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Lawn Boy 10323 motor froze up after "freewheeling""

#1

D

DIY Granny

I've taken care of a lot of issues but this has me stumped. I replaced the coil a few months ago and has been running fine. The other day while mowing I heard a twing sound and it stopped. Took it to the garage, pulled cord and it was just free wheeling- the blades turned and it recoiled fine. Did some research took out spark plug to check it and now I can't pull the cord at all. It had no compression but now it's seized up. Any ideas ? This gramma loves her lawn boy- is there any hope ?


#2

Fish

Fish

With the plug out, tilt it up and rotate the blade, to get an idea.

There is a saying that I always use with my customers that cannot let go of a mower.

I say to them, "Lincoln was a great president, but they still had to bury him"...........


#3

D

DIY Granny

Fish said:
With the plug out, tilt it up and rotate the blade, to get an idea.

There is a saying that I always use with my customers that cannot let go of a mower.

I say to them, "Lincoln was a great president, but they still had to bury him"...........
Click to expand...

Thank you, so if I do that and it doesn't turn I should shoot it ? lol


#4

Two-Stroke

Two-Stroke

:welcome:

For future reference, you have a DuraForce engine. I haven't had one of those but you can find out a lot about them in this forum. There are some DuraForce experts here but I'm not one of them. :ashamed:

My guess -- based on your description -- is that there's a problem with the recoil starter mechanism. That's what I'd look at first.

Let us know more detail about this and I'll bet that someone can help.


#5

Two-Stroke

Two-Stroke

Another thing... there's a forum specific to Lawn-Boy mowers... check that out and repost there if you don't get an answer here.


#6

D

DIY Granny

Two-Stroke said:
Another thing... there's a forum specific to Lawn-Boy mowers... check that out and repost there if you don't get an answer here.
Click to expand...

Thank you, The recoil seems fine, I checked that before it froze up. I really don't know much about this, just picking up the lingo as I learn. I will check out the link on Lawn Boys, I'll up date when I fix it or give up (not likely). But in the meantime, I'm still open for suggestions. Thank You Again


#7

Fish

Fish

Fish said:
With the plug out, tilt it up and rotate the blade, to get an idea.

There is a saying that I always use with my customers that cannot let go of a mower.

I say to them, "Lincoln was a great president, but they still had to bury him"...........
Click to expand...

So have you tried this suggestion, at least?


#8

D

DIY Granny

Fish said:
So have you tried this suggestion, at least?
Click to expand...

Yes, I did and it didn't budge. How can it go from spinning like a top to a dead stop ? I'm missing something. I don't know a thing about motors but I don't give up easy. I appreciate any advice.


#9

exotion

exotion

DIY Granny said:
Yes, I did and it didn't budge. How can it go from spinning like a top to a dead stop ? I'm missing something. I don't know a thing about motors but I don't give up easy. I appreciate any advice.
Click to expand...

You probably ran it out of oil. Time for a new machine


#10

D

DIY Granny

exotion said:
You probably ran it out of oil. Time for a new machine
Click to expand...

Ugh, I always use the right mix- but aside from CPR, I think I have tried everything. Thank You !


#11

exotion

exotion

Its 2 cycle? That's different story I would have to agree with the above then pour some seafoam or marvel mystery oil into spark plug hole and run a little extra oil in the mix try to get it to spin.


#12

D

DIY Granny

exotion said:
Its 2 cycle? That's different story I would have to agree with the above then pour some seafoam or marvel mystery oil into spark plug hole and run a little extra oil in the mix try to get it to spin.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, I should have mentioned that- like I said, I am new at this but learning. I will try the marvel if I can find some tomorrow- prob easier than finding sea foam. But thanks a million ! I have new hope :)


#13

B

Brucebotti

DIY Granny,
I give you a lot of credit for sticking with it and trying to get it fixed. I can't even get the Granny that I've shared a tooth brush rack with for 34 years to even look at a mower. I've tried to convince her that riding on the mower will give her a good all around tan, but she's not taking the bait...:laughing: Keep trying, hopefully some of the experts here will get you through it. They are the BEST!
Bruce


#14

exotion

exotion

DIY Granny said:
I'm sorry, I should have mentioned that- like I said, I am new at this but learning. I will try the marvel if I can find some tomorrow- prob easier than finding sea foam. But thanks a million ! I have new hope :)
Click to expand...

Can get either at most auto parts stores


#15

D

DIY Granny

Brucebotti said:
DIY Granny,
I give you a lot of credit for sticking with it and trying to get it fixed. I can't even get the Granny that I've shared a tooth brush rack with for 34 years to even look at a mower. I've tried to convince her that riding on the mower will give her a good all around tan, but she's not taking the bait...:laughing: Keep trying, hopefully some of the experts here will get you through it. They are the BEST!
Bruce
Click to expand...

Thanks for the inspiration ! I've never claimed to know much but I'll always try to figure it out before I ask ( or pay ) for help. I've learned a lot and it's like my mom always said "your hands are washable". Off to find some Marvel oil :smile:


#16

D

DIY Granny

DIY Granny said:
Thanks for the inspiration ! I've never claimed to know much but I'll always try to figure it out before I ask ( or pay ) for help. I've learned a lot and it's like my mom always said "your hands are washable". Off to find some Marvel oil :smile:
Click to expand...

PROGRESS, I think. I have been cleaning and oiling, tried the marvel suggestion, and now when I tip it on it's side I can get the blade to turn. Not sure, but that has to be a good sign. I did hear a little clanking but not sure what to tear apart next. I have the coil off and the vent thing that the spark plug goes into and unhooked the kill switch. I'm not sure why I did all that - but it seemed like the thing to do at the time. Do I need to dig deeper into the motor ? You guys have been GREAT !! Oh, BTW, it does not turn when upright YET


#17

exotion

exotion

DIY Granny said:
PROGRESS, I think. I have been cleaning and oiling, tried the marvel suggestion, and now when I tip it on it's side I can get the blade to turn. Not sure, but that has to be a good sign. I did hear a little clanking but not sure what to tear apart next. I have the coil off and the vent thing that the spark plug goes into and unhooked the kill switch. I'm not sure why I did all that - but it seemed like the thing to do at the time. Do I need to dig deeper into the motor ? You guys have been GREAT !! Oh, BTW, it does not turn when upright YET
Click to expand...

Clanking sounds are hopefully the valves not something else. This is the next thing to check imo


#18

A

aandpdan

exotion said:
Clanking sounds are hopefully the valves not something else. This is the next thing to check imo
Click to expand...

Clanking sounds on a two-stroke, which doesn't turn unless on its side, sounds like a broken rod.


#19

D

DIY Granny

aandpdan said:
Clanking sounds on a two-stroke, which doesn't turn unless on its side, sounds like a broken rod.
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:frown: If the metal part behind the piston is the rod- then yes it is broken(along with some crumpled stuff on the other end) and so is DIY Granny. I'm not pitching it- maybe someday I'll see one by the side of the road with the part I need but I can't buy a new one and can't bring myself to throw away my Boy. I'll try to borrow my neighbor's for the rest of the season. I would like to thank everyone for all of your help. I learned a lot, tough pill to swallow but stuff happens. THANK YOU !!!!


#20

Two-Stroke

Two-Stroke

Sorry to hear that. :thumbdown:

You're smart not to throw away that mower. It has lots of good parts on it and now you know how to take one apart. :thumbsup:

So you can check CraigsList as well as the side of the road to find another. Then you can have the joy of fixing that one.

Remember that you want a Duraforce engine if you want most of the parts to be interchangeable.

How did this happen? Was it ever run on straight gasoline (no oil mixed in)?


#21

D

DaveTN

I had a friend call this weekend and his Lawnboy was shut off and when he tried to re-start it...nothing. It would crank over but no fire. He thinks the coil went out in it. Going to check it Tuesday and see what turns up. He's had good service out of it and kept it maintained and garage kept. I've got an old Lawnboy that someone gave me a couple of years ago sitting under the deck. I think it ran so may let him use it till I can get his repaired. I haven't worked on those green machines for some reason so will have to brush up on things.


#22

D

DIY Granny

DaveTN said:
I had a friend call this weekend and his Lawnboy was shut off and when he tried to re-start it...nothing. It would crank over but no fire. He thinks the coil went out in it. Going to check it Tuesday and see what turns up. He's had good service out of it and kept it maintained and garage kept. I've got an old Lawnboy that someone gave me a couple of years ago sitting under the deck. I think it ran so may let him use it till I can get his repaired. I haven't worked on those green machines for some reason so will have to brush up on things.
Click to expand...

Good luck- my coil went bad a few months ago, got a good deal on line. But now the part that broke is too expensive to replace- the rod & bearings I think. Any way, until I can afford to fix it (next year) I will continue to keep it in the garage and bring it back to life someday. I have a nephew coming up from TN in a couple weeks, says the weather is great down there- have fun w/ your green machine. I love mine even if it's broke :)


#23

D

DIY Granny

Two-Stroke said:
Sorry to hear that. :thumbdown:

You're smart not to throw away that mower. It has lots of good parts on it and now you know how to take one apart. :thumbsup:

So you can check CraigsList as well as the side of the road to find another. Then you can have the joy of fixing that one.

Remember that you want a Duraforce engine if you want most of the parts to be interchangeable.

How did this happen? Was it ever run on straight gasoline (no oil mixed in)?
Click to expand...

It was run with straight gas last year(my brother-ugh), I thought I fixed it by replacing the coil. It has been running fine for months. I will check craigs list- thank you ! But for now, I'm at the mercy of my neighbor letting me use his. It will be a while before I can save up some $. I will dumpster dive if necessary hahaha. Thanks again for the inspiration :)


#24

D

DaveTN

DaveTN said:
I had a friend call this weekend and his Lawnboy was shut off and when he tried to re-start it...nothing. It would crank over but no fire. He thinks the coil went out in it. Going to check it Tuesday and see what turns up. He's had good service out of it and kept it maintained and garage kept. I've got an old Lawnboy that someone gave me a couple of years ago sitting under the deck. I think it ran so may let him use it till I can get his repaired. I haven't worked on those green machines for some reason so will have to brush up on things.
Click to expand...

Update: I went out late Tuesday morning to look at this 6.5 Duraforce Lawnboy that wouldn't start. My friend said he put a 'new spark plug' in it and tried to start it with no luck. Yesterday his son pulled on it 30 times I am told to no avail. Anyway I looked at it and thought I'd check the spark plug and see what it looked like. When I saw it, I thought..."Man what a weird looking spark plug!" And none of the plug sockets would fit it. Had a 9/16" fitting on it. I removed it and much to my surprise it was NOT a spark plug! It was a male fitting on an air hose!! My friend who has had eye surgery and can't see to drive thought he put in a spark plug and wound up putting in that male air hose fitting. No wonder it wouldn't fire off and run. I put the old spark plug back in it and it started on the 2nd pull and ran great. That's the first time that ever happened to me.


#25

Two-Stroke

Two-Stroke

DaveTN said:
Update: I went out late Tuesday morning to look at this 6.5 Duraforce Lawnboy that wouldn't start. My friend said he put a 'new spark plug' in it and tried to start it with no luck. Yesterday his son pulled on it 30 times I am told to no avail. Anyway I looked at it and thought I'd check the spark plug and see what it looked like. When I saw it, I thought..."Man what a weird looking spark plug!" And none of the plug sockets would fit it. Had a 9/16" fitting on it. I removed it and much to my surprise it was NOT a spark plug! It was a male fitting on an air hose!! My friend who has had eye surgery and can't see to drive thought he put in a spark plug and wound up putting in that male air hose fitting. No wonder it wouldn't fire off and run. I put the old spark plug back in it and it started on the 2nd pull and ran great. That's the first time that ever happened to me.
Click to expand...

That's quite a story. I wondered why you put new spark plug in quotes. :laughing:


#26

D

DIY Granny

DaveTN said:
Update: I went out late Tuesday morning to look at this 6.5 Duraforce Lawnboy that wouldn't start. My friend said he put a 'new spark plug' in it and tried to start it with no luck. Yesterday his son pulled on it 30 times I am told to no avail. Anyway I looked at it and thought I'd check the spark plug and see what it looked like. When I saw it, I thought..."Man what a weird looking spark plug!" And none of the plug sockets would fit it. Had a 9/16" fitting on it. I removed it and much to my surprise it was NOT a spark plug! It was a male fitting on an air hose!! My friend who has had eye surgery and can't see to drive thought he put in a spark plug and wound up putting in that male air hose fitting. No wonder it wouldn't fire off and run. I put the old spark plug back in it and it started on the 2nd pull and ran great. That's the first time that ever happened to me.
Click to expand...

Ha thats a new one, wish mine was that easy, Good luck to all- I might not be back on for a while since my lap top died the other day, seems like when it rains it pours UGH :)


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