Fixed This Craftsman Mower But You May Not Like How I Did IT

Links to products I have in my tool bag.
Compression tester. amzn.to/2NMgeze
Spark PLUG TESTER. amzn.to/3jEcZH3
Inline Spark Checker. amzn.to/3bnXjmA
Feeler Gauge set. amzn.to/3rTsZK6
Chemical bottle. amzn.to/3eWcGVs
Air Filter. amzn.to/2T8qgxu
Above are affiliate links which means we receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products via those links.
Thanks for watching. Well I fixed it, but you're not going to like how I did it.
This video is meant as entertainment, always practice safety.

[@covishen]

Honestly purchasing used parts was a stroke of genius! I was all ready for you to recycle the broken motor, and get a cheap harbor freight. An update to my riding mower, I decided to spend the money for a new motor. It was in and out of shops last summer more than it was actually used, so the old motor is going to a local kid that likes messing with small engines in return for installation of my new mower and a very beat up riding mower with a good motor that came with the house. It frees up space in my garage, and I get free labor, a win-win in my book.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you covishen, and I think you're doing to right thing.

[@gradyhernandez4699]

What did you set the valves at ?

[@toddosterhout9866]

Great repair. To me it was one of your most interesting videos up to date. Hopefully you’ll do some more like this one

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Todd Osterhout

[@gradyhernandez4699]

Yes .I want to try that what he did

[@jwayne777]

Great video. I think it worked out great. I'm in a similar dilemma. I got a free 550ex edger and the motor is shot. I'll be purchasing a $25 used mower and doing a motor swap that's less involved. I'm sure if you would found a $25 mower engine you would've done the same but cheap mowers and free mowers are getting scarce. Your knowledge of motors is amazing. Keep up the great videos.🎉

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yep would be correct! thank you Saul Souza!

[@AJRestoration]

There is nothing wrong with reusing the old gaskets if it is still in good shape. I have reused a bunch of old gaskets and never had any issues.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you AJ Restorations

[@markmetzger5430]

Being on SS ( no small irony that its the same acronym as the WW II folks) I applaud your approach. Sure the compression release was a faux pas, though its a learning experience. Once you silicone seal the valve cover gasket, you'll have a nice little mower. How about a piece of velcro for the stop bail :)) Love your knowledge and videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes, I need to get some velcro, that's Is a great idea. Thank you Mark Metzger, and yes the Irony you mentioned is the best example of it, thus far.

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

This is what I’d consider a shoestring repair. But as long as it is able to repair the issue, then I’m not complaining.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, I wasn't going to break the bank fixing this one.

[@jay7264]

Some engines need the sump gasket for the clearance of the crankshaft

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's what I've heard.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I laughed when you said, "The poor soul that picked it up was me". We have all had that mower at one point or another.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!! I was hoping would feel bad for me but that works too. Thank you Guys playing with tools.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I've had a whole lifetime of them. Guess that's why I'm so grouchy!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@Home Garage some times it's nice to know you aren't alone. I got 3 (cheap) last week, and all 3 would cost more to fix than they were worth.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@Lewie McNeely 🤣 I feel your pain, I have days like that too

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools Keeps you mad enough to keep going. I don't waste my time with getting angry. I just get red-eyed MAD! Runs in the family.

[@trevordoeshalloween5994]

I hit a rock with my fancy self propel husqvarna mower with a Briggs engine and bent the crankshaft. Ordered new crankshaft and gaskets. Put it together and it knocked. Bad connecting rod. Took it apart again and put in a new rod, new crankcase gasket again, new oil seals, new valve cover gasket. Was putting the head on and over torqued it, snapping a head bolt. Ordered 4 new bolts and reassembled again. It fired right up. Hoping it stays working bwcuase it was a pain in the rear and a lot of money but I like that mower lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow you did a lot of work!

[@mr1pearl]

I don't tear into engines at all too time consuming . I have a couple of motors kicking around because the decks are usually the first to go so I would have but one of those on instead ! I would change the cam out though ?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Bill Clement and yes the camshaft is here now, and I'm working to get it in now.

[@LawnboyR7070]

The problem is a lot of these newer Briggs & Strattons are putting things like “never change”. Of course average consumers fall for it and this happens.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct

[@therandomman6647]

Remember the engine I was talking about that wouldn't turn? It would make 1/16 of a turn then make a thunk and stop. Turns out the rings gouged out the cylinder. I'm still going to try to run it with only one ring, but it's not gonna be pretty!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for letting me know

[@hosocat1410]

I save all the gas i drain from my small engine equipment and use it later as a cleaner/degreaser.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I save part for parts and start brush piles with the rest.

[@georgepruitt637]

@@lewiemcneely9143 I use it to kill brush/cactus in fence line.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice!

[@bigsonslawncare]

Reminds me of the Snapper Sp80 I found 2 weeks ago same design and looks identical 👍🏽

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, I hope it was in working condition?

[@bigsonslawncare]

@@HomeGaragechannel Yes sir I'm still trying to figure out why they dumped it🤔 Took it home changed oil sharpened blade through in a clean filter and she's been running every since✔️

[@marshmower]

You're hitting home runs every time, now. Look out folks. 🎉 Very entertaining and epic show.❤

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@nathanbrown4859]

With working with my neglected craftsman m210 was been fun frustrating all of that the story behind it is my dad bought it back in 2019 and was stored in a really crappie shed the handle rusted and the self propelled cable broke this year nothing had been done to it the bottom of it had never been clean and the oil hadn't been checked for a long time and the oil was low when I started taking care of it

[@nathanbrown4859]

The blade was half of the size it should have been I changed the oil and replaced the blade but I over filled the oil and it made a big mess and to top it all of the carburetor got so used to the neglect it killed its self then I had to get a new carburetor then I pressure washed the bottom to find barley any pain and rush then when I say I'm finally done with finding bad parts then I look at the belt and that's wore out stay turned for more on my channel.

[@nathanbrown4859]

Then to top it all off the replace mower we got to be the back up one and to rely on doesn't even want to start

[@lukeWiz44]

what is with all the haters in the comments? good Lord it’s a lawnmower, not a small block 350! I think what you did was smart, breathe life into a old machine.

[@ImSrry4BeingWhite]

Don't confuse critics with haters. Its the same with a little bit of joking around and "trolling"

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

man so confusing!

[@gradyhernandez4699]

True

[@gradyhernandez4699]

@@HomeGaragechannel where did you get an the used parts?

[@butler386]

Well if I was going to sell this mower I would not have gone that route because my reputation would be at stake. I think your reputation is more important than saving a few bucks. However a new engine would be fantastic or even a used one as long as the customer understands what they are purchasing. Lastly I do not have to worry about that because I am not allowed to pick up stuff and let it sit in the back yard. Shame on me.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

THAT's how I got my enclosed shed built; to get everything hidden from out in the driveway under tarps. I maybe fixing to get banned from such. My age is passing me up!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

noting wrong with that

[@saigyl9149]

i would have rolled it over to the spare parts corner

[@HomeGaragechannel]

if I was a smart person, I would have, but I've got a few issues, so what's done is done.

[@BlownF150]

I hit a small hiddden stump with my Honda lawnmower a few years ago, bent the crankshaft pretty good. I pulled the whole motor down and ordered all new OEM parts along with new cam gear and belt as just in case parts since I was already into the engine. The parts were actually very cheap, took maybe 4 hours to put everything back together. Honda use gray RTV sealant as the crankcase gasket too but I used a technique I saw on another small engine repair channel. Basically a very thin bead on both surfaces and tapping over with a finger tip to create even small peaks of texture on both surfaces. Letting it set for 30 minutes to skin over then fully assembling the halves. Looks much more professional, uses less sealant, and zero leaks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice technique and thank you for not mentioning the other channel, it's good etiquette

[@beingsneaky]

and another frick that... use gasket maker. it works. why do you think its called "Gasket Maker"???

[@HomeGaragechannel]

some people just prefer using a gasket if it was there before. I say use whatever.

[@derek465]

1st comment LOL

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@kaedenjacob6092]

Weird question are you a megadeath fan im just curious

[@williamBryan-k2e]

I was a backyard auto mechinic. My family would on a weekend - pull/disassemble/get parts ( 30 miles away ) /put back together in a weekend.. this is my thoughts - if you had such a catastrophic failure, buy a new or used engine. why - the possiblity of metal in the oil pathways. I do not know what is on a lawmower engine but they run through the whole engine of a car. If I was to keep instead of sale - I would cross my fingers. but to sell and risk a return - for me - no. - so tell me - are there real oil lines like a car engine - or something else that would not hide loose metal.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

son this engine there is no pressurized oil passage. It's only splash oiling. There are oil return channels but they quite large.

[@beingsneaky]

yeah i say "frick that", I will always reuse gasket if they don't look to bad.. if the next owner wants to put on a new gasket be my guest..

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like that saying

[@willyhoogs]

Too many "purists" out there thinking everythings gotta be new and perfect to be done right. Also, would heat like from a heat gun be effective at reshaping the valve cover gasket?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right!

[@scottjohnson5449]

it turned out ok..... now as for me yes i would have sourced all used parts except for the valve cover gasket. and one thing i didnt see was any smoke from the exhaust!! NOW for the kick in the azz for ya from me..... i know your stingy / frugal but this video borders on the almost GETO STINGY!!! hahaha just kiding... id like to see more on how this mower performs !!! keep them coming please and thank you!!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I 2nd this but no kick.

[@scottjohnson5449]

@@lewiemcneely9143 yea i agree no kick but in the shop were i used to work thats how we busted your balz bout stuff. in the auto/heavy side of things... all in great fun though!!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!!! I like this comment, you know where I come from now.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@scottjohnson5449 I worked construction with total idiots for over 50 years and am no stranger to goofiness. I was SArmy and truck driver and equipment operator, aka a diesel burner.

[@scottjohnson5449]

@@lewiemcneely9143SGT. army 17.5 yrs. in what is known as the flaming piss pot / aka light and heavy wheel and track maintenance also gen.set repair and recovery N.C.O. and second in command of the motor pool i took to heart what the army moto was " be all you can be in the army!! HOOAH!!!!

[@80SWoods]

I like the way you work. It’s a shame you have to constantly say that people may not like the way you are doing it, but you are right. People on KZbin are too quick to cry about how you are doing something “wrong” when cowardly hiding behind their keyboard.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for understanding

[@zinnstigertownmowers780]

With a bag and fully working. I only gets 260 and if I take anybody trade in, it wouldn't be feasible for me to put a new motor on one of these

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, cost is just too high

[@gearhead366]

Reusing the head gasket... these aren't Formula One engines. They work quite well with minimal care. When I raced go-karts, every week I would remove the head, and re-set the valve lash. I did NOT replace the head gasket every week. But I WOULD find a way to put the compression release back in. Used cam or new. The cheapest one you could find. Repairing this engine, I would have gone cheap route like you did if I had access to the used parts.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good choice and well said

[@RussellBooth1977]

Yes, it's only a lawnmower so it doesn't matter but I bought a new crankcase gasket for it because it's the standard 0.15 millimetre thick gasket which maintains the correct amount of crankshaft end float. I only spent $50 AUD on parts in late 2019 on my old 1988 model 3 horsepower L headed Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engine which included new piston rings as well,I reused the original 31 year old cylinder head gasket as well. I did hone the cylinder out as well although they all say that you're not supposed to,it does blow a puff of smoke when first starting the engine but it doesn't use very much oil now & the spark plug runs grey now instead of black & oily like it used to. I don't have a problem with how you did it because I probably would've done the same thing !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow nice to know you reused the gasket too, and that it worked just fine.

[@jesterr7133]

I've considered using a torque wrench a few times, but it was only for a fleeting moment. I have never used one, and I have never had an issue.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

for certain situations I would recommend it, but it's not required

[@graemehutchison5696]

Use for spare parts. I had a good chuckle about how you had fun with engine because somebody had to have a go and it makes great entertainment. Hopefully no one will try this on a decent engine ??? Go to Pakistan and see how they rebuild crashed vehicles.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a point

[@williamsnow1531]

Good choice on buying the used parts….bad choice on not buying a new head gasket. You got lucky and what you used worked, but lots of times I’ve seen that stuff fail more than work, could be improper application, but you also put your reputation on the line just to save $12.00. Word of mouth advertising could help you or kill you. Me personally would of done what you did with the one exception with buying the new head gasket.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate your honesty William Snow.

[@kravchan]

Most of the time, experiments, to prove a certain points, are fun and pay you back, despite the outcome, if cost was calculated aswel.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very well said

[@deebee3901]

I would have done everything you did apart from (1) a new head gasket (2) a used cam shaft with compression release (3) a new valve cover gasket. Everything else you did, I have no issues with.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Dee Bee, I plan on addressing these issues very soon.

[@craignewman1066]

That's what happened to mine,I had it running so hot,I think I collapsed ring,boy was it fun rebuilding though,next to new!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work!

[@Thomas63r2]

I've used the copper coat spray for years, works great on low performance engines. Nothing wrong with gasket maker - most of the time an engine like this will never again be worked on.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Great point!

[@haneyoakie14]

Could you gasket problem be solved with a gasket kit? I had one where Just the head gasket was $8 but a full kit was $13. And I needed the sump gasket anyway. The remaining unused gaskets are in the sleeve they were mailed in, in my garage filing cabinet.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hey you make a great point. Unfortunately, they aren't that cheap anymore

[@ToyotatechDK]

What about the crank journal? And you should have left out the copper spray. It wasn’t needed. And until now I’ve been amazed how you do things but fixing the engine the way you did was dumb! You should have trashed the engine and found a good used one cheap

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you think so?

[@malerics3210]

Love your videos and I have to say it is a bit sad that you need to justify your decisions. Keyboard experts (aka trolls) spoil it and make life more difficult for people like you. I have done what you did many times , at first learning the hard way (sometimes), but using used parts is definitely an option. Lastly, as Taryl says, it aint the space shuttle.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate this comment Maleric S, and yes it's just sad, but they're able to do what they want on here as well.

[@mattwickert736]

Good job! I would do the same thing with the sump. BUT, I usually don't bother rebuilding even with used parts. I'll get a good engine on a crusted out deck at some point - or convert a pressure washer engine with a deep blade adapter if needed. I would have no qualms selling this as a good, used mower if I were in your shoes.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Matt Wickert. What you're doing is the smart choice, I'm just doing it for fun.

[@TKC_]

I have a 3D printer which I understand most wouldn’t. But I totally would have tried to print that valve cover gasket from tpu if I couldn’t get it to reseal.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Ah!!, that's what I need to get next!

[@daltanwerre8277]

I take off the head all the time you use the same gasket all the time lol & Yes in my backyard

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, thank you Daltan Werre

[@daltanwerre8277]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you for the good content it's all about saving money man If we can pinch a penny that's what we got to do

[@lewiemcneely9143]

DOUBLE yes!

[@hypocriticalharambe8274]

you didn't even use the RTV on the valve cover gasket no wonder it leaked. in truth i reuse valve cover gaskets on cars mostly my personal vehicles with some of that RTV sealer lightly rubbed all over the gasket because its the 4th time I have reinstalled it (project car things) not much more can be done cheaper 3m Roloc Bristle Disc Grade on a grinder of some sort can be used to clean a lot of the carbon and gasket off a aluminum surface without damage or just a standard buff wheel if its steel can save some brake clean it also saves time with a tooth brush on some things.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for your time

[@billsmith1770]

i've been trying to sell a rider in good working condition for $300 , but had no calls . it seems insane that a pushmower can cost $500 . modern times .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right!

[@WJCTechyman]

I liked your experiment regardless. Is this engine worth fixing? No, to me it isn't worth purchasing brand new on a piece of equipment. I would sooner go for a PowerMore engine over one of these, and in fact, I have, at least once on a Cub snow blower. I also had experience with one on an MTD made mower and it seemed to be a reliable little engine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I can understand your feelings about it. The cost was my main restriction because the engines are not worth, all that much when used.

[@pyrokamileon]

on my lawn mower if I pull the "safety bar?" and then try to manually spin the blade it gives a bit of a groan and seems like it needs to be oiled, or in other words it seems like it has difficulty spinning freely. I was just wondering if this is normal? I have tried to put oil at the base of the blade's axle but it doesn't seem to have helped much. what would you recommend I do for this?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the question, what kind of mower is it? a model and serial number would help me to see what it is you're working on.

[@brianking1138]

I found this video very interesting even though I would not have rebuilt the engine. I would just find a used complete engine. I have successfully resealed a sump but never tried the copper spray for the head gasket.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes your idea would have made a lot more sense Brian King.

[@BlownF150]

Instead of a string, I use the large reusable twist ties HD and Lowes carry for cables and hoses. Keep them on my equipment to hold the deadman to run the fuel out after the fuel valve isclosed.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that works too!

[@Turningwrenches85]

I think it was the right decision also. I didnt think it had that much compression from that rebuild

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@Aylehouse]

This was a good fix. I would've either taken the route you did, or more likely, waited for a free mower with a rusted deck to come up and just do an engine swap. But that wouldn't make for as interesting a video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that works too, thank you Aylehouse

[@nathanbrown4859]

How can't you tell that's it's leaking when mine had a big leak like that it was really noticeable

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not sure I'll have to talk to someone that knows more I guess

[@robertbaysinger1309]

I'd probably have waited for another used engine from another piece of equipment and replaced it with that.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that would make good sense

[@gavmansworkshop5624]

Adding it into a video for potential revenue from KZbin should bump up the turnover 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right!

[@word1901]

you may not have gone about it the way i would have but i cant argue with the results it runs way better then i expected it to and you did make a good point its just a lawn mower engine worth $200 also RTV gasket maker i used it on the timing cover of an engine i rebuilt and it works just fine RTV is only an issue when extreme amounts are used and a piece breaks off in the oil pan and finds its way into the oil pump pickup

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct, with the harsh conditions, a gasket would make more sense, thank you word1901

[@scottfirman]

Good video! I find myself weighing out the cost compaired to what I might make selling the equipment. I have a Cub Cadet electric start walk behind mower with a rod knock. I am looking for a used mower with the same sized engine to swap. I will hang onto the mower as it looks like new. I will not be breaking any engine down like you did. The labor involved for any shop would be enough to convince anyone that it wouldn't be worth fixing that mower and it would end up in a scrap pile.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true about the labor, that's why I do it myself and it's kind fun.

[@MazichMusic]

If you're going to sell a repaired unit, it pays to do it tge preferred way, since a come-back would cost you even more $. New gaskets are a good idea.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely agree with you

[@brucecoleman7412]

The only real difference in what I would have done is to replace the camshaft in the first place. When a part like the compression release is broken, I have to remember that the engineers would not have spent the money to have it if it wasn’t needed. I’ve been down similar roads too many times.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I have sense changed it and you'll be hearing how I made a terrible mistake but the reason was spot on though.

[@mitchellbroderick5097]

you kept mentioning that some people would of gone the other route. But those people aren't you. There opinion might change if they were in your position. those people with different opinions wouldn't know information except for things you have said in the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, I appreciate how you put it, thank you Mitchell Broderick

[@RussellHoughton]

You can glue that gasket to the valve cover with that motoseal or what ever you used for the sump gasket.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yep, you've obviously seen into my mind already.

[@mikeshock7265]

I really like your channel and i agree with most of what ya did but man you dont have to defend what ya did on every single thing. Anyways super neat vid.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks and I wouldn't call it defending my choice, but I do like giving my reasons, which I don't think I do a good job expressing.

[@STILLPHENOM]

My bro in law broke his 1000 dollars mower brand new by running without adding oil. What should i do?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

how badly is it broken?

[@crazzywolfie]

i would have just installed a used engine. rebuilding an engine is always a gamble and if it blows up after you sell it for good money you get an angry customer. plus you generally loose money on these engines if you value your time. engines are dime a dozen.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct

[@cptyler150]

I did not see you do anything to the crank journal this all kinds of scrapes and gouges on that that you should have taken off before putting the connecting rod back on it's going to transfer to the connecting rod and then freeze up.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

So the crank journal was in pretty good shape, surprisingly. There was no aluminum on it from the rod and if there was I would have take it out to polish it, but it wasn't needed this time. So no freezing up here.

[@samfeldman1508]

Wow your resourcefulness is very impressive. I would have trashed the whole project.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I probably should have taken a different route but lots of people seemed to enjoy these types of videos. thank you Sam Feldman

[@Patrick4959]

well try option 1 first with new parts and if that,s beyond my penny prices i,d go with option 2 and see if that works out for me etc.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

great advice.

[@chriskwakernaat2328]

For home use , it's perfect , i wouldn't sell it without getting new parts though.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely correct.

[@berardia4]

One thing not shown is if you cleaned off the crank bearing of any aluminum from the old rod. That has to be smooth or your going to blow the new rod.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good point but not needed on this one, no aluminum was deposited onto the journal. Thank you Al's Repair and Restoration

[@raymorrison5006]

I had one that quit like that. I just got a predator engine and put on mine 3 years later still running like a top, also one pull starts all the time

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, unfortunately my harbor freight doesn't carry the mower engines anymore.

[@f3artails354]

Damn that's gotta be one worst things that I've seen to a small engine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@exploitallowed695]

If the rod overheats it will fail and will shot a part of it trough the block😢

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct.

[@thatRBX]

Hey just curious whats you favorite websites to get parts from?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

craigslist and FB marketplace

[@GeneG-wk2mz]

Where do you buy your parts or new engine?thanks for the knowledge

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Gene1984 G I order from Amazon and Ebay,

[@robcole332]

Who do you like dealing with to by your new and use parts

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I only use Amzn because of tracking and their return policy

[@Bigalhunting]

Yep, used parts is the best budget friendly way to go!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got the right

[@MacMashPotato]

I would of got new gaskets but what you did is fine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@electroddxful]

Amazing video and repair 👍🙏👍🙏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I thought it was a decent one too. Thank you RayFpv.

[@GlitchEmpireBrett]

I am happy with the way you fixed it because that would be the same way I would fix it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice I appreciate it.

[@garyalensr]

I agree with every decision you made. You took a non runing destroyed engine and got it running again. Yeah you bought used parts but they were in great shape. You good Sir have patience that i only dream of having. Cant wait for the follow up videos on this mower. Great job again with this repair

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Gary Allen for understanding, and yes the next video is scheduled and will be made soon.

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro, what's up? I honestly don't mind spending my money to get my equipment running properly again. However I weigh the pros and cons in order to get my equipment running again. If my cons outweigh my pros well that's the route I'm going and vice versa.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct, this one was a very close call for me, but for someone else it might have been different

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

@@HomeGaragechannel you're sure right bro. For someone else it would of probably been used for parts or recycled.

[@bigmesstest230]

I would did exactly what you did could have fixed it any differently

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice I appreciate it.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I was sitting here nodding YES all through this video. I MIGHT have got a new piston and rod BUT maybe not and I use a LOT of 2nd hand Ebay stuff. I just have to try and be careful to get what I need and if I have a question I always contact the seller. Gaskets? I'd reuse the head gasket and lay the #2 to the sump. I've done that more than once too with no leaks. Torque wrenches? I have a walking beam and a micrometer that will go to 250# but with head bolts it's usually an 8 inch combo box and pull the bolts 3 or 4 times after oiling them up first. I pull a head a lot tighter than factory and anti-sieze the threads but have never had any trouble with any stripping, breaking or backing off. And as far as cranking, if the rope is running around the outside of the pulley, THERE is where the most pulling power is and easiest starting. Waiting on the next one and Happy Weekend!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice! thanks for understanding my thinking. Some of the comments have not be very "understanding" to say the least.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel Some of the commentors, probably the biggest part have NOT walked in YOUR shoes and mine are too big and stinky for most to mess with. It's easy to run ones mouth out of an armchair.

[@richardboggs9428]

I would have gotten all new parts but that is just me

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good choice!

[@auskip07]

old timers would approve of the copper spray.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes they would

[@Kroooza]

I will soon be rebuilding an 1978 Briggs 5hp engine, and if i can find used parts in good shape I will certainly use them.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good luck with it, and I think you'll have a great time doing it.

[@Kroooza]

@@HomeGaragechannel Thanks!

[@xDman383]

I have a Toro super recycler that i bought last year that, even after 2 months of ownership, oil started leaking out of the same valve cover gasket. The engine is practically the same as that one, but probably a little bit bigger. Theres a huge design flaw with those OHV gaskets or the cover as it has a habit of crushing the gasket when you tighten the screws rather than just tightly seal. And heaven forbid you open it when it is warm cause then you need to wait for the damn gasket to cool to shrink back. I ended up replacing the original gasket with a new one and even after using the new one for 3-4 weeks, it too had started to leak oil from there again. I was seriously fed up as it was a new purchase. But eventually it seems like either the rubber melted to the right shape for a proper seal or the dust after me dethatching created a scab of sorts around the OHV crevasse as it hasn't leaked out oil since last year thankfully.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the information, and yes it would seem it's some sort of design issue. The strange part is that I've seen this gasket in either rubber form, or as a rigid thick paper gasket. If I had to replace it, I'd like to choose the rigid one, instead of the rubbery one.

[@xDman383]

@@HomeGaragechannel The one I have on mine is rubber. I've always found it so odd that it isn't more stiff. Is is very flexible and maliable and it does not enjoy being removed and put back. Also tears very easily too as I found when it stretches during operation internally, it seems like it rubs against the threads of the screws as my first one developed a tear after just reinstalling it a couple of times. I ended up purchasing a pack of 3 of them and luckily the new one ceased having issues. But if I ever have it happen again, I will just go with a stiff one. I also feel like the oil runs up the threads of the screws as well when it thins out when hot as the threads on mine were always covered in oil as well. Always the bottom most one too.

[@ezragonzalez8936]

rename your channel to the cheapskate home garage! ha

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like it!

[@GarageBuiltPreformance]

I had a box of parts off of scrap briggs flat heads. i was putting together a vertical shaft 4.5 hp block. i didn’t have rings. so i used a piston and rings out of a horizontal 5hp made in 73. swapped wrist pins out and they fit perfectly. permatexed all gaskets accept head gasket. valves out of idk what. rusted gas tank. threw on a mower deck and it’s been running no problem for 3 years. sure i have a better mower. but seeing it run for so long is crazy.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work!

[@GarageBuiltPreformance]

@@HomeGaragechannel yea it always fun to scrap something together and see how far you can go with it. let it sit outside all winter with old gas. i just went out and 3 primes on the carb and it started 1st pull.😂

[@craignewman1066]

Couldn't have done better,keeper ....

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@tdumford1]

excellent job. kudos. I have an old Scotts/deere vertical drive mower I am about to replace the bent crank on.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, hope you get it working. Was the crank bent?

[@tdumford1]

@@HomeGaragechannel crank is for sure bent.

[@Ram14250]

Go get a compression release and valve cover.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's the plan.

[@philliphall5198]

There’s a time to just stack it back for later

[@HomeGaragechannel]

there sure is

[@sunflowermahea225]

Doesn't matter anything you use to clean, it is going to be bad for you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

probably so

[@sunflowermahea225]

@HomeGaragechannel I have the same mower I just got. Only 2 years old, it has no compression. You see whoever had changed the plug, put a new blade on, and put in new oil. I'm thinking they bought it and never put oil in it . Ran those 2 years with the little bit they are ship with. I'm not messing with it. I have another motor on it.

[@ImSrry4BeingWhite]

Stop tying down the brake bail and just use a clamp its so much easier bruh

[@HomeGaragechannel]

bruh, my video, my choice bruhhhh

[@ImSrry4BeingWhite]

@@HomeGaragechannel but its so inefficient

[@gregio6295]

I would of done the samething

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, thank you!

[@danielpadgett2831]

I think you did a awsome job on this refresh reguard less of other opinions

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate it, I was just trying to be as economical as possible considering how things are going right now.

[@danielpadgett2831]

@@HomeGaragechannel I completely understand

[@riceburner4747]

I've ALWAYS loved Craftsman tools but never their mowers. I had a Craftsman riding mower 20yrs ago. My yard was sloped, hence, I blew a rod because oil wasn't getting to correct parts. Was THIS mower from a hilly yard? I have NO PROBLEM on how u handled this rebuild. U are very knowledgable. NOW, if u treated a Honda in this manner, I'd have issues. Great rebuild! And thank u! 👍🇺🇸

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ah you are asking the right questions Rice Burner. No the area I got the mower from is flat. Thank you for this comment, I really appreciate it.

[@christophermarshall5765]

I'd do the same as you, except I use Hylomar on the head gasket.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I had to look that up , and yes, that looks like great stuff. I need to buy some more soon, I wonder If I can get that here?

[@christophermarshall5765]

@@HomeGaragechannel good question. I’m sure you should be able to get it there.

[@HSC570]

Hey I got a Ranch King Rider and it runs kind of rough. Do you think it could be a valve lash issue?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

if you don't know when the last time the valve lash was inspected, then yes there's a good chance

[@HSC570]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem