Customers 30 Year Old Trash Makes Me TONS of Money! Giving Purpose Back to Abandoned Machines.

Today I restored a 30 year old barn find! Remember when they made our products to last more than a few seasons? I do! I love to find these machines and breath life back into them again!
Thanks for tuning back into Chickanic! If you found this video helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT!!
If you would like to show your support, find my Amazon Wish List HERE!
www.amazon.com...
Buy your own Chickanic T-Shirt or Hoodie HERE!
chickanic.com/
Find some of my favorite tools in the list below!
Get a WERA tool kit like mine HERE!
amzn.to/3CEkWo5
Get your WERA 8mm nut driver HERE!
amzn.to/3I4tx4B
Find your own 2 Cycle adjusting tool kit HERE!!
amzn.to/3IMn4vB
Get a compression tester like mine HERE!
amzn.to/3KM7Ibg
Get a spark tester like mine HERE!
amzn.to/3vIHUbM
Get your own digital tachometer like mine HERE!
amzn.to/3X2emS7
Find your own digital multimeter HERE!
amzn.to/38aX2FJ
Get some 12" hemostats HERE! I LOVE THEM!!
amzn.to/3tMvlvd
Get my FAVORITE pliers HERE!
amzn.to/36P5ud3
Get an Owl Torx drill bit set HERE!
amzn.to/3urvRze
Want a Endoscope like mine? Find it HERE!
amzn.to/3Ni71Ir
Get your own X-Ray Vision TOPDON TC004 Thermal Image Camera HERE!!
amzn.to/3TjJa1o
Looking for the BEST 2 Cycle Oil? Find it here!
amzn.to/3E4kCkT
My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We see over 2,000 pieces of small engine equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@douggrove762]

I live in Arkansas were are you located.

[@rwoods6132]

As my wife of 41 years is fond of saying," It takes a little longer for old girls to warm up!".

[@kevinsiggins623]

The concept of watching someone fix an old lawnmower sounds incredibly boring and yet I watched the whole thing and was entertained the entire time. Great job as always.

[@berniestewart1738]

There’s a fine line between a hoarder and a repair shop.

[@johnlomasney]

When not in use keep machines indoors i find that is one of the secrets to longevity 😊❤

[@gerry-p9x]

And clean deck. Then ray light coat nwd. 40😊😊

[@thepitpatrol]

There is absolutely no way she can do that

[@gracepeschel3894]

Your facial expressions once it started, ran and moved were priceless. That is why you are known as Chickanic. You are a chick that is a mechanic and not a parts changer. If it can be repaired, repair it. You don’t just change parts and hope that fixes the problem. You’re old school Bre! Great informative video.

[@Chickanic]

Aw! Thanks!

[@garymeador6750]

@@Chickanic Yes there are parts changers and then there are Mechanics - Chickanic !

[@malcolmboynton7652]

the only thing better than seeing a good old machine saved from the dump is seeing a lovely lady do it. thanks.

[@robertthegrape2192]

That Craftsman tractor was well cared for. What a beauty!

[@JerryRamirez-h6i]

Am retired an trying to learn something new, just watching you get excited fixin makes me smile.

[@jeffbecker9809]

That blooper was awsome.

[@lasttrimestr49califos89]

Knowing how to fix small engines and lawnmower repair is a great side hustle. I love learning from your videos. I'm old and believe in fixing things as opposed to replacing them. ❤❤❤

[@general5104]

The effects of the great depression never wear off. My parents and grandparents had been thru it and raised me that if all else fails and it can't be fixed, take it apart and save all the hardware and good parts and scrap the busted stuff, if you. COULDN'T torch weld it back together with a wire coat-hanger

[@stevo3644]

I'm a long time mechanic and the best product for removing varnish and stubborn gunk from carburetors is genuine Subaru upper engine cleaner. I got lucky a few years ago and had a box of it given to me and I use it to de-carbon two & four stroke engine combustion chambers, carburetor cleaning and diesel engine inlet manifolds.

[@vickieengland7947]

I am 50 miles north of Indianapolis and I’d love love watching your videos I am a 65-year-old female I love working on my mowers

[@BG-vq9fd]

I used to live in Tipton.

[@mmcadams1000]

I live in Muncie.

[@haneyoakie14]

I have family in Indy & Lafayette. ❤

[@Jay-ks2jv]

South bend here

[@berniemarkley]

​@BG-vq9fd I have nieces and a nephew in Frankton

[@josephschmidt369]

That Briggs engine was built in Milwaukee, WI. The Cylinder, Head, sump, and Crank were machined in Dept. 394. I was one of the Supervisors in that department we took much pride in machining those parts. I retired in 1997 they gave us older employees and offer we couldn't refuse.

[@Chickanic]

Too cool!

[@garny3766]

While machining heads and block, you should have mentioned to design team…”hey!, we need another head bolt between cylinder and pushrod passage”🤷‍♂️😆

[@JW...-oj5iw]

​@@Chickanic... Are your starter drives actually Bendix brand, or are you just going with the name?

[@JW...-oj5iw]

Waking up a dormant engine is a great feeling.

[@Gearoid35]

Nice to see old machinery given a second chance, build quality was better then

[@fludrbywest3886]

This fella kept this in a garage!!

[@owenparkerjr.6588]

This lady can fix anything but the break of day and a broken heart. And that's the truth.

[@adamvoorhies6042]

For heavy varnish you can soak it in the gallon can of Berryman Chem-Dip. After soaking over night it will look brand new. It cleans jets and everything but it will destroy all rubber o-rings

[@ryanw1639]

I just got a 1992 Murray 40” cut for free. Just went through it. Now it runs,drives and mows. I try and sell my mowers and get a trade in so I can keep the process going.

[@jimsvo4486]

I too just got a free Murray from my 94 year old neighbor. It is a 1998 Widebody 18.5HP Briggs opposed twin. It is a 46" 3 blade deck, but the deck really needs some welding but I got it working with large washers/bolts and a few metal plates. I remember the day he brought it home from Home Depot in 1998.

[@burlingtonbill1]

LOVE that classic "Briggs sound!"

[@bernard8282]

Bernie Mac I saying the best looking mechanic I've ever seen and smart . I'm a big fan retired and working in my own backyard . God bless you my dear... And I'm your biggest fan...❤ 🐝 BizzyBee 🐝

[@Corey-dy2cq]

Cars and coffee!

[@donjohnson3701]

My Homelite aluminum deck mulcher is going on 31 years this season! Good ol’ Briggs and Stratton engine. Just normal maintenance that I learned myself from taking small engine classes at the local high school. Always learning new tricks from watching Chickanic!

[@Rusty_Shackleford_]

I totally get your comment on one thing after the other. My grandpa just bought this exact machine for $300. I’ve put new spindles, pulleys, fixed electrical issues…and things just keep going wrong.

[@77gmcnut]

IT'S ALIVE! Congratulations on you success thus far.

[@Gordon_L]

It is always a good idea to add a fuel shut off valve in the line between the filter and the fuel tank , it's insurance against fuel entering the sump and makes changing the filter easier .

[@markturner5996]

Agree, and replace the entire fuel line. .after 30 years the inner fuel hose starts to deteriorate and will clog your filter(you DO have a filter..??) Ask me how I know...😊

[@tonywalters9436]

I have a 1999 craftsman with a 15.5 Kohler engine and it has been a great mower and it’s still mowing like she should the only thing I have replaced is the coil and two spark plugs that’s it and the 42” cut is still in working shape

[@robertbland7661]

Its always cool to bring an old beast back to life.

[@Chickanic]

Truth!

[@redmondjp]

I ALWAYS install a fuel shutoff valve on these riders! I've helped out multiple neighbors who had the crankcase full of gasoline due to the needle/seat not completely sealing and that secondary anti-backfire fuel cutoff solenoid also not sealing perfectly.

[@Chickanic]

Yup! This one is definitely getting a shut off. As soon as I figure out where they are. lol

[@redmondjp]

@@ChickanicHaving moved a little over a year ago, after being in the same house and garage for 25 years, I can relate to this! I just had to order some headlight bulbs for one of my cars, because I can't find the box of 20 or so of them that I have in the new garage . . . somewhere.

[@andyroid5028]

@@Chickanic *_It doesn't make sense to me that manufacturers do not install fuel shut off valves on brand new gas-powered small engine equipment. I assume it's the same reason why cell phone manufacturers sell new phones w/out protective cases already included: money/added profit?_*

[@andrew4403]

Damn that's a good looking 30-year-old lawn tractor. You're right it was garage kept guaranteed😊

[@gerry-p9x]

At least in a shed out of rain with periodic. Cleanups

[@gerry-p9x]

Buddy had 3 of these from late 80to mid 90s. One wood get week so he went out bought new one...durable😊😊

[@TaylorKnightMustang]

Omg i wish i was there! That looks like heaven!

[@general5104]

I used to go down the street a few houses and watch my best friend do what you do. He also did flyable model airplanes and helicopters and would teach people how to fly them. He was a retired Fire-fighter. You're much better looking! It brings back pleasant memories to watch you bring problem units back to life! Plus, you tell us what you're doing and why and the interesting history behind it.

[@goldblueberries326]

My dad gave me a old craftsman riding mower. It was 30 years old. It mowed better that the newer mowers did.

[@rudolfmusic4403]

beautyfull video

[@derrasenmaher9730]

Many Troubles Daily as Taryl always says 😁 That Backfire scared the crap out of me I wasnt ready for that 😁

[@burtnelson1987]

It's always rewarding to get some of this old junk to function like it's supposed to again. It's even better when you can get it into the hands of someone that needs it but can't afford the new price.

[@Digidoc316]

For a 30 year old, she sounds great!

[@DonHamilton-zs8nl]

I always install a fuel shutoff valve on riding mowers with gravity flow fuel tanks,

[@classrockin]

Not really surprised it's got life left in it. Briggs motor, and anything I ever owned with the Craftsman name was always top notch.....especially 30 years ago. Great video, I've done lots of work on these small tractor/mowers, mostly John Deere and Jacobsen

[@GaryB94558]

I used to dabble in repairing walk behinds and a few riders. I had a friend who had a landscaping business and I worked on quite few pieces of his equipment. If I lived closer, I would offer to come and help you catch up during the slow period. I'm retired, don't need money I'd help out fir coffee and conversation now and then. Hope all goes well with your new shop and business Take care

[@brenttamatea7578]

Great advice i havent done small engines that long and good advice on the older engines not working on anything over 15 years old i have been caught out a couple of times because i do want to help out the client but the time involved on these older mowers isnt financially worth it forthem so it would be better for them to buy new even if you replace the motor its still an old machine and something else could go wrong But i did have a client that wanted to go ahead it was a major overhaul to get it running and so i replaced the engine for them.

[@MIKESOLOMON-p2z]

You forgot to mention keeping serviceable equipment in use, recycling rather than replacing, and making expensive equipment available to folks who otherwise night not be able to afford them. I still use my 39+ year old Wheelhorse 312-8. Keep up the good work/

[@Homesteading-A-Z]

Thanks!

[@Chickanic]

WOWZA!! Thank you!

[@paulbowers4511]

I just love watching you that you you know the excitement you get out of getting things done and all that you're very good and I watch all your your clicks on that but I want to make a comment that when you were that busy and you can't look around you're busier than a cat in the sandbox after eating a bar and slacks

[@dennislaws5187]

That carb is one I would stick on the shelf for a later day, and get one off one of the other engines in the woods out back.

[@timidater4803]

I hope Ron got his hip done! Best thing I ever did even though it took some time heal. Keep rocking the videos!

[@Chickanic]

We get the MRI today! Thanks so much for asking! I can't wait for him to get some relief.

[@timidater4803]

Great! Ya it's no fun

[@mmcadams1000]

My wife had a hip replacement two years ago. She’s doing great, this is a life changer. Getting ready to make the last payment!

[@renelescault1282]

Good job magic fingers. 👍

[@VintageMoments]

I get 80's and 90's machines all the time, not as old as some of the fridges I fix from the 40's and 50's lol

[@donniegriffin5541]

You have saved me a lot of money and time. Keep it going

[@ronniejudd6319]

I have this mower but mine is a 97 model. I've repaired it a few times, even replaced the deck pan 8 or 10 years ago because I liked it so much. Three years ago it survived a garage fire but not well and it is ugly to look at. I fixed it enough to mow my lawn and ran it another two years because I couldn't see spending two to three thousand dollars to replace it. It still runs but has issues leaking oil and the transmission is now failing. So I bought another Craftsman from a friend that is only 17 years old. Great machines.

[@JOEZEP54]

I did not have any doubt you would get this running without spending a $$$ for parts. Nice work. Any of my equipment under 25 yr is new for me. Had to stop buying and picking up non working units , my bone yard is full. I have a full summers work waiting for me. Stay well, Joe Z

[@ronaldprovencher7570]

You are a small engine wizard!

[@gerrygervais3778]

I had the same mower it last me 15+ year I hate when l need to buy another mower it brings back. great memories

[@fester1957]

You can use chem dip or you can use lacquer thinner for the varnish

[@erickirklin2962]

You might want to get you some lacquer thinner to soak those parts in. Works good for me.

[@kdautoks]

For cleaning carbs, I use: Krud Kutter Original (concentrated) Cleaner/Degreaser, 1 Gallon. Put it full strength in my ultrasonic cleaner with the heat on and it comes out clean with no discoloring (Looks new). Blow out the passages with your favorite carb cleaner and install!!! I also use the Stens 120-562 fuel filter as the red B&S lets too much sediment through, and buy the multi-pack. Great video!

[@cookingwiththekidd2200]

Another great video Bre of turning "trash into treasure". Love it

[@Chickanic]

Thanks Darlin'!

[@ChristiannReitinger]

Omg. Soo many!

[@fanplant]

There was a time in my life that a 30yo engine would have points. Time flies

[@jamesmchugo9422]

My dad has a similar Craftsman with a Kohler motor sitting in his backyard. A friend gave it to him, because the motor wouldn’t always start, either a bad starter or bad starter switch. I was going to junk it out, but after watching this video, maybe I should give it a second chance.

[@markf8256]

My uncle had a Craftsman riding mower with a Kohler motor 20+ years old. It finally died last summer. He bought a new Craftsman thinking it would do almost as well. It’s already had several trips to the shop for warranty repairs. I tried to convince him to buy a higher end JD X500 or X700 series given his intended use. My X580 (2019) has been very reliable.

[@billchmelik5697]

I like the ferris ztm that we have, it mows 2 acres twice a week in the summer...made with real steel and a 23 hp kawasaki...4 wheel independent suspension and mows at a top speed of 14mph

[@douglasshaw9868]

My mother in law gave me a Craftsman LT1000 20 years ago and I still use it. I have replaced the spindles twice because I use it as a brush hog. That thing is built like a tank.

[@mikelemoine4267]

I have an old LT1000 too that the reverse gear won't engage. It's not in great shape from sitting but the deck is still like new. It's far stronger and thicker than the one on my newer Toro Z-Turn. I have been eyeing up how to modify the deck from the LT1000 to fit the Toro, as the deck on it is rotted out.

[@michelbrodeur6055]

I have used acetone to deal with varnish. You should be able to purchase it at a hardware store in various quantities. I like how you get animated when it goes according to plan and Thanks for the videos

[@WreckDiver99]

I grew up with a toro mower that lasted over 30 years. The mower finally died in 1980. My parents bought a craftsman then. It died in 1996, from the deck rotting out. I bought a Toro Recycler in 1996 that will still start within 3 pulls. It isn't used often as I now have a tractor, but I keep it in running order.

[@fester1957]

I enjoy taking something old and making it do again

[@CharlieAdolf-e4x]

I wanna go to school for small motors as well so been kinda fixing small motor machines so sometimes i watch youtube how to videosand I ran across your videos by accident im having troubles getting a huscavarna backpack blower running and i was lookin up how to videos and yours came up and i been like beng watchin your videos for like 10 hrs and i have learnd alot so thank you alot i reall appreciate and love your videos and like my papa used to say if it's got comprehension its got some potential have a wonderful day

[@massey35]

Hi Bre, if you go to a farm feed store, pick up a gallon of black strap molasses, you can mix the Molasses with warm water, and soak your parts in the molasses and water and it will not harm any of the parts but it will clean them up like new, the more molasses you mix with the water the quicker the batch will work

[@roncj6937]

"Chickanic I do love your Videos i lean a little each time i watch your Videos but we lean from one another to and I'm always on the lookout to see if the Chickanic makes a mistake and to say it nicely you are good but I'm waiting for it glad to see you excited i get that to when something go's right for me feel your experiences. ps And most if not all love the Chickanic ♡ 🇦🇺

[@claycox6818]

Like Mikewater1958 said, putting the air filter on it could help the surging issue by restricting the air flow thus resulting in a richer mix. Another possible thing to look at would be the governor spring. If the mower is 30 years old, that spring may be a bit sprung. A new spring might give it the ability to even out the throttle. Keep up the great work! Love watching your videos!

[@zippymcfearson2776]

Nairlee dropped me beer ITS WORKIN WHEN THE NIPPLES COME ALL THE WAY OUT damn straight it is

[@claudenormandeau9211]

Brie, you are a gifted teacher. Could you get a bunch of hand picked young students and organize a class in your shop to teach them what you know. With all the equipment you have they could stay busy for a quite a while. The small engine manufacturers may even help sponsor you. We need more small engine mechanics like you. Or we will have a throw-away culture the way it has been going for the last few years.

[@davidcoblentz7468]

I service a mower that is the same model 1993 vintage. She is a good friend, this model craftsman is a tank runs like a dream she loves it great mower.

[@disturbedmaynard3873]

I have a snowblower I bought in Jan. of 1997 and this is the first winter that I haven't started it yet. Last spring, I prepped it for storage, and usually in November, I grease and oil it, make sure the oil is full, gas it up and at least make sure it runs. But no real snow yet this season, and what we had just melted, so I didn't even bother with it yet. It is looking like it may sit there in storage mode until November, unless we get dumped on before mid April. Nice to see another near 30 year old engine come to life.

[@philheese1728]

Hey, it’s 30 yrs old, but not over the hill yet. Great job.

[@ArtSchulz-fm7kv]

Clean carbs by soaking overnight in Gunk Hydo Seal( it's reusable). Don't poke jets with welding tip cleaners. Use compressed air to blow out. Enjoyed this video!

[@brokenwrench1]

thanks Bre i love this video.

[@ronevans852]

Good job.

[@michaelmustachio5318]

Hey Bre, love your videos. Heres a tip you may want to try. I do a lot of RC airplane nitro engines, and when they sit a long time, the varnish locks them solid. A small crockpot with generic automotive antifreeze in it. Rubber or plastic will get destroyed, but if you put only metal (carb body, etc) in a basket & cook it on low for a few hours, it comes out looking like brand new. I was skeptical too until i tried it. Works better than ultrasonic IMHO. Keep putting out the great videos.

[@robertchall8576]

Keep up the good work.

[@BG-vq9fd]

Excellent

[@mikeskidmore6754]

My Fathers 1963 Minneapolis Moline "Jacobson" Mower was running great when it was retired. 36" cut 8 HP Kohler. I mowed my parents 2.5 acre Lawn and the Neighbors Farm Yard and Barn yard for years.. With good maintenance they can run for years and thousands of house. Now days I mow with a 1952 Ford 8-N and a 6 foot Plainsman Finish Mower..

[@RodrigoBisbal]

love it! I bought this exact same Craftsman as my first mower 30 years ago and it still runs like a beast now. I baby this thing. Thanks for the tips !!

[@Chickanic]

That is awesome!

[@dave-uf8ir]

U go girl excellent I learned a ton thanx 😊

[@Paul.Douglas]

Even after many years in a business, it’s still a thrill when you get something working again! Just about every video of yours is a whole training course. Great stuff!

[@larryrussell4905]

Awesome!

[@mikemontgomery4378]

Nice video thanks for sharing

[@vwnut-uc1gw]

I have a Honda riding mower i got from a friend a few years ago. Did a few repairs and tune up and it runs like a champ. Built in 1982. It might outlast me.

[@randyphillips1275]

Enjoyed your video

[@beanolatte2682]

I love flipping mowers!

[@ronsilva516]

Well a fixed riding lawnmower ready for sale get all of fixed and sold cash for you new shop👍😎

[@chich2744]

I have an old craftsman riding mower for 33 years, the only things I’ve changed were blades, carburetor, starter gear, brakes, tires and battery

[@markcole6475]

I’ve had people I know just give me yard equipment because either they don’t want to mess with it or don’t want to pay to have it checked out and repaired….one of my buddies gave me a stihl 029 saw with a broken boss on the jug for the exhaust studs…..got on evil bay and ordered an 039 jug/piston kit…bar/chain …..gave it a good cleaning and boom! Got an awesome saw! Got about $100 into it plus my labor..

[@RoyatAvalonFarms]

I have and love these shelving units. It's been several years since I bought them last, but the manufacturer had an option to buy additional shelves and retention clips to add more shelves per rolling unit.

[@Chickanic]

I'll have to check into that! Thanks!

[@Laser3303]

Safety Clean Carburetor dip tank fluid is the absolute best carb cleaner I have ever used. We have a dip tank with it and an air powered back and forth basket to put the parts in. Gumout spray or Berryman B-12 spray works very well also.

[@johnnybegood9285]

If you use a deep socket that just fits over the starter shaft, you can use that to drive the snap ring on.

[@mcarroll598]

When I was in Highschool in the mid 90’s, I worked in a small engine shop. Looking back at all that equipment that we would work on, the quality in a lot of it was great compared to the junk they make now.

[@davedennis5537]

I have a 22 years old craftsman with a kolher 16 hp command I bought from sears new it's still mowing

[@kaybakr-e4k]

Good job Girl! Surging = idle jet issues... Old Machines are much better than new fangled plastic junk!

[@StevenEverett7]

Having it start is a great feeling isn't it!