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Now that the 6302 is done, on to the next. Found this at a second hand store in Penn. The paint is pretty scruffy, but the engine is sound. I am still going to tare it down and inspect everything. It will probably end up with new gaskets and oil seals at a minimum. The wheels should clean up beautifully. I already got the decal kit. I think this will turn really cool too. It will definitely be a fun one for me because it will be my first experience with a Lawn-Boy edger. I think the only thing that may be difficult to find will be the blue starter handle. We will see.

Lol...I just got rid of a blue finger tip handle for someone elses project....the real hard ones to find are the red ones...and I AM IN THE MARKET FOR ONE.
can't wait to see how your edger comes out.
Lee

Have been really busy the last few days, haven't had a lot of time to work on the edger. I did spend some time cleaning up the green wheels. I imagine that this edger has done more sitting, than edging. The wheels are still in really good shape. I tried a new acrylic paint (small tube of brush-on) to clean up the "white walls". It appears to have adhered to the tire surface well. I can't scratch it off anyway. I can only wait to see how it holds up. I hope to get the metal all stripped and painted this week. Then I will go through the engine while the paint is curing.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!!!!!!

Handle bar grips from the 60's. Hmmmm, you mean these used to be white?? LOL. Sun baked in oil, dirt, and grease seems to have altered that white color a bit. Of course, I couldn't find some new ones, so off I went on these. 100 grit sand paper, then 320 to smooth them out again. Kind of tedious work, each grip took about 40 minutes. They cleaned up pretty good, not perfectly white, but significantly better. When I re-install them, I will hit them with the heat gun (carefully) and bring back the shiny finish. Next up are the blue plastic pieces. I think I can bring them back to their original color. We will see.

Started with 320 grit, then 1000, then 1500, finished with 2500. At first I thought I was going to try to get the area in the recessed portion surrounding the "M", but decided not too. It would be very hard to to it efficiently. I also think the darker area helps the "M" stand out. The entire cap was the same dark color when I started. I don't know if the pics will show it well enough.

I have made some progress over the last few days. I got the engine completely disassembled. I ordered a new upper crank bearing and seal, and a new lower seal. I am going to order a new set of rings as well. I haven't measured the crank or the connecting rod yet. I will probably put a new rod in it. This model is old enough that it has the sleeve bearing at the wrist pin.

I got all of the metal disassembled as well. Most of the paint has been removed. I still need to to some sanding to smooth out some areas, then it's prep, primer, paint, and clear. I am going spend the next few days working on the sheet metal so I can get it painted. Then I can let the paint cure while working on the engine.

As far as the white nylon wheels, I've always wondered if the could be dyed, using Ritz fabric dye. I always like the look of the orange wheels on the commercial models as opposed to the white.

Jeff

I tried to dye a white handle red for my 8221 using rit dye...no luck.
Lee

I've got all of the sheet metal that will be beige, primed and ready. I will get the handles and other green pieces primed shortly. Then they will get hit with some 600 grit, then cleaned, then color. I hope to have all the paint done by the end of the week end. Then I can get started on the engine.

There is a starter pulley on ebay with a blue handle
Lee

You got some mad talent doing that!

There is a starter pulley on ebay with a blue handle
Lee

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I'm on it brother, thanks for the heads up. Did the link for the red handle I sent you pan out?

You got some mad talent doing that!

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I appreciate the compliment. I enjoy this. Turning wrenches on customer stuff "pays the bills" This is what I do for fun. LOL When it's all said and done, I'll sell it and use the money to fund the next LB project. My house is on a city lot that is less than .25 acre ( I thought it was bigger, but I just looked it up). I have managed to convince my wife that the 8 or 10 LB's, the 2 Simplicity garden tractors (deck, blade, tiller) The Stihl 036 PRO and 009L, The Echo PAS system w, trimmer, brush cutter, edger, and blower, the Echo Pb755t, the Mantis tiller and the Toro snow blower are necessary for property maintenance. LMAO It sounds way crazier reading it!!! But alas, I can keep no more. I made a deal that if I keep something, I will then get rid of one. I really hope to find a Snow Boy sometime in the future. I think that would be worth keeping!!!!

d_sharier said:

I appreciate the compliment. I enjoy this. Turning wrenches on customer stuff "pays the bills" This is what I do for fun. LOL When it's all said and done, I'll sell it and use the money to fund the next LB project. My house is on a city lot that is less than .25 acre ( I thought it was bigger, but I just looked it up). I have managed to convince my wife that the 8 or 10 LB's, the 2 Simplicity garden tractors (deck, blade, tiller) The Stihl 036 PRO and 009L, The Echo PAS system w, trimmer, brush cutter, edger, and blower, the Echo Pb755t, the Mantis tiller and the Toro snow blower are necessary for property maintenance. LMAO It sounds way crazier reading it!!! But alas, I can keep no more. I made a deal that if I keep something, I will then get rid of one. I really hope to find a Snow Boy sometime in the future. I think that would be worth keeping!!!!

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A man can never have too many tools. I love old lawn-boy mowers, but never have the time to work on them. I just keep them in the backyard. One was working and I used it, but it shot a spark plug. The other one starts when it wants to.

How are you liking that Mantis tiller? I got the STIHL Yardboss (similar to Mantis) for the dethatching and power broom attachment. I love it. I only had one problem which was a carb defect fixed under warranty.

I love the Mantis. It is just about perfect for the jobs it is intended for. I have had a few of the Stihl Yard Boss' in the past, and those are a fine machine too. The Mantis has the same 21.2 cc engine that most of the base model Echo equipment has. It is a lightweight, bullet proof, and torque'y engine. That engine has made Echo a ton of money. As far as the Mantis goes, again, just about perfect. In comparison to the Stihl, it is much lighter and less bulky. That is why I chose it. It stores much easier. I know that Stihl added the wheel dolly as a catch point, Mantis offers one as well. In my opinion they are a hassle. The angle never fit my height to use it without hurting my back. For me it just made the whole unit bigger. Now, I did put the kick stand on my Mantis. It is a nice option. The Yard Boss is a fine piece of equipment;however, for my needs the Mantis is a better fit. I only use it for tilling too. I am partial to Echo trimmers and blowers. Stihl does have me on saws though.

I had a mantis briefly. It was a little power house! Nice job on the edger. I would love to year down my 7226 and restore it.

d_sharier said:

I love the Mantis. It is just about perfect for the jobs it is intended for. I have had a few of the Stihl Yard Boss' in the past, and those are a fine machine too. The Mantis has the same 21.2 cc engine that most of the base model Echo equipment has. It is a lightweight, bullet proof, and torque'y engine. That engine has made Echo a ton of money. As far as the Mantis goes, again, just about perfect. In comparison to the Stihl, it is much lighter and less bulky. That is why I chose it. It stores much easier. I know that Stihl added the wheel dolly as a catch point, Mantis offers one as well. In my opinion they are a hassle. The angle never fit my height to use it without hurting my back. For me it just made the whole unit bigger. Now, I did put the kick stand on my Mantis. It is a nice option. The Yard Boss is a fine piece of equipment;however, for my needs the Mantis is a better fit. I only use it for tilling too. I am partial to Echo trimmers and blowers. Stihl does have me on saws though.

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I love the wheels! Very usefull for dethatching and powerbrooming. I don't use it a lot for tilling tho.

Da-a-a-ang!! - I'm LOVIN' the work on the edger, dood!! Just FANTASTIC!! You know - I think you can those handle grips, in white, from McMaster that look just like that ..... I got some gray ones for my Mobylette that were dead ringers for the OEM ones - only they didn't have the "Flying M" on them. the clean-up job is pretty spanky, however ..... I don't think a feller could squall about original ones looking that good! Can't wait to see the "DUNN" pics ... I'm gonna have to learn to navigate this forum better .... this stuff is great!!

Got a little more done. I am still waiting on the gasket set and lower seal. Then new bearing and upper seal came a few days ago. Luckily, I have found a blue starter handle too, it should be here this week. I am in the process of painting the green pieces now. I am going to let the beige stuff cure for the rest of the week. Then they will get wet sanded with some 600 and topped off with some auto-grade clear coat. After that, 2500 and buffed. My plan is to get the crank case, cylinder, and armature plate sand blasted this week.

Well, I am getting close! I couldn't find an OEM replacement blade, so I bought an aftermarket one and painted it. Turned out great. I got most of the metal done. Still need to clean up the cylinder. I measured everything and, much to my surprise, all is within spec's, so I am going to keep it original. I am going to replace the upper bearing and seal, as well as the lower seal. It will get all new gaskets too. It ran really well before I tore it down. I love these engines, damn near bulletproof. I tore the recoil apart and cleaned 50 years of grease and crap out of it. It will get a new rope and pinion gear. I found a blue handle that should be here soon. Tomorrow the carburetor will get all squared away. I sped up the curing process and got everything cleared already. This weekend it will get labels and buffed. I found an OEM air filter, but seem to having trouble locating a belt. The one that was on it was oem OMC, but it is in rough shape. I may have to go aftermarket on it too. I am shooting for this weekend to have it all finished up, we will see!!!

Looking good big brother. ..did ya get the handle from eBay?
Lee

I am allowed to be jealous as all get-out?? Heeheehee!!! I hope to get back to Oh-ho-ho in maybe January to see that little rig in person!! OUTSTANDING!!!

Looking good big brother. ..did ya get the handle from eBay?
Lee

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Thanks Lee! I bid on the handle that was listed on eBay. I let it go because Sam ended up having one.

Cool deal...never thought to ask him if he had a red one. .I'll do that now.
Lee

I am getting dangerously close!!!!! I am only waiting on the gasket set for the engine. I ordered an handful of them on Dec. 4. The guy didn't ship them until the 10th. So I am a bit frustrated with that. I hope to have it today.

I received the new bearings for the arbor housing. I am not sure why Lawn-Boy decided to use angular thrust bearings in this application. I think it may have been a case of "use up the rest of the bearings on that shelf in those edgers" That is purely speculation on my part. I am no expert on the design and function of bearings so if anyone can offer some insight on this, I will be grateful.

So I got the bearings installed. I put some of the frame of the unit together, but the mount to support the handle and arm bolts to the engine, so I am at a stand still. I did press the new needle bearing in the armature plate. I rebuilt the recoil starter: new spring, new rope, cleaned and polished. I got the blue handle in the mail. It's awesome, I didn't think I'd find one. It has a little hairline fracture starting underneath one side of the finger rests. I am going to use some donor material from the broken one that I have to repair it. Should be good as new. I got the decals put on. I rebuilt the carburetor: ultrasonic bath, passed carb cleaner through all passages and orifices,new needle & seat, new float, new bowl gasket. I installed the crankshaft, the connecting rod, and piston all into the crankcase. I put the grips back on the handle bars. I put the heat gun to them and the shine came back much the same way as on a plastic fuel tank. The don't look new, but definitely significantly better. I can't find an OEM belt so I am going to get an aftermarket replacement. I think one of the companies makes a blue belt, so at least it will match. Corny, I know. Oh, and I replaced all the hitch pins with new stainless steel ones.

As soon as the gasket set shows up I can finish it. I was really hoping to have it listed for sale by now, but the cosmos have decided otherwise. Boy I get cranky when I don't get my own way! LOL!!!

My hope was to have it sold before Christmas. My last mower did pretty poorly at auction (the 6302). I think the time of year may have been a factor in that. Who knows. I haven't been able to find many completed sales of edgers (restored or original) to gauge what it should bring, but sometimes that makes it fun, unless it tanks. LOL. Please don't read this and think "this guy is only in it for money" That is not the case. I am so much a fan of these machines that I left a career as a Paramedic to become a "Small Engine Mechanic". I have my own little collection that I won't sell. The wife says the next time I "have" to keep one, then another must go. So I am holding off for a Snow-Boy. But I like the restoration work too and thought it may provide a little extra income during the off season. I am also trying to hit the eBay parts sales much harder this season. That seems to do well, but it costs a ton in fees. Its all a learning curve. Business has improved significantly each season, so I am grateful for that. Ok enough with my ranting. Have a great day guys!!!

Hoe-Lee Mother of Pearl!!! That thing is just FANTASTIC, dood!! That'd be a world-class resto on a motor-sickle .... PLUS - it's just the coolest thing and you probably saved it forever from the scrap heep - so it's a winner all the way around. I got the top cover decal for my little golden heep in the mail - it's a pretty darn good repop - and made on some nice vinyl. the guy DID recommend clear coating it, however, so the ink my not be UV stable - but when is it ever gonna be out of the shed again?? Hahaha!! I can't wait to get a good rolling start on mine .... Cold weather and my general lack of energy this time of year as well as the motor-sickle business are holdin' me back. I want to get BURIED in it and come out the other side of the rat hole with one as nice as the little edger! :wink:

Gasket set showed up!!!! Only it wasn't the one I ordered. AHHHHH! I will be able to make it work because I have the ones that are missing. I mainly needed the 3 for the crankcase. I am still ticked that in all the years I have been messing on eBay the first time I will have to leave negative feedback will be over a $10 gasket set. I should have it finished and running tomorrow. I am really excited to hear it purrrrrrrr! It's a thing of beauty!!!!!!

Honestly - How do you get the alloy parts of the engine to show so well? Carb soak?? Soap and water?? Soaked in beer??? I'd be using glass beads and then a light buff - but that finish is not quite as good as 'riginal .....

Normally, I would have blasted it as a first step. However I start to turn into a hermit crab when the cold weather hits. I didn't want to travel to my friend Russ's house to use the blast cabinet. He is inconsiderate. He found his dream home with a attached 2 car and a detached 40 X 80 insulated, poured concrete floor, 2 semi- sized bay door garage (maybe warehouse is a better word). This dream home is about 20 mins from me, and he had the nerve to move all of his tools with him. LOL Just a joke. We have a good balance. If I don't have a tool, he does and vise versa.

Anyway, I did this one all by hand. Dawn dish soap, extremely hot water, and brass brush. I start all metal cleansing this way. In my mind, the HOT HOT water helps open the pores of the metal. After the bath, I started with 150 grit sand paper, then 320, then 600, and finished with 800. Then back to step 1 with the hot dish soap bath. Dried completely, then some Mothers and a rag. I keep a stock of "popsicle" sticks and they work really well for getting in between the fins on the jug with either the sand paper or part of a rag wrapped around them.

Normally I would have blasted the parts first. Then would have just done the 600 or 800, bath and polish. Saves a ton of time. I think the crankcase and cylinder took around 2 hours by hand. The hard part was keeping all of the polish on the outside of the parts, and then completely buffing the polish away.

I'm RIGHT with you on the hella hot water ...... That's all that Otto and Gottlieb ever recommended to clean Porsche engine cases. They were apoplectic about using abrasives or solvents which could "compromise the strength or integrity of the Porsche engine ...." You've spent about as much time (the process ...) on that as I usually do with the old motor-sickle engine parts. I got it now ...... Thank yee for that little bit of advice - my "over restoration" will be just about enough ...... :wink:

Well, tomorrow is the day. I will have the belt tomorrow morning and I need to "touch-up" a few spots of paint, then I will call it DONE!!!!!! Runs beautifully. These are definitely interesting machines. They have a look like no other.

Finest example I have seen...my hat is off to you big brother.
Lee

Man - If I didn't mention it before - that little heep is GLORIOUS!!! It's probably better than new ...... I'm INSPIRED now!!

One word: beautiful!

Why did the EPA and Toro kill Lawnboy...

Lawnboy18 said:

One word: beautiful!

Why did the EPA and Toro kill Lawnboy...

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PLOO-shun, buddeh ....... PLOO-shun ....... The PPM of HC were off the scale for that plug-foulin', oil-spittin' TEW-stroke crap ...... not to mention the liquid oil "meeshuns". But oddly enough - there is renewed interest in 2-cycle technology for high-density powerplant applications. My boys at Renault hare working out the kinks in a twin-charged, 2-cycle diesel that should pump out about a hundred REAL HP from a 750cc lump - and get about 120mpg's in a car with an inertial weight of about 2200lbs ....... Two cycle engines aren't dead, yet - they are waiting to be fully appreciated!!!