Hi; Can someone tell me what I should do before starting a lawn mower which has been sitting around for about 20 years? By the way, how much oil do I use for a machine that separates the oil and gas? Thanks for your help. mr. dibs
maintenance before using- sitting around 20 years
- Thread starter mrdibs
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It would be a whole lot easier to answer your question if you would post the units model and serial number. All engine numbers would also be greatly appreciated. My ESP went down today during the storms.
reynoldston
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separates gas and oil. So guessing it a 4 cycle engine? Just taking another guess maybe a push mower 1/2 quart, or a rider 1 1/2 quarts of oil?? after you drain the old oil out of it first. Has It been sitting 20 years with old gas in it or not. If it had old gas in it maybe a fuel tank and carburetor cleaning. Now with fresh gas and oil you are good to go. start it up and mow. that is if it was stored indoors now if it was stored outdoors you just might have a few more problems. By chance did any rodents make a home inside the engine when it was sitting 20 years? Just a little information would help.
7394
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I would suggest before you even try turning the engine over, to remove spark plug(s) & add a spoonful of good oil or Seafoam* into plug hole, & let it soak.
Then next day with plug(s) out gently try & hand roll the engine over..
Then next day with plug(s) out gently try & hand roll the engine over..
SeniorCitizen
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Yes, completely remove the shroud which directs air cooling across the head and check for nesting material.
It would run with old oil for a long time but with no cooling we're talking possibly 30 minutes at most before it seizes.
Are you planning on restoring it? Or are you going to just fire it up to see if it runs? Or are you planning on actually make it ready to mow? You know: engine, tranny, deck, steering, belts, electric, safety all checked out and ready to go.
Hi; Thank you all for your input. Not knowing anything about Lawn Mowers, i thought I would
try and find out if I am up to doing what you people think is necessary. So I will consider your inputs and find out. Thanks again. mrdibs.
try and find out if I am up to doing what you people think is necessary. So I will consider your inputs and find out. Thanks again. mrdibs.
reynoldston
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We just would still like to know what you have, rider, push mower, mower to mower your lawn, something to restore, maybe even a brand name, better yet a picture or two. A lot of lawn mower loving people on this forum and a 20 year old mower we just want more so I hope you stay with us :thumbsup:
The very idea and a subject matter of bringing something back to its former glory is so much more compelling of a subject and a challenge in its own right than...lets say; wasting our time on a guy who's ISO an advice in regards to purchasing biggest and maddest lawn mower he can afford because "his girlfriend thinks that lawnmowers are sexy" and he MUST impress her! :tongue: