New-to-me 1970 model needs work, advice?

[Cubist]

My dad had (and still has) an older (1973 I think) Lawn-Boy & I grew up listening to the distinct sound it had. I decided that if I ever came across one like it, I'd pick it up for myself. Last summer while driving through my neighborhood, I spotted one of the the bright green mowers with a for sale sign in a nearby driveway & did a U-turn to check it out. 1970 model. The older gentleman that came out to greet me was the original owner and almost a bit sad to sell it, but he was moving to a condo & was no longer going to be using it. He asked for $20 and a promise to give it a good home. He gave me the mower, the side collection bag, 5-6 blades, some sales literature, owners manual and the bill of sale from 1970. I was renting last summer and only used it a time or two to try it out. Now that I've bought my first home, I would like some advice on fixing it up & restoring it. I have no garage to speak of, so I have to keep it in my workshop. I am a woman, so the lightweight deck really appeals to me when carrying it though a set of sliding glass doors!

The few times I used it last year it ran fine once started, but it was a little finicky to start. If I shut if off while it was warm, it would not start up again until it cooled off. Can anyone give me a good place to start on getting it fixed up? Things to check/ do first. My plan is to take the gas tank off & clean it out & put a new plug in it. I honestly don't know anything about cleaning carbs, but I can learn. I'm pretty handy with other things. My dad says about the only thing he has to do with his is adjust the points and clean the exhaust occasionally & he has used it 2-3 times a week for 30 years. I'm not sure exactly what adjusting points consists of. Any good videos or repair links to get me started?

Thanks in advance! You guys have some nice machines. I'll try to get pics of mine up later this week.

 

[Two-Stroke]

Hi Cubist. :welcome:

That's a classic old mower that you've found. It almost certainly has a D-series engine so a lot of things that you read about those engines in this forum applies to yours.

The model number would be helpful as would some photos.

The best place to start -- clean the entire fuel system: gas tank, fuel line (and filter) and every bit of the carb. Is there visible crud floating around with the gas?

Also, maybe your dad could explain how he cleans the exhaust system. The good news there is that the new two-stroke oils burn much cleaner so you will rarely need to repeat this task.

Are you an artist... as your username suggests?

 

[impalass]

My dad had (and still has) an older (1973 I think) Lawn-Boy & I grew up listening to the distinct sound it had. I decided that if I ever came across one like it, I'd pick it up for myself. Last summer while driving through my neighborhood, I spotted one of the the bright green mowers with a for sale sign in a nearby driveway & did a U-turn to check it out. 1970 model. The older gentleman that came out to greet me was the original owner and almost a bit sad to sell it, but he was moving to a condo & was no longer going to be using it. He asked for $20 and a promise to give it a good home. He gave me the mower, the side collection bag, 5-6 blades, some sales literature, owners manual and the bill of sale from 1970. I was renting last summer and only used it a time or two to try it out. Now that I've bought my first home, I would like some advice on fixing it up & restoring it. I have no garage to speak of, so I have to keep it in my workshop. I am a woman, so the lightweight deck really appeals to me when carrying it though a set of sliding glass doors!

The few times I used it last year it ran fine once started, but it was a little finicky to start. If I shut if off while it was warm, it would not start up again until it cooled off. Can anyone give me a good place to start on getting it fixed up? Things to check/ do first. My plan is to take the gas tank off & clean it out & put a new plug in it. I honestly don't know anything about cleaning carbs, but I can learn. I'm pretty handy with other things. My dad says about the only thing he has to do with his is adjust the points and clean the exhaust occasionally & he has used it 2-3 times a week for 30 years. I'm not sure exactly what adjusting points consists of. Any good videos or repair links to get me started?

Thanks in advance! You guys have some nice machines. I'll try to get pics of mine up later this week.

To fix the hard starting when hot you have to change the 2 oil seals.

 

[Cubist]

It is a Model 7260, 21" Mag deck, Serial # 5625546

 

[Cubist]

Hi Cubist. :welcome:

That's a classic old mower that you've found. It almost certainly has a D-series engine so a lot of things that you read about those engines in this forum applies to yours.

The model number would be helpful as would some photos.

The best place to start -- clean the entire fuel system: gas tank, fuel line (and filter) and every bit of the carb. Is there visible crud floating around with the gas?

Also, maybe your dad could explain how he cleans the exhaust system. The good news there is that the new two-stroke oils burn much cleaner so you will rarely need to repeat this task.

Are you an artist... as your username suggests?

I will start on the fuel system. Thanks!

Not an artist, I'm afraid. One of my hobbies is building saltwater reef tanks. At one time, I had a large cube aquarium and chose the username for a reef forum based on that. I just use the handle for several forums now so I don't have to remember too many.

 

[FgReed]

Before replacing your seals, I would first check your condenser. Hard starting when hot is quite common when your condenser is going to die. You can usually pick a new one up for a couple of bucks at your local NAPA store. While you're replacing it you should check/clean the points and set them as well. GAP should be .020
Good luck with the mower, they're a great mower. I've got 2 of them.
Let us know if you have any more questions.

Geoff