My mower repair thread

[Vervepipes]

I can't seem to find any blade brake cables at any store locally except the style that is the same at the engine and handle end, the sleeve I mean, not the actual cable, if you understand what I mean. The problem is that almost every mower I have uses the kind of cable that has the sleeve retainer press into the handle, so the kind available to me is useless. I've been looking for some sort or adapter but can't seem to fine one. I had one MTD that had a simple metal bracket with a '90 degree angle, but it was curved to fit the shape of the round handle, with a hole to bolt it in and another for the sleeve to clip into. I wish I could find those somewhere? I would buy 20 of them...

I can't seem to get much further until I solve my cable dilemma, so I installed a blade onto a Yardworks electric corded mower that had one missing and it cuts just fine now. It's raining on and off so I don't want to try it out on my standard 1/4 acre test mow, so it'll have to wait a few days, I'll take pics later too. It's a decent looking metal bodied mulch/bag mower, it should make somebody very happy at $50, and I can use that money when I break down and buy the proper cables for the remainder of the mowers that I need to repair.

 

[exotion]

Zip tie my friend. If you get one that has the same ends and is long enough. All you have to do is zip tie it in place in a few spots and it'll last a long time.

 

[Vervepipes]

Didn't think of zip ties, I guess I figured it wouldn't be sturdy enough. A little digging and this is what I've come up with that would do the job
Hayter Clutch Cable Bracket 306108
I need to see if there's anywhere closer that sells them.

 

[Vervepipes]

The old Noma is ready for sale. In the end it needed the proper plug, a new throttle control cable, and new blade and I replaced 2 of the wheels with better identical ones I had. I also got this Yardworks ready to go out the door. It needed a blade and a spacer for the fan/blade mount. Like so many other things, I just happened to have a spare. Hopefully they sell quick as my parts supply and mower supply has pretty much dried up and I need a bit of cash to get myself going at a steady pace again.







I think maybe I should invest in a good camera too. My good old Kodak's processor failed and I've been using an lower end camera. I miss taking decent photos...

 

[Vervepipes]

The Yardworks was up for 20 minutes before it sold, man that was quick.

 

[Vervepipes]

I've had a chance to play around with one of my Weed Eater trimmers. I've cleaned the carb, replaced the fuel lines and filter, cleaned the spark plug which looks brand new. It now starts on full choke, and will run on half choke if I keep my finger on the trigger. As soon as I let go of the throttle or move to no choke it dies. I was hoping it would be running today as I need to trim my yard badly. I have a bunch of electrics that work but have no string, I guess I should at least buy some string and use one of those, and start to sell them off to make room. So much to do, so little time!

 

[Vervepipes]

Lucky day today, picked up a very nice newer 6.75 HP Craftsman mower and Homelite trimmer. The trimmer has a broken off spark plug and the trimmer head doesn't turn when I crank the engine. I'm not too interested in it, I went for the mower and this was a bonus. I hate trimmers, they are so finicky. The mower though is in pieces, although the guy assured me all parts are there. It hit a stump or rock and the shear key is toast, but I was able to remove the flywheel easily so I'll reassemble it this week and sell it to one of my bosses who prefers a gas mower. It will be a huge deal because I'm sure I'd list it at 150, but I'll give a "friends and family" discount for 100 bucks. I have a few basket case Quantums that I can rob any missing parts, there's bound to be something, and I have a new blade I bought on clearance "open box" for 8 bucks. I also picked up an MTD with a Tecumseh, the deck is rusty but not rotten so I'll throw on a working motor and sell it for a quick turnaround as a beater to last a year or two.

Now the not so good. I listed the Noma, but now it won't start so I had to remove my add. It sputters on mid throttle for a few seconds and dies, will not run on choke or low, dies if I move the throttle. I'll have to take the carb off and clean/inspect it. This Noma is starting to become a thorn in my side, I can't wait for it to run reliably so I can see it off.

 

[hanyoukimura]

Perhaps it needs a new diaphragm?

 

[Vervepipes]

Could be, I'll find out probably another day as it's supposed to start raining soon

 

[Vervepipes]

I have one of the Weed Eater trimmers running, both adjustments on the carb were way off. I did a test usage and it works great. I also re-strung a Toro electric trimmer and it works great as well. I may be trading one or the other for a 2500W generator that needs a pull string and has an oil leak. It is Powerfist brand, so the engine must be a chinese knockoff of a brand name. Hopefully just an oil sump gasket but worth a look anyways. Then I can sell my small 950W genny that I got in trade for a truck grille when I was parting out my old work truck last year.