I’ll look into!

 

[slomo]

Awesome! Just figured out how to pull off the cover, so that’s something I’ll look into!

And clean the cooling fins and block like a new one.

 

[PamG]

And clean the cooling fins and block like a new one.

Any suggestions on what to use to clean them? I have something called “purple power” that’s basically a degreaser…would that work?

Now I just need to find the heat shield…figuring once I remove the cover it should be near the muffler?

 

[slomo]

Any suggestions on what to use to clean them? I have something called “purple power” that’s basically a degreaser…would that work?

Now I just need to find the heat shield…figuring once I remove the cover it should be near the muffler?

Brush off the bulk. Compressed air, scrub brushes and degreaser as you like. You will see ribbed cooling fins that need cleaned. Search youtube on cleaning mower cooling fins. Lots of videos on this critical yearly maintenance step. This is for ALL small engines that are air cooled. Trimmers, blowers and mowers..... Clean the engine block like new. Below is a youtube link giving you an idea.

 

[PamG]

Brush off the bulk. Compressed air, scrub brushes and degreaser as you like. You will see ribbed cooling fins that need cleaned. Search youtube on cleaning mower cooling fins. Lots of videos on this critical yearly maintenance step. This is for ALL small engines that are air cooled. Trimmers, blowers and mowers..... Clean the engine block like new. Below is a youtube link giving you an idea.

Got down to the fins. There wasn’t much there except closer to the carburetor…tried my best but I don’t have compressed air available. Can I get this area wet with degreaser?

 

[slomo]

Got down to the fins. There wasn’t much there except closer to the carburetor…tried my best but I don’t have compressed air available. Can I get this area wet with degreaser?

That breather cover with the black hose coming out. You see the oil? You have a small leak there. I would say fix the oil leak first. Then scrub away with degreaser and water.

It's not the area but the slight oil leak. Not a huge deal.......

 

[PamG]

That breather cover with the black hose coming out. You see the oil? You have a small leak there. I would say fix the oil leak first. Then scrub away with degreaser and water.

It's not the area but the slight oil leak. Not a huge deal.......

Do you mean this circled area? I don’t want to assume what you’re referring to…clearly there’s a gasket under that connection…so replace that gasket?

 

[PamG]

That breather cover with the black hose coming out. You see the oil? You have a small leak there. I would say fix the oil leak first. Then scrub away with degreaser and water.

It's not the area but the slight oil leak. Not a huge deal.......

And does this thing look normal to you? I have no idea what it is…

 

[slomo]

Dirty starter motor.