old Murray with a 16hp Tecumseh

[royrodgers]

I have an old Murray lawn tractor that I bought new back in 1994. It has served me well and is no longer my main horse. I still like to use it ever once in a while, but lately, when I first start it up, (and it always starts), it has a very hard "kick" to it. It almost sounds like a rod, but when I rev it up and engage the blades, it runs fine wide open. Can anyone give me a clue as to what it is that I am hearing without hearing it yourself? I sure hate to tear into it, but I will if I have to. Thanks in advance.

 

[reynoldston]

I have an old Murray lawn tractor that I bought new back in 1994. It has served me well and is no longer my main horse. I still like to use it ever once in a while, but lately, when I first start it up, (and it always starts), it has a very hard "kick" to it. It almost sounds like a rod, but when I rev it up and engage the blades, it runs fine wide open. Can anyone give me a clue as to what it is that I am hearing without hearing it yourself? I sure hate to tear into it, but I will if I have to. Thanks in advance.

carbon build up on the piston?

 

[royrodgers]

carbon build up on the piston?

What is the best way to deal with that. I know just enough about small engines to get me in to trouble, but thanks to guys like you, I always seem to find my way out.

 

[Pumper54]

Get a can of "SeaFoam" and use as directed. That stuff helps clean out a lot of stuff from engines.
Tom

 

[NorthBama]

check the engine mounting bolts at frame. If the blots are loose it will make noise at start up.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

check the engine mounting bolts at frame. If the blots are loose it will make noise at start up.

Thanks for the reminder. I found that on an older brothers Briggs on a Murray that had broken bolts but had forgotten about it. Does make a strange sound at idle rpm.