Run engine for testing without blades?

JBtoro

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Am working with a GCV190 for a lawn mower. After several repairs, I fastened it to a test lawn mower deck & attached some blades. I have seen before that this is advised because the lawn mower version of the 190 has the regular flywheel (not heavy like in a pressure washer) & thus needs the weight of the blades to run properly. However, the mower on which I am contemplating affixing this engine is an HRX217 with the roto stop (blade brake) feature. So my question is: can you bench test an engine without blades? I mean, with the roto stop, the blades are not spinning & this does not seem to affect the engine's rpms or anything as else as far as I can tell. It sure would be easier to bench test this engine without going to the trouble of attaching blades every time before so doing.
 

Scrubcadet10

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you can, it's may be a bit harder to start and you may experience compression kick back while pulling the rope.
 

StarTech

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There is nothing like having the recoil rope jerk out your hand leaving behind dislocated fingers. OUCH...I even had a sprained wrist from a GX390 once.
 

Hammermechanicman

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There is nothing like having the recoil rope jerk out your hand leaving behind dislocated fingers. OUCH...I even had a sprained wrist from a GX390 once.
I have a chainsaw you can borrow. 92cc, 200psi compression and advanced ignition timing. Pull it like ya mean it or SONOFA.....!
Had the rope break pull starting a 12hp briggs. Screwed up my elbow and shoulder for a month when i hyperextended everthing. Try pull starting stuff with the non dominant hand.
 

StarTech

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Oh I had hands on some of those saws. This why I having problem with my right shoulder right now where I can't even get behind my back or pick up and use my impact wrench.
 
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