$50 Exmark Walk Behind Mower: Will It Run?

THIS MOWER WAS BRANDED EAGLE STAR, BUT IT WAS MADE BY EXMARK. After doing research I learned they were built in the same factory as a cheaper version of exmark and branded eagle star. I found it on craigslist for $100 but I bought it for $50. It took me 5 months to fix out of laziness but I eventually got it running. The mower is a 36 inch with a 14 hp kawasaki engine. It needed some safetys bypassed and the carb needed a good cleaning. This mower was also super flooded.

[@999thenewman]

Dear Vermonter Diary (In Morgan Freeman voice): After a long, hot summer of sweat, tears and grass clippings, he had finally achieved the ultimate goal. You see, our hero made that confounded Eagle, or really, Exmark run again, embracing the crushing bear - like hug of mechanical struggle, with untold evenings of agonizing frustration. And the end-feeling felt like God's angels sweeping all the old, rusty weights off tired, aching shoulders in the echos of Heaven's all-encompassing ecstasy. It felt great. It was like finally being able to pass Friday night's fish fry and peanut butter cookies on Tuesday morning. All it took was 20 ounces of black coffee, several rounds of Candy Crush Saga and a claw hammer. This, of course, happened after a bleak regimen of Metamucil, white grape juice and re-runs of Matlock. Our hero triumphed in his brutal battle. Our hero birthed that proverbial behemoth and released the stagnated struggle within. That long, proverbial log of mechanical strife dropped out of him harder than a Deadmau5 concert in Ibiza. The level of relief achieved from escaping this summer nightmare will never be truly known. Well, at least until the next one comes along for $50.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

This is great, I'm gonna pin it

[@999thenewman]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 Thanks. I hope you got a good laugh. It was all ad-lib.

[@alastair_the_lyon]

you look pretty young. it’s a great idea to start a job like this. I’m 12 years old right now and I’m fixing lawnmowers myself… So keep it up man!!

[@henrylerma3495]

You still fixing lawnmower?

[@alastair_the_lyon]

@@henrylerma3495 yes I’d say I am whenever I find any. Just can’t find any lately.

[@navigatorx1013]

( Mustie1 voice) "It's always the carburetor."

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

always 👌

[@brianboatman8067]

You sure are layed back with a lot of patience , keep up the good work

[@boondocker7964]

Sunday morning, got a large cup of coffee, a new vid from Vermint, all is right with the world, well almost. Good job. Beetle looks great.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

sounds like the perfect morning, thanks for watching

[@ededmund5685]

SAFETY GLASSES WITH THE SAW ,,,,,GOOOD VIDEO

[@wildefox1478]

Just came across this video on KZbin and decided to watch, you got a steal of a deal on that commercial walk behind mower even if it is an older model and great job getting it running again. I just subbed to your channel.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Well thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@LaGrandeBayou]

Excellent troubleshooting skills!

[@elemento1991]

Just a tip for your drill starter you might use. I welded a socket to the back of a ratchet head that I cut the handle off of. I attach it to my drill and then put the size socket I need for the crank on the end of the ratchet head. This way it can spin free without risking hurting your wrists after the motor fires.

[@weyrunner2838]

Very impressed with your problem solving skills, your in depth knowledge of a combustion engine and your ability to trouble shoot, UNTIL; You break out the ol' sawzall............LOL LOVED YOUR VID!

[@jmontyman5790]

Solid unit great engine will last forever pretty much I work on exmarks for a living still see a lot of these.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yeah these engines are great

[@41BeachComber]

Great job on the repair work.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

thanks

[@scootertuningfl2174]

I’ve been watching for 2 years you honestly deserve more subs great find

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

thanks!

[@cgrscott]

Fresh batch of engine oil, un-flooded engine, cleaned carburetor, un-obstructed mower blades, and now - good to go. Glad to see such a young man enjoying tinkering and troubleshooting with small engine equipment.

[@michaelstrane3254]

It's hilarious watching your dog's head move beginning @ 6:53! Nice work on the mower

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

lol yeah!

[@grahammedlock3094]

Nice find. Good fixing.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Thanks!

[@charlienorton2337]

I had an engine a bit bigger than that. Can absolutely agree those things are reliable, if not the most reliable engines ever. It has been left in the rain, carb full of water, hole in the block from a tree, running outside in the pouring rain and it still would go. Sadly I took it off and replaced it as it got kinda stuffed, but it still barely ran. Absolutely great engine.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

wow that is crazy, these engine are built well!

[@WWStudio360]

Good job man! You got a gift continue to practice your trade you will get far in the business!

[@urbanitesgarage3299]

I just got a similar walk behind a few weeks ago but its a much larger model, i traded some junk homemade trailer that i got for free on craigslist lol, so i just need to clean the carb because after a few seconds of running gas will start pouring out all over the place. Good job fixing it by the way you just gained a new sub! :)

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

lol, trading at its finest! Nice find though, thanks for watching and subscribing

[@MacquarieRidge]

Its always the carb.

[@alastair_the_lyon]

Great video dude!

[@localcrew]

I used to have a clone of this mower. Definitely an ExMark. Mine didn't have the fancy transmission with reverse gear though. I used it for rough cutting on my utility easement on some land I own. Put a small mower battery on it to power a headlight for all-night cutting action. Then it quit running and I sold it.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

cool, thanks for watching!

[@GuitarVampire93]

If you have your own business that would be good to fit through some small gates. Would definitely save it. Always wanted one of my own. Good score.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yeah I might save it for mowing, but if I need money over the winter I'll sell it. Thanks for watching

[@cliftondavidpowell]

Awesome vid man

[@knighthawk86855]

Nice find for the price... I got a Troy-bilt 33 mulcher for 50 bucks, I will be redoing it this winter, along with a snapper rider.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

nice, that's a good price! Is the snapper the really old handlebar type mower with the engine in the back? Those are cool. Thanks for watching

[@simonyovino2126]

Good job! That 36 inch is a good size. I have a Scag 48 inch with that same engine. Even after cleaning the carb, there's still fuel that leaks past the seat. Other than that, it should be a good engine for ya

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yeah the 36 inch will be helpful. maybe the fuel leaking past the seat is an issue in these engines if yours does it too. Thanks for watching!

[@alfries9736]

I had one of these damned things. The Kawi ran strong when the head gasket was new or replaced. Once you got it started you did not dare to shut the thing off for any reason till you were damn well done. It flooded constantly on shut down. When I got it the set screw was 4.5 turns out. I would have to take out the spark plug and pull it threw. Dealer said he could not help me. I installed a shut off valve and would let it idle out the fuel in the float bowel to cool itself off. Later I found out that the set screw was supposed to be 1.5-2 turns out from the seat. After that it was easier, it was never perfect. Wound up useing the old Sears ride on...

[@YardworkWithJohn]

S10's always do great, right up until the moment the snap in half from the rust :D

[@Dstromb232]

WOW you work fast!

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

lol

[@jonathanbenoit8828]

Good work 👍👍👍👍👍

[@curtisstewart2866]

The combustion cylinder has gasoline in it as does the carburetor also. Be sure to put a shut off valve between the fuel tank and the carburetor if you don’t it will fill the crankcase with gasoline again.

[@blackdynastyraceingandfish6864]

Good video you got one hell of a deal man ..

[@vocalone23]

Good handle

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

It's the next DAY..? Are you SURE? LOL. Good job bud...remember to always diagnose and repair though.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Oops did I say that?! Well if one day was from 80 degrees and sunny to 30 and snowing then I'd be worried lol. Thanks for watching

[@swayzocrazo4398]

He meant the next day he working on it

[@elijahparedes9172]

Lol this is a younger version of Mustie1!!

[@apatterson8128]

I was just thinking..."I like this guy." . Now I know why! pretty Mustie-ish

[@algalanos76]

Good job

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

thanks

[@adamfisher4049]

I had one same issue I ran a inline fuel shut-off and ran the carb dry after I’m done using it!

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

smart idea

[@jacksonsinflatablechannel]

Cool video

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Thanks

[@busterschannel4794]

Thanks for another great video, do you run ethanol free gas in your lawn equipment? Ethanol is terrible for small engines.

[@houndsmanone4563]

That's a commercial grade walk-behind mower. It also comes with a sulky that connects to the rear of the mower. You stand on the sulky and cruise behind the mower. Great job fixing the mower and you should get a pretty good profit. Now it they stopped making that mower, it will be difficult to find replacement parts, so be advised that may be an issue down the road. Enjoyed full video. Thumbs up.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Funny you should mention that, I actually was thinking about getting a sulkey for it. The parts are mainly the same as exmark, but yes hard to find due to age. Thanks for watching and the thumbs up!

[@houndsmanone4563]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 You're welcome Vermonter and you did a fine job. A sulky cost $200-250 (new) so just wanted you to be aware. Never know, you might be able to make one. There are videos on YT that will show you some DIY sulky builds. Have a fine evening.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Hey Houndsman. What happened to Oddman? Wished he'd come back. Happy, happy!

[@OTAlucard]

Flat head Kawasaki. Best engine ever made

[@erwingarcia9089]

Do you know this engine model? The label on the one I have peeled off and I can’t seem to find it.

[@OTAlucard]

@@erwingarcia9089 Kawasaki fb460v I think 🤔. I'll Google it

[@OTAlucard]

Yep. Fb460v

[@realtalk1278]

Great video man! Any weed trimmer throttle repairs?✌

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Thanks! I don't have any weed trimmers right now sorry

[@tommymann69]

I would keep the ex mark. I just got a bobcat walk behind and a Scag walk behind both for free .

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

I might... Also great finds, I wish this was free!

[@thomasbaker4657]

the large cresent wrench will straighten metal .

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yeah your probably right

[@armyofshea7941]

Awesome job, and this thing is now a lawyers dream mower!

[@super20dan]

install a in line fuel shut off and kill the motor that way. also keeps seat from leaking gas into oil

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yeah thats a good idea

[@toms641]

I have a Gravely Pro50 with a 14hp Kohler. It came with a fuel shut off. Have to use it always, and kill the engine with the fuel shut off, not the electric switch. Always works good that way.

[@spin0491]

True those motors easily flood I have one also without fuel shut off it will flood the motor

[@juniorcook4094]

How would you go about adjusting the left and right..mine pulls to the right

[@SWFL_FISHING_239]

Just suscribed, dang bro good thing you know how to work on your own stuff

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

thanks!

[@SWFL_FISHING_239]

I just got a gravely walk behind mower but it looks like they didn't change the oil since 2007 or the filter but I noticed that the oil smells somewhat of gas what could I do?

[@kx250braap]

I love when people do the foot switch to change gears there is locks on the levers for a reason lock one side so u can switch with you're hand

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

locking one side doesn't lock the other so one wheel still spins

[@VloggingCountry]

this are nice one i had one they i got then sold to a dad work they still use it but i sold it to them for same i pay for it but it went to good home

[@rickjames6948]

Drive 3 hours to get that Snapper - YES. That has the Kawasaki FJ180V on it, King of ALL push mower engines. Best deck and drive system on any push mower - CHECK.

[@MacquarieRidge]

Friend: whats your favorite kind of puzzle? Me: got any broken lawn mowers?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

lol

[@carsongoddard5501]

7:18 nice fog machine! Lol

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

lol

[@erwingarcia9089]

What model engine is this? I’m trying to order a couple parts for mine

[@TreyHall-jm2zm]

How long did you have that

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Gees mate you’re keen. If I walked out side and saw it snowing I would have left that fucker sitting right where it was until it warmed up a bit. Good job and hope you make a decent profit to cover all your work. Cheers Stuart 🇦🇺

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

lol, it was hard for me to go out in the snow but i figured i'd put off this mower long enough!

[@isthisbetterwell9958Ds]

always check spark then fuel

[@societyschild6055]

Sharp young man...nice to see someone of your age interested in mechanics :)

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

thanks!

[@spaghettinoodle5002]

Lmao I’m 13 and I know how to rebuild top ends on v8’s (WITHOUT MY DAD)

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

I don't live with my dad and I'm a lot older than 13 buddy if that's what you are implying. I've also fully rebuilt 3 engines by myself including a vw beetle 1600, and a triumph 1300 cc.

[@donhurst8459]

fellow Vermonter is it safe to say you live in the northern part of the state? nice video, SNOW!!!!!!!

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Hello my fellow Vermonter! I'm in central vt, Sharon. Thanks for watching!

[@googleplusisdead]

Nice. But I was disappointed you did not fix the bent metal vs. cutting it off. You couldn't turn it on it's side (bend down) and hammer it out? And I hope you will fix the safeties, there's a good reason they're there. RichE

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

this thing was heavy as hell,that's why i didn't turn it upside down or mess with the deck too much, butyou aree right, that would be the correct way to fix it. I was able to fix the gear select safety but not the blade safety

[@SORGIGERMANICO]

we use to own the same mower.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Cool!

[@super20dan]

that snapper IS commercial grade

[@joshuabroadhurst936]

Thats one way to make alot of fog

[@mooch1441]

Id keep it for that price if you dont already have another walk behind

[@majstealth]

never trust anything a customer, seller, boss tells you about anything, check it for yourselve....

[@patrickwamsley3284]

I have a John Deere RX-75 using a Kawasaki FC290V engine and I'm having a reoccurring issue. The engine runs like a champ but once it's warm, it loses all power and can't run unless choked. I've removed and cleaned the carburetor multiple times, the fuel filter is relatively new and nothing restricting fuel. I've been working on this problem for almost two years now. Do you have any ideas?

[@electric6877]

Patrick Wamsley Fuel pump, lines especially vacuum or something in the fuel. Other than that, the carb could need tuning.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

sounds like a carb issue, maybe tune it or ream out the jets. Or replace the fuel pump and spark plug.

[@patrickwamsley3284]

A Rural Vermonter - Qqjmcb 182 I have no fuel pump. It's gravity Fed. It could be the tuning but I don't know how to go about doing that. The only things I can realistically see I can adjust is a float bowl drain and what looks like a black plastic screw with a philips slot on it but it doesn't seem to budge and I don't want to damage it. The tractor was made in 1989 and is all factory. I'll look further into carburetor tuning but haven't found much on this motor.

[@myelondavis8504]

Patrick Wamsley two things either the coils are bad and need replacing or the valve seats on the heads are bad and you need valve job...

[@oaktree71able]

Flathead engine needs to run cool. Make sure there are no debris build-up around your shroud or fan on your flywheel. It could be vapor locking in the carburetor. Also I've seen a gas line collapse internally which will cause a headache because it's hard to figure out. Put fresh fuel lines on put a gas filter after the gas tank and then install a fuel shut off. That way when you shut the fuel off there is no chance of flooding out the engine. Only use non ethanol gasoline in the small engines and you will avoid a lot of headaches down the road because of varnish build-up from them setting. Great video thanks for posting.

[@GideonMcCarthy]

👍

[@johnt4060]

Just a little advice, never start an engine next to a gas can, especially an open one. My dad knows a few guys who had gas cans explode in their face because the engine threw sparks and ignited the gas fumes.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

good tip

[@johnt4060]

A Rural Vermonter - Qqjmcb 182 Thanks. Wouldn't want you to get hurt. Great video btw

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Good score, fix up the safety and you’ll get big money

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Yeah these things sell for a lot!

[@jeffgrant6914]

What can cause my riding mower to run until the engine gets hot then start missing and cut out?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

It's probably vapor locking. Try cleaning the carb

[@jeffgrant6914]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 all right will try that

[@corysgardentractors7084]

looks like you need a muffler. ever look into what caused the sabre to seize?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yeah, there was a damn mouse nest in the cooling shroud

[@ashtonfischer5093]

A Rural Vermonter - Qqjmcb 182 was it fixable

[@corysgardentractors7084]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 in the sabre or the walk behind?

[@be.ndover]

i would suggest a tripod i dont like the shaky camera makes me queasy

[@rushdude24]

I love those Kawasaki motors. The fuel leaking past the seat is definitely a common problem with these though. I just turn the pet cock off under the fuel tank when im done and it prevents the issue.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yeah that's smart, i should just manually shut off the fuel

[@elvador3042]

Thanks just got one for free

[@hotwheelsracer6380]

Nice S10, does it have a V6

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yep it does

[@hotwheelsracer6380]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 Nice. Keep up the good video's

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

thanks

[@grant.m.ball0603]

I could tell gas was in the oil because of how fast It drained

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Video on other mower here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJWzgIGoedKCq80

[@jonhunter8725]

you could have secured the mower to a tree or something so it wouldn't move and then you could have used a come along or vehicle to pull that metal back into place with either a hook or drilled through it for an eye bolt.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yeah but thats a lot of work

[@johnnyportwood6739]

We get it bro u vape

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

lol

[@austinstewart9169]

it will eventually turned off with if you turn the choke on

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

true but that might foul the plug

[@jasperedwards3341]

how u get it so cheap

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

craigslist!

[@ghostzod665]

A little smokey?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Lol

[@LinuxJedi]

Idk why they make those cast iron I had to use a cast iron mower once it was god awful cause it's sold with plastic tires on it && the tred was a joke

[@zinnstigertownmowers780]

Would've probably been a pos if I got it I haven't really gotten a good walk behind or nothing

[@rjkejk57]

You need a class in video shooting, so what you do is watchable.

[@Bilobedbutton]

What in Tarnation?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Woah Michigan has internet?

[@Bilobedbutton]

A Rural Vermonter - Qqjmcb 182 would appear so

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Did you see beetle? She's now way cuter than willow cuz willow is like 2x bigger

[@Bilobedbutton]

A Rural Vermonter - Qqjmcb 182 Nah, willow> always

[@MrGoobum]

No need to point your finger when the camera is pointing directly at the image

[@lionreb]

Don't forget to include your gas and trip expenses. Cutting the metal off the side (being lazy) has two bad consequences: less safety for whomever uses the machine and also spewing out the grass etc that would have been contained by the metal there.. Cheap fix but not the smart way to go. Not considering your potential buyer. Good repair job though. It is always a success when you make it run!

[@rclifefucks637]

Want to sale the. X mark

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yeah maybe

[@rclifefucks637]

I interesting

[@hardkore360]

damn carbutrator hahahahaha!

[@thelawnmowerboy9646]

Exmark? Says eagle star on the tank!

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Read the description

[@thelawnmowerboy9646]

Hmmmmmm.....

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

It says "this mower was branded eagle star but it was made by exmark"

[@ElliottLawnService]

That’s not an Exmark.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Read the description

[@TheAlpine49]

I enjoyed your video. But, I have a serious problem with you cutting the deck to allow the blade to spin freely. The deck is there to protect the user and the surroundings from the blade and flying debris. I think it was highly irresponsible to cut the side of the deck instead of bending it back where it belongs. I pity the person who buys or use this machine as it is. I plead with you to have it professionally repaired or replaced. Please!

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

hate to tell you this, but this channel isn't concerned with safety. also i'm the only small engine mechanic within 40 miles so the repairs are done how i do them. thanks for watching but i won't be changing this repair.

[@TheAlpine49]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 Knock yourself out... Just hope you have a dang good lawyer if someone gets hurt. Plaintiff attorneys don't give a f*ck about a 40 mile radius.

[@LinuxJedi]

WOW I GOT AN AD FOR CAR BUMPER IO AND THEY USED GTA V GAMEPLAY WTF THATS FALSE ADVERTISEMENT

[@colinoshea9052]

123457

[@jessicableese958]

bich

[@isthisbetterwell9958Ds]

first

[@mrbriggs68]

You shift with your knee not you foot

[@mikecook8147]

A Gravely wannabe...but affordable.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Yep