EXTREMELY RUSTY SCRAPYARD MOWER - Will it Run?

This ride on lawn mower is extremely rusty and rotten. It has been left outside for decades. The engine won't turn over and the whole thing looks like it's ready to be scrapped. Will it run?
Thank you to my Patrons
/ daggerwin

[@goofe.washington953]

As I sit here in the U.S. on a leisurely Sunday morning, enjoying my coffee, I’m struck by how satisfyingly peaceful - and interesting - this video is....not to mention informative. It’s very enjoyable watching an old engine, ostensibly beyond its shelf life, come back to life. Thank you for posting this video.

[@thenonoman]

Gave a thumbs up for "ostensibly." It's a great word. According to the OED, it only came into English in the 18th century. Originally Latin, but came to English via French.

[@Bahh1245]

@@thenonoman your the kinda guy who points his pinky out when drinking coffee or tea

[@mscaldwell_dop]

One day Daggerwin will start with just pouring a pile of rust on to the floor, that used to be a mower, and challenging himself to get it turning over again. And I’ll watch it.

[@81moldy6]

@Jack Scudder he runs both channels...

[@thenonoman]

Absolutely. I enjoy watching the process regardless, but it is more satisfying to watch when the starting point is so roached.

[@waynewatts-ellson61]

And he'll cut grass with it at the end of the video as well 🤣

[@DeadKoby]

I appreciate the simplicity of the flat head engines.... always easy to work on, and tough as nails.

[@JennMikkyD]

Great video! Love watching old, rusty, & neglected machinery brought back to life!

[@KarenTookTheKids364]

I love this stuff. This channel and Marty T were recommended to me by KZbin. They get it right some times. 😂

[@KarenTookTheKids364]

@Wayne Herby carlrogers too if you haven't watched him

[@paulellis6022]

After the low compression test and the high leak down test I was surprised to see no blue smoke upon startup and running.

[@MachineryRestorer]

Yes it was very surprising how it ran so well.

[@kieranlavelle5805]

yes you are right

[@kieranlavelle5805]

ps.Daggerwin is it snowing in your place

[@donsurlylyte]

likely a stuck ring that freed up

[@hampusback480]

This is so relaxing. Exactly what you need on a Sunday.

[@edsalt5281]

It's a sunday?

[@hampusback480]

@@edsalt5281 Right, I'm a bit lost

[@proudy5841]

Hampus Bäck haha! Time goes to fast mate don’t blame you for thinking it’s a Saturday.

[@stinkyninki9920]

get some help

[@sebzfairclough8385]

It’s Sunday for me

[@warbirdwf]

I would have liked to see you do another leakdown and compression test after it ran. It would have been interesting.

[@frankdeegan8974]

Yes by all means. After it started very little smoke so it appears the ring wear is within tolerance, the longer it ran it seamed to run better most likely carbon build up and after sitting it got flakey now with the engine running once again the carbon blew off and now it would give a better reading as to the condition of the internal workings and parts.

[@MachineryRestorer]

@@frankdeegan8974 Yes I will do another leak down test for the next video

[@DaftCatBrewing]

I was just thinking the same :)

[@jamescaldwell2095]

I posted the same right before I read this. It sounded really good.

[@jamesschenk1963]

Lol I also wanted a leak down test. Good video

[@jeffvickers9390]

Good old Briggs & Stratton engine. Can’t go wrong there. 🤙🏼

[@retro8696]

I've only ever seen one die and the only reason it died was because someone left the dip tick off and water got into it and if froze cracking the block.

[@CommanderMouse72]

After seeing what Project Farm has put those engines through I’d only buy a mower with a Briggs & Stratton now

[@aviationwales3021]

I think you should really try restore the mower. It would be a great little project. Might be a hard one but imagine the feeling of satisfaction

[@simontay4851]

Theres no way the rest is salvageable. Its all siezed and/or rusted. The deck would need to be completely replaced. The wheels will need to be replaced, the forward/reverse is siezed and the speed selector is broken. They would need repairing/replacing. Its not worth the time or money.

[@aydenidek7581]

@@simontay4851 that’s the whole point of a restoration

[@Hjerte_Verke]

@@aydenidek7581 I doubt he or you mean restoration --that would imply bringing it back to factory condition, or as-new. But a REPAIR is just getting it to function as intended.

[@XMguy]

I’ve got a “Yard Man” mower nearly identical to that one, not nearly as bad condition wise though lol. Won’t stay running and has trouble starting. I learned from your videos that it’s exhaust relief is probably broken. Great videos mate. From the US.

[@ni_wink84]

This by far became one of my favorite channels, I love watching the transformation

[@jdmccorful]

A "Heroic Obsession"! Good job getting that engine running. Thanks for the looksee.

[@jamesrose3104]

Doesn’t sound bad for a rusted out tractor! Great job!

[@gibsonbrigh]

When ever I pick up a old rusty mower or tractor that's been sitting in a bone yard. I usually spray every rust bolt. And let it sit for over night. Sometimes I will go out and hit it again. Just makes things go so easy.

[@arthurbiringer5676]

Great resuscitation!

[@Bennicilline]

that front tire holding air like a true champ....

[@tractorboy4148]

you should try to find any vintage tractor and do a will it run video on that. it would be really cool to see.

[@cposwn]

Great job! Just need another riding mower. Thanks for posting.

[@Hevey45]

19:05 I have never seen that trick, seems to work nicely thanks for the tip

[@franleck]

So satisfying bringing something this old back to life. I just brought back a thirty year old Lawn Boy mower. So awesome hearing it run again.

[@MachineryRestorer]

Yes it is a great feeling :)

[@callumk5]

Inspiring stuff. I’ve sworn off Briggs and Stratton engines after a couple of bad experiences (all down to my own lack of knowledge and understanding in hindsight) and switched to Hondas since. Your videos have inspired me to find an old Briggs and have a go again!

[@infinity3jif]

This guy is badass. I'm like no way thats gonna run 'lol'

[@paulleblanc4653]

I have a 1994 same, runs fine, back-up. Love you’re repair subjects.

[@elmbriardevelopments3208]

Daggerwin u should buy a ferguson tractor they're small and simple and they can be worth alot of money restored

[@Erik-ri7ze]

A 135

[@danielmunch9568]

@@Erik-ri7ze or 133

[@Jtwes]

Or a Ford tractor from the 70s

[@proudy5841]

Erik that’s not a Ferguson a Ferguson like a te-20 would be good

[@harveyh8137]

165

[@joshrichardson9537]

Love your videos bro , I learn so much from these ! Keep them coming

[@Deer-Run-Farms]

That carbureted is a great example why I hate ethanol gas. I'm willing to put money that has never had modern gasoline in it and that is exactly why the inside of the carb was in such great condition. Ethanol kills everything it touches especially aluminum brass and rubber. Nice job dagwin I too love seeing old relics revitalized for future use. I am always grabbing old mower snowblower and gas powered equipment out of the trash to repair and sell or what usually happens is I donate them to family's that need a mover or something but cant afford it. Keep up the great work! Thanks for sharing!

[@AnthonyCurreri]

Amazing job! Especially doing it all while filming in such a tiny work space.

[@markharrisllb]

India v England on the TV with England looking very good for the win and watching Machinery Restorer at work. Sounds like the perfect Sunday morning to me.

[@ciaranclenaghan4953]

Great video, u teach me stuff about engines and how to fix them . Thanks and stay safe

[@wingdwolf56]

I’ve watched a few of your videos now and much prefer the ones in which you speak! Very enjoyable

[@bertrandducouedic8621]

That is really a great work. I hope we will see it completely redone very soon. Thanks

[@generaldisarray]

Excellent job. It's alive!!! Well done.

[@tunturimies84]

Dang 50% natural weight reduction

[@sjoemie_himself]

Impressive job on the engine. Started up pretty good considering how it looked. That rear axle though.. i would try to get that going again and make it into a front axle to make a 4x4 mower

[@guypenryn7008]

Yes I would agree do the back axle have not seen many mtds like that. Would make an interesting video

[@M.TTT.]

agree, those rear steer axles are rare

[@tinkeringinthailand8147]

You need a workshop like the one I'm just completing, take a look. Thanks for a great video :)

[@pupdog7374]

Great video. For some additional enjoyment consider addressing what is needed to get it driveable & also sharpening the blades but leave the tractor's cosmetics untouched. Then, use it to cut your lawn for a few weeks. I guarantee that you will get some very strange looks from your neighbors. I did that a few years ago with a very rusty & old, circa 1952 Craftsman tractor that I found in a field. Several neighbors came over with amazed looks on their faces asking me about my tractor.

[@runswithfist9360]

Hit like and buy this man a bigger shop. Great video!

[@tinytruck1200]

I don't know why people don't like this. This is so satisfying and relaxing. Love this channel.

[@MachineryRestorer]

Thanks! Can't please everyone but I think most people like it

[@timsiefer4387]

Brilliant video as usual; love your channels. Really amazed that you got such a rusty hunk to run and runs quite well. I noticed that the video always shows you immediately wrenching counter-clockwise to loosen the hardware; I was taught to always slightly tighten first, then loosen to increase the chances of not breaking off a seized bolt. Curious to know your experience with that technique. Always looking forward to your next videos!

[@user-hj7ls3lm3x]

Amazing you got the engine going, respect :)

[@mikesbarn1858]

Wow. That’s real courage trying to restore that.

[@bigDbigDbigD]

My thoughts exactly.

[@WhataTry]

Brilliant fun with great explanation and camera work ☺️

[@evenberg8499]

These old tractors always seem to have different tire threads. 😆

[@stefanbekan1298]

Ok, that was seriously impressive.

[@angrybill]

Great video. I think that the lack of much smoke was as much a factor of compression rings that were good to begin with plus the oil ring being splashed readily by the oil slinger on the con rod cap. Sealed the engine right up promptly. Next lets have a dyno check to see how close you can come to getting 12 hp again.

[@MarkMeadows90]

The mower is scrap, but at least the engine is repairable. Goes to show you how tough those old Briggs and Stratton engines are. Used them for many years. Even had a custom built B&S engine for a go cart I had back when I was a kid. Little 6 HP motor, but was bored over. Custom forged pistons and internals. Bigger carb. Port and polished the head, etc. That thing would fly! Not sure how fast it was exactly, but it seemed like it would do close to 50 MPH or more with changeable sprockets.

[@amilcarmoncada1801]

Excelente recuperacion deeste cortacesped oxidado, mis felicitaciones y respetos desde Venezuela💯👍👊👊

[@kevinsimpson7114]

Another informative and interesting video. Thanks.

[@ludvigtande1236]

I thought no chance running given such low compression readings. Well done. Enjoyed it👍

[@severikosonen8706]

Thanks now i know what i need to do my 13year old mtd lawnmower

[@danielgonzales5628]

I love your videos!! Keep up the great work! :)

[@AndrewHCann]

Excellent video also keep 👌 updates on more videos to and well done too!

[@Shadow-eo2pf]

I’m working on a 1985 gravely 816s with a 16hp Briggs on it, but I’m still waiting to get these 4 abandoned John jeer mowed all with the same Briggs engines except one with a opposed twin but I love attaching these videos you make getting these old Briggs going again

[@M.TTT.]

Wow, that is extremely crusty. Look forward to watching.

[@M.TTT.]

I have never seen a mini hacksaw 2:18, lol thats neat

[@simontravis7452]

They are never dead until they are dead, excellent job, I cannot wait for the next miracle.

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Well done. Cheers mate, Stuart 🇦🇺

[@Renault_75-34MX]

Since there mower itself is a write of, are you going to take the engine of and put it to the side for a mower with a decent frame, but no/broken beyond repair engine? Also it's nice to have two videos from you on the same day dagger

[@AJPsWorkshop]

Wow that's some rust that carb was a right old state it runs great awesome video as all ways mate

[@Robb403]

This is the first time for me. Your video is well edited and informative. You are teaching people how to make repairs without a lot of expensive tools. Rebuilding a starter is great idea for a video. Once the engine works, do you strip all of the bad pieces and make what's left of the mower into something useful like a pump or a garden plow?

[@crunchysuperman]

Well done. I really enjoy these.

[@TheDc1984dc]

Looks like an old White mower. I used to have one with the all wheel steering but had a V Twin Vanguard. It was a good runner.

[@cohlbarnes5393]

Hi dagger win Im from America I'm 13 and this chanal made me descise to restore my grandpas old tractor a farmall a I'm doing it. By myself right now I'm just waiting on a new crank then I'll be done and excuse me I did not mean restore I meant getting the rust off and getting it running.

[@freddyshapiro3007]

amazing restoration

[@davidphillips2259]

Sounds like a old airplane warning up , that great 👍🏻

[@sebastianrb-robloxandmore8396]

Good to see u still upload here

[@SPEED5041]

I await the whole restoration 👍🏻

[@stevenmorris3698]

That motor deserves a clean up and a new home, what a unit

[@jimlondon1]

That rotten pile of rust must've been parked by the sea somewhere. If you shouted loud enough at it, it would've disappeared and only the engine would remain. Well done for getting it going.

[@nigetrucking3363]

Great video just wot you need on a Sunday

[@morganandersson8815]

I Get so glad when you post

[@zenitha6]

Surprised that there was no mouse nest. In the North East USA this engine would have been packed with nesting material. Air cooled engines are pretty tough as long as you maintain oil and keep critters out of the cowling. Great job, this was really nice to watch.

[@manuelweiss3904]

Looking forward to the upcoming videos!

[@jameslawnmowerrepair]

I forgot about this video and I came back on it one day and I noticed this has the exact same carburator as the wheel horse b112 I got from a garage its not in the greatest condition but I'm taking the engine off and looking into the carb and this video helps

[@grahamhowland566]

I know you said that the drivetrain is seized along with the mower deck but the 4wheel steer seems like something interesting enough to warrant further tinkering even if it means scrapping the mowing parts and just getting it driving and steering

[@plee501pl]

Removable floor pan 🤣 nice work man...you're not a mechanic you're an Artist BRAVO

[@daleyurk4369]

Nice video, I'd really be interested in seeing you repeat the compression and leak down tests after it's run. It may have freed up the rings and helped the valves seal.

[@andrewmitchell1248]

Job done, well done.

[@davetaylor4741]

They are tough little engines. I still run one but have given up on three. I have one where the valve blew a hole in the head and two seized up in the bore. So swapped out for cheap Chinese crate motors. These are OK but don't think they will last long and the Carbs are terrible with no adjustment. Where I live in Australia it is so hard to get parts. I see them on sites order them only to find they don't actually have them and it can be months to get them if at all and so expensive. I would love to try a rebuild of one but the tools are lacking and no doubt parts. Another enjoyable video. Thank you.

[@enra72]

yes you've done it again brought a load of rusty scrap lol but its good to watch you turn them around :)

[@armadillerff]

I’m absolutely surprised, given the condition of most of your projects, you don’t shear MORE bolts! Very good show.

[@LoftechUK]

Well done 👏🏼

[@nikkehannula267]

You are Daggerwin!!!!

[@tinkeringtaylor3053]

well done Machinery Restorer good video engine sounds good and only 1 bolt to cut

[@vaioskaliakoudas6388]

I can't wait to see this tractor fully restored

[@dsnester2754]

This would be an awesome restoration

[@eduardoalfredosimonetti7931]

Muy buen video saludos desde Argentina

[@ASelbo]

These B&S side valve engines sits in all sorts of equipment, being run to destruction by owners without any technical sympathy whatsoever. Just a lttle tlc, regular oil changes, insert a new spark plug once in a while and an occasional carb service these engines will last you a man’s age. I love these engines. Simple, rugged and unassuming they are absolute legend!

[@JesseEder]

Great video as always it run very you are amazing

[@masterstud9207]

Love the video keep them coming

[@mjpbase1]

I wonder if the compression improved after running for a time.

[@michaelbenoit248]

It probably would, the key is to park the engine before the compression stroke so the valves are closed & dribble some oil in the cylinder.

[@ComputerTechNL]

Nice work.

[@nigelbarker9278]

Superb informative video as always, i wish you could help me replace the flywheel on my Westwood T1300 as i am struggling without a puller

[@simonclayton5773]

The snails are probably hibernating, so very much alive.

[@j308s7]

Shocking how some owners neglect expensive mowers!

[@aarongrabowski3775]

No snails were harmed in the making of this video!!!

[@dopeynightlifetv6859]

SHE'S ALIVEEEEEEE!!!!!! 💪

[@unpluglvfree9507]

love this channel!!

[@blake_taylor9107]

Love the vids keep it up

[@ianpickersgill3211]

It's nice to see the motor being restored, bu I was a little surprised that he didn't put a drop of oil in the bore before trying to move the piston.