Fixing A Craftsman Mower, That Won't Start When It's Hot.

[@SleepLevelLow]

i'm glad people like you bring seemingly hopeless mowers back to life..

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate that a lot!

[@therandomman6647]

"first of all, it's MY choice" I couldn't agree more, wether it's easier or not doesn't change that fact

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you TheRandom Man, for understanding.

[@snoopysrc]

@@HomeGaragechannel bad carburetor or ignition coil

[@Kitt96]

I love watching your videos. I repair almost anything with an engine or wheels. It’s nice seeing how someone else goes about things and you’ve definitely taught me a few things that have saved a lot of time !!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Tim Hull.

[@melissamcadams9933]

@@HomeGaragechannel there is no air cleaner in the cover on the carb

[@antonioalvarez2357]

It is an excellent video, thank you. I bought one of these 5.50 at 158cc without knowing that they are self-propelled, now I'm trying to get the engine to start, but I really don't know where to start, a good sign was that when I checked the spark plug it was dry, so after cleaning the oil and gas tanks I'll start with the carburetor.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good place to start

[@scottfirman]

I explain to homeowners that water in the tank can and does usually stay at the lowest part of the tank but after running, the water can mix with the fuel through the vibration of the engine running, this allows the fuel water mixture to be drawn up by the carburetor and can cause poor running conditions, stalling and like yours, to quit running when hot. Good point concerning the coil issue too. I have had several engines do that. A simple spark plug tester hooked inline can quickly verify the coil has stopped working. As for electric start mowers, I usually convert them from a lead acid battery over to a Lithium battery. You can use an 11.5 v RC battery and it will deliver more power to the starter, is smaller and can be charged with any cheap lithium charger. I have done it with Electric Start leaf blowers by Ryobi where the battery pack was no longer available. I strip out the old dead cells from the battery and hot glue a small lithium battery in its place, then put the battery shell back together. The power leads can be soldered into the original leads easily. I did two of them a few years ago.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like your explanation!

[@JCT442]

Long live the B&S Quantum!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right.

[@qkrthnu328i5]

What a great walkthrough for maintenance. Mine didnt have water in the fuel but with these machines simply taking them apart, cleaning, and putting them back together works wonders. Mine’s working fantastic!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Great to hear!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

One that I fixed for the kids had the electric start but no charger and a shot battery. I figured if they wanted that to work, they could get one. I got the mower going and replaced the drive wheels and air cleaner and changed the poil. They've got it now BUT if my Sweetie was mowing I'd get a battery for Her. Thanks and Blessings and that was a NICE mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Lewie McNeely

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel U2!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel U 2!

[@philliphall5198]

For sure I added a big auto battery box on our girl generator and a trinkal charger mounted also

[@tedpergolizzi6455]

I have a small shop at my home. I like working on small outdoor power equipment, it’s a great hobby of mine. I thoroughly enjoy you videos! Everything about them-from the topics to the narration. Great job friend, keep up the awesome work and thank you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Ted Pergolizzi.

[@gradyhernandez4699]

Use ohm meter also to check coil ( if needed )

[@philliphall5198]

I’m retired diesel mechanic and doing the same thing, keeps me moving and I enjoy it 😊

[@SA-iw4ci]

A few days ago a lady friend called me saying her mower would only stay running if she tilted it back with front wheels in the air. I told her there's probably water in the fuel and her response was "Nope. I just filled it with gas." Needless to say, I went over, pulled the fuel line off the carb and drained some fuel along with some water...to her surprise.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would have liked to seen her face

[@SA-iw4ci]

@@HomeGaragechannel Lol. She's a joker. She said "How'd you put water in that empty bottle without me seeing it? The hand is quicker than the eye, huh?"

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!!! good sense of humor!

[@tomlewis3658]

This is another good save! If I was going to use it, I would treat myself and buy a battery, but if you bought it and then the mower was sold, it would be tough to recover that extra cost in the sale price. As to draining the oil, I bought a treat for myself a few years ago - a Briggs and Stratton 5430K oil pump removal kit. It's a hand vacuum pump and a hose that fits into the oil fill tube, and does a good job of pulling out the old oil, especially when it's warm. And if I overfill, I just pump out some oil. The old oil ends up in a sealed jar, and then it's easy to pour it off into a larger container. There are probably other similar ones out there for less. With all of the equipment that you handle, you might get some good use out of something like this.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct the pump is a life saver but I like showing people they don't need to buy one, to do their oil change.

[@PaulHenreid]

I picked up the exact same mower over a year ago and now it is my number one lawn mower. I have messed with the electric start a bit. Interestingly, it worked when I connected a cable to another mower with electric start. I think there might be a battery inside somewhere even though I bought a new battery. For around $35 for a battery, yes, buy it and be the coolest kid on the block with an electric start push mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed, electric start just makes mowing a bit nicer! Thank you

[@lifeintornadoalley]

Not surprised that it's a crapsman. One of Americas best companies, turned into best plastic company that has parts made in China. Sad sad. They made really great stuff in the 90s

[@HomeGaragechannel]

things have definitely changed in the last 20 years.

[@lifeintornadoalley]

@@HomeGaragechannel I had to ditch my toro recycler for a 2021 crapsman 163cc mower. I have never seen so much plastic on a mower. Not even Hondas. Already a year in and the front plastic already shattered. They say plastic isn't covered by warranty

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's terrible man.

[@Thelawnmower278]

@@lifeintornadoalleyexactly, why have a warranty if it wont cover the stuff thats actually going to break? Yep craftsman is just to. Expensive brand new and i stick with harbor freight cuz the warranty is great 🎉

[@Bobby-cm7vu]

Most newer mowers don't have drain plugs anyways, so, in my opinion, if you change oil in alot of different mowers it's good to get used to changing it by draining it through the dipstick.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point.

[@philliphall5198]

Just buy a mighty vacuum pump

[@curie3938]

Thank you for cleaning and adjusting as you go, it kept my OCD in check.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro what's up? It's nice to see another piece of equipment being saved from going to the landfill again. It's only recently that I've learned how dangerous water in fuel is. In my 22 years of using a trimmer and chainsaw I've never came across this problem so far. I wouldn't replace the battery tho. I probably might use a jumpstarter to start it up and that's as far as I would go with it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right, the jump pack sounds the easiest.

[@mikehrdlicka8635]

The needle and seat, the seat in carburetor some times swells up and lowers fuel level in carburetor. From ethanol use?

[@Anim-inger]

My cable thing broke on ours but we just fixed it and held onto it when starting it and it worked!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work!

[@larrycroft470]

Dang brother - you have friends all over the place!!! Including over 56K subs who are interested in what you do and have to say!!! Good job... good job!!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate it Larry Croft. I keep the good friends and try to make my relationship as strong as it can be.

[@apatterson8128]

Lol. I always think the same thing, but why are his friend’s machines always broken? 😂 Love his channels.

[@johnhouli3450]

Last year I was given a old Honda walk behind lawnmower not starting by doing a little spraying of carburetor it came back to life. I do have issues with the wheels it will not roll backwards the transmission gears in back wheels I will also be looking at that issue also in a few days. Thank you for all your advice. I appreciate you. Houli

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hate to tell you that you're in for a world of hurt with the wheels. It's actually the drive shafts that are frozen to the bushings. you'll need to take out the transmission and clean off the rust. Good luck !

[@johnhouli3450]

@@HomeGaragechannel thanks. I’m still looking for the answer for craftsman Platinum running on super high speed after a carburetor clean

[@jimallan9631]

For the wheels sleeves you can make your own from beer cans cut appropriate size strips , works well

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Jim Allan.

[@baileyhatfield4273]

If i'm at home, 100% gonna just tip the mower over, HOWEVER, at work we have hand pump type pressure tanks which you just pump...2 3 times and then it sucks till the liquid is gone (anything from gas coolant,water, not meant for some of them...but it happens) and they do a really nice job and no spills no mess, you can just walk away, do other things. Handy for far more thanmowers too. Anything with oil or fluids that you need. Gas tanks all sorts. I like the advice you give in these videos, all stuff id tell customers to do to their stuff. Havn't heard any bad advice in all the videos i've watched so.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Bailey Hatfield, I definitely need to get one, I just don't want to show people, that you need to get one, to do your own, oil changes.

[@BushcraftingBogan]

I agree with the battery. I picked an old Toro recycler 2 with a key start. And the battery and charger would cost more than I'd sell the mower. Plus these "bells and whistles" are just more that can go wrong. For a walk behind mower, self propelled is about as fancy as you need.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely right.

[@josephsfields]

Yes is my answer for the battery. I inherited one of these battery start mowers from my ancient parents after they went to a service. It like to bag the clippings and given the choice to pull that rope or turn a key . . . I'm taking the easy rout.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that makes sense, in fact, I would love to find a honda with a key start. thank you Joseph Fields

[@mr1pearl]

Don't you wish they all came to you this clean wow !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh yes I do.

[@philliphall5198]

The new style spark tester tells if spark is strong or weak, very handy on a problem like this because it will show weak or none 😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@ttshaker1]

Good job you explained almost everything can make it not start

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad you liked it!

[@jimamerica7419]

My Toro with the flathead B&S was acting the same way. Hard to restart when hot. Turns out it, I replaced the coil. Works great now.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

did you ever consider just recapping the coil first?

[@jimamerica7419]

@@HomeGaragechannel the spark wire was starting to fray as well.

[@GordonLanning]

Same issue with my Toro. Has good spark, but replaced the coil and set the gap. Won't restart when hot. I can replace the plug and it starts or not change the plug and use starter fluid. Cleaned the carb, replaced the carb also, use fresh 100% gasoline. For over a year make sure the tank is full of fuel and make sure I do not stop the engine. It runs all season. Basically I have given up. Other then that a great mower and yes over 10 years I always replace the battery I hate pulling that rope because I have been cutting my own lawn since 1958 using a reel mower with a brigs engine and back in the day you had to wind that rope around the shaft and pull. That was hard at 7 years old!

[@wildefox1478]

Great video, nice work repairing that mower!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks 👍

[@M10000]

I'd buy it a battery because a flathead Briggs & Stratton is a wonderful engine and deserves a new battery.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I see your point

[@butler386]

Excellent repairs on this Craftsman mower. If I was going to keep and use the mower I probably would by one if they were not to expensive. Or any battery that would work. Should be a good mower for someone. Thanks for the videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you D Butler.

[@ralbernier4119]

Excellent video! Exactly what I was looking for.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertbaysinger1309]

I'd like to know more about the battery adapter you mentioned. Where to get it, is it plug and play or do have to improvise a bit?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it would just be either prong or tab connectors, depending on what battery brand, I'm going to use. I would love to get an actually "base" so the battery could just plug in, but the cost be make it prohibitive

[@gavincooper9307]

My grandfather has the same mower and loves it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

they are really decent mower.

[@gavincooper9307]

Yep It is 10 years old and runs like brand New

[@gavincooper9307]

The Briggs engine is a good engine

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes sir

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes this one, is very good.

[@Timsabull56]

Leave it without a battery. I have a craftsman M260 and when my son was mowing thick deep grass it started making noise and now won't restart. The pull gives a very hard recoil and almost rips from your hand. Honestly this mower was not taken care of with maintenance as my teens did not do it and was told they did. My fault totally, I've changed oil, will replace air filter as it was wasted, took apart and cleaned front and back covers. New spark plug as well have a feeling it's a piston problem. Should I just replace engine $270 or have rebuilt? Great videos great channel you do a great job of explaining your repairs.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, as for the question, I'd just buy a used mower, for the that price, versus replacing the engine.

[@sparky1044]

I never use the electric starter on anything, but a nice feature for someone with carpal syndrome or arthritis I would imagine. I was helping my neighbor with his mower 2 weeks ago (he left old gas in the tank) and was painful to see his fingers all contorted after pulling the starter rope. 😐

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Yard Dawg

[@Turningwrenches85]

A great job working on this one getting in running again . I have 2 of those same mowers right now one belongs to a guy up the street from me I worked on earlier this year getting it running for him . And he calls me the other day saying it runs good but won't shut off when he brings it to me I found the ploblem the bracket got bent so bad on the kill switch I tried to fix it but I had to replace it from a parts engine. 2nd one of same mower belongs to a old neighbor friend that he found on the curb across the street from him and he wants me to see if will run again to use as a trim mower all I know it has compression and the cables work on it so far might do a video on it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

cool, can't wait to see the video on it.

[@biggreenmachine6968]

Love these vids

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Big green machine.

[@johnhouli3450]

HG thank you for great information I fixed the starting issue but now I have 2 other issues it won’t turn off and she runs to me on super high speed Can you help? Ty

[@HomeGaragechannel]

already answered

[@johnhouli3450]

HG, I have a craftsman older then the one you were working on in a few days I will start to work on it. I did not replace the battery, exercise is good for me. My machine is 2012 bought it new from Sears. The plug for it is hard to find. Last year it would not start. I will follow your instructions and try to bring it back. I purchased a used Yard machine small riding mower to me in very good condition. My yard is not that big it will be used for the back. And a little for front. Thank you for a great video on the mower. What kind of bench do you use?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good luck with your project, and the bench I'm using is made up of some scraps.

[@johnhouli3450]

Hello HG did you make a video on how to fix that same machine won’t shut down when I release the bail

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no I have not, but I might have to

[@johnhouli3450]

I got the 7.25 running did a carburetor clean without removing it from machine clean carb bowl and the carburetor nut jet put it all back. Added gas and a bit of oil started right up. HG the only way to turn machine off is to pull the plug. How would you fix that issue. TY. Houli

[@HomeGaragechannel]

adjust the kill wire.

[@denisconor648]

Great stuff

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@luvkountry]

awesome video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@lucasbergfors9446]

Our Husqvarna LC 247 SP is bogging as if it is running out of fuel i found that the blade governor moves from side to side should i tighten the nut holding the governor or should i adjust the engine speed ? 🤔

[@HomeGaragechannel]

neither, you should try and figure why it's bogging. The movement from the governor arm, is responding to the bogging, it's not the cause.

[@lucasbergfors9446]

@@HomeGaragechannel the moving governor arm is the reason it runs fine but after a few minutes it sounds like it is running out of fuel but it doesn't, i checked all the jets and if the carb contained water but that was not the case, but the moving governor arm is causing the engine to drop and gain speed while running, what should i adjust to make the engine keep it's normal rpm without it loosing and then trying to stay at normal rpm because of the moving governor arm ? 🤔 in case you wonder what kind of engine it has it's a Briggs&Stratton 575EX 😄

[@lucasbergfors9446]

I think i confused you earlier by what i said 😅, but since the engine rpm drops and tries to stay at normal due to the moving governor arm where can i adjust the engine speed to keep it at normal rpms ? 😄

[@HomeGaragechannel]

adjusting the engine speed will only try to mask the issue,

[@HomeGaragechannel]

replace carb

[@shakyzeg]

Where can I get those 45° needle nose pliers? I like the size. I've looked around online unsuccessfully. And yes, I found some that were smaller, or only sold in "sets." Neither really had that size I wanted...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I went to harbor freight to get mine.

[@shakyzeg]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@calebg2762]

What do you think of the new Powermore engines? How do they compare to Briggs?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I don't mind them, however, I don't think they'll last as long, as a Briggs quantum.

[@philliphall5198]

Junk.

[@patthesoundguy]

another great video brother! I bet you can find the battery cheaper if you look around because that is a very generic common Sealed Lead Acid battery commonly used for security lights and such. All you need is the size and capacity of the battery. That is likely a 12volt 5Ah or possibly lower Ah like a 4Ah which would lower the cost considerably. A battery supply shop or security shop may have them very cheap to make it worth it to have the electric start. I think the $35 is a bit high to be worth it unless you are giving the mower to someone that would have trouble starting it manually.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I wish you were right but this one is 1.5"x4"x5" so it's not one of the common ones.

[@patthesoundguy]

@@HomeGaragechannel bummer!

[@martindesmarais7158]

Can you say what is your favorite oil for mowers (sae30 or just 10w30,,, Tnx!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, standard motor oil, 10w-30. The cheaper the better.

[@apatterson8128]

My uncle’s old Snapper hi vac smokes from the recoil as well. There is oil burning off from somewhere but I can’t find it and I don’t want to take the whole thing apart. It is a spare mower so I’ll use it until it dies. It does not seem to have lost oil since I changed it. Btw, would not buy the battery. Thanks for your time.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you A Patterson

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

I definitely think the Briggs auto choke system is more reliable than the Honda thermowax choke system. I’ve replaced a lot of those thermowax chokes and they do have a high chance of failure. Now the Briggs system isn’t bulletproof, if the blower housing gets filled with debris than the choke won’t work and it could also overheat the engine. But I’d rather clean out the inside of a blower housing instead of buying a new part.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I find that if the choke arm is pushed all the way, on the honda, it will stick, and yes the briggs seems to be a lot better.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I've heard that before, the auto chokes, can be a problem from time to time.

[@johnmckee7937]

My biggest problem was, is that my brother in law owned it before me. Toro autochoke I know it sat for long time. Your comment explains a lot.

[@philliphall5198]

Honda gas really made junk for 6 years now

[@philliphall5198]

I agree on B/s having the best chock

[@danl7944]

I found 4 LI Fe Po 4 5Ahr connected in series and the starter works fine.

[@gavincooper9307]

Love the video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Gavin Cooper.

[@jameshedrick605]

Is there a way to fix a sticky throttle shaft on a echo SRM 225 ? I wouldn't bother replacing the battery. I would just pull start it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks James Hedrick, and there might be a way to loosen the barrel on that carb, but I would just buy a new carb instead

[@evilredBoris]

I quite enjoy all of your videos. I have learned alot from both you and another channel user by the name of James condon. I suggest checking him out because he focuses on generators and i learned alot more from him than i didnt know that i needed to know. You and james somewhat share the same diagnosis processes but there are some differences but both are really. Keep up the good work man.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate that evil red Boris. I'll have to check it out.

[@BigCarris_53_64]

ChrisFix is another great channel that goes with Home Garage, and James Condon. He knows the dirty work of cars and the maintenance really well when it comes to that.

[@williammunday3279]

Great video keep up the good work

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks, will do!

[@thesantafeandcn2538]

Hey Home garage I got a question I have a Yard-Man mower with a Honda engine and it likes to run on full choke if I take it off of Choke it surges a lot I went through the carburetor twice I took everything out and cleaned it but it still runs on full choke do you have any suggestions

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, replace the carb. If I try to clean a carb, and there's still a problem, I don't bother to Keep trying to fix it, my time is important to me.

[@thesantafeandcn2538]

Thanks for the suggestion you're the best

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thanks for your time.

[@wwvette]

On My Platinum 7.25 My Battery Good But, Won't Turn Starter Over? How Do I Research The Problem? Thanks, Wayne

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I have a couple of videos on the subject on this or the other channel

[@wwvette]

@@HomeGaragechannel Send The Video???

[@HomeGaragechannel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJKwhWaZh62Ji8U

[@caseybszombiemowers2569]

Agree, not worth the cost to fix/replace battery and or other parts. I usually disconnect and remove all the wiring harnesses for electric start. When I leave it, I get more questions about why I didn't fix it or could I fix it for whatever my selling price is. If it starts within 5 or so pulls you really don't need it. It's a great selling option when new or even used, for someone with limited right hand/arm/shoulder. Great video,. Later

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Casey B's Zombie Mowers.

[@gearhead366]

What battery would you use as a replacement? My Toro Recycler has a battery, and I've been dreading replacing it, as batteries have gotten expensive.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would use an 18 volt power tool battery

[@warpig372]

That's interesting about the water in the tank. I fixed one with the same problem a while back. I know water can mess up your fuel pretty bad. I'm surprised there are no metal sleeve in the rear wheels.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, it's a pretty high priced machine too.

[@liljoeii6091]

Would you know how to set the points on a snapper self propel we thought it was the coil but the coil we replaced it and it's still done the same thing dying out so that's why I thought it was the the valves need inset

[@HomeGaragechannel]

unfortunately no, I don't work on mowers that old.

[@liljoeii6091]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you anyways I appreciate you talking to me

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@evi1dav3]

Another problem I've come across with that particular engine, B&S Quantum, is the intake manifold. It's phenolic resin and I've seen it get worn on the carb end due to loose carb mounting bolts, or incorrect ones used. They are special taper sholdered bolts that only go to the carb to bracket end (O ring end). The mounting bracket can come loose too. O ring failure isn't common but it can occur. It can cause all kinds of runability problems as any vacuum leak does. Also check the engine end of the manifold if it's been overheated.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the information

[@wapd205]

I know this may be a long shot on answering but I have a husqvarna lawnmower thats equipped with a briggs and stratton 775EX series that will not start. I've tested the coil using a spark tester and it showed no spark so I replaced the coil. After replacing the coil it still would not start, so my question is am I missing anything aside from lead wire? Everything Ive looked at is pointing to the wire but I wanted to ask your opinion on this. Thank you for any help you can give me.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

did you confirm there was spark "after" replacing the coil. I would look at the ground wire, that connects the flywheel break, it may still be making contact, due to a brake cable, that's not pulling on the lever enough.

[@brianstraughn8638]

@@HomeGaragechannel I replaced the brake cable with a used one but still have no start. So a friend suggested replacing the ground wire. Do you have any videos on adjusting the flywheel brake assembly ?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no I don't, but did you confirm that you have spark?

[@brianstraughn8638]

@@HomeGaragechannel no still no spark, I disconnected the ground wire and used my spark tester and still no spark. The coil is new I just bought a new one.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

did you clean the 2 post, of any corrosion, so the coil can ground to the engine? also what did you use to set the air gap.

[@johnhouli3450]

Sir after a got the mower running it seems to be running on high speed what is your solution Ty

[@HomeGaragechannel]

adjust the spring for the governor spring

[@johnhouli3450]

@@HomeGaragechannel ok so to adjust spring how I ask by bending the steel inwards or by how?

[@JessicaGriffin-n5y]

I just got a free one and am wondering where is the battery? And how do I charge it?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

On this one, there's a batter box. If you don't see one, it means it's hiding on the plastics on the handle bar or in the plastics in the mowing deck.

[@johnhouli3450]

HG my mower starts with bail up or down when I stop I have to pull the plug

[@HomeGaragechannel]

look at the other responses

[@brianstraughn8638]

Do you have any videos covering the ignition coil and the ground wire? I have an issue with the ground wire possibly grounding against the mower causing it not to start. Thank you for your videos they’ve helped me alot

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no I don't but I do have some advice. If you think the ground wire, might grounded somewhere, test it, by disconnecting the ground wire. then use a large socket and a drill, to turn your engine over, and test for spark.

[@brianstraughn8638]

I’ll give it a look and see what i find.

[@xLTxVEGAx]

Honestly I would probably use an adapter that way I can use my Ryobi batteries to start it but if there's a chance to purchase a refurbished battery at a good price I might go that route as well

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes, that's what I was thinking too, and adapter would be best.

[@xLTxVEGAx]

@@HomeGaragechannel Definitely the most economical decision. I've seen homemade adapters for Ryobi made out of a PVC pipe and two bolts touching the positive and negative terminals.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh nice idea. thanks!

[@xLTxVEGAx]

@@HomeGaragechannel you're welcome!

[@etronix4922]

Does having low engine oil affect on how the lawn mower start?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

initially no, but after time, the compression will drop, due to wear on the rings, because of the Low oil. Only then will it effect the way it starts

[@etronix4922]

​@@HomeGaragechannel Oh, because I did not check the oil thinking that it will be full on my mower as I filled it up last time, but after I finished using my blower right after mowing, I checked on my lawn mower oil and it was lower then the mark which said "ADD". Then I started thinking maybe that was the reason why it was a little hard to start it. Maybe the engine had enough at the start and finished it to that level after I used it.

[@tnrodgers]

Electric mowers are ranging from $400 to $1,200 at the Orange Big Box store. They have no real track record yet, the battery strength is too short for a big yard. I like knowing my equipment will get the job done week in and week out.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

well said

[@kirbyyasha]

I have this exact mower, and the battery died after 2 years of ownership. The problem with this mower was clippings got into where the battery storage is, and there's no easy way to clean it without dismantling the entire battery system. All the clippings eventually caused a battery cable to fail on mine. I just yanked it out and left it out. No matter what mine starts on the first pull every time. Why do I need electric start? I got this as a clearance model at Sears. Though I hate this mower. As you noticed the plastic wheels, with 10 years of usage, I've gone through 3 sets of front wheels as the plastic just gets chewed away. Occasionally, my automatic choke malfunctions, and if it's not quite hot hot, but not cold, it won't start up again. Especially on colder fall days when using the bagger attachment for the leaves. One of those gimmicks I would rather just have a primer bulb or a lever on the handlebar to choke the engine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I understand how you feel about this one, it certainly has its flaws.

[@thatRBX]

It has RWD its said on the front "frond weel drive sistume"

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's only front wheel drive

[@thatRBX]

@@HomeGaragechannel sorry now that I read that comment back I realize how bad the grammar is.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not a problem

[@milusoscualquierascz265]

Hello! That was a great job. Can you tell me what type of camera or phone you use to make all your videos. Please and thank you. Have a blessed day

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, I'm using my Samsung Galaxy Note 8, that I retired years ago as a phone but have been using all these years as camera. No need to buy dedicated Sony or Nikon to film with unless you want to get them oil and dirty. Besides the screen is bigger on the phone making it easier to see what I'm doing.

[@milusoscualquierascz265]

@@HomeGaragechannel ok. Thanks a lot

[@milusoscualquierascz265]

Hello! The reason I was asking you is because I can not get full screen on my videos when upload a video on KZbin. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

[@floyd9572]

@Home Garage Tips for maintaining your battery? Mower, ATV, Car?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, always keep it on a trickle charger, during the season you're using it. Once the season is over, I would disconnect the wires to the battery after fully charing it, and Bring it into the house or somewhere it doesn't get too cold.

[@floyd9572]

@@HomeGaragechannel Thanks man!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@billsmith1770]

had a flathead on a tiller that when it got hot , it would quit till it cooled down again . got along fine with it (we both got hot , needed a break at about the same time) till one day it wouldn't start at all . this one had points/condenser , and the little composite pushrod that opens the points was swollen/gummed up and wouldn't let points close . given the longevity of the flatheads , someone might run into this situation even today .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

well said, the flathead are really good machines

[@edwincolon4219]

Do you recommend rebuilding carburetor or just buy a new one

[@HomeGaragechannel]

what kind of carb are we talking about? bowl style on a mower, or a diaphragm style on a trimmer?

[@edwincolon4219]

Bowl type

[@HomeGaragechannel]

on the bowl, I need rebuild only clean. so to answer your question, I do not recommend that you rebuild a bowl type carb, only clean it. If it's pitted, or there's a corrosion inside it, then replace it.

[@luanpossentimelnekj7984]

hello friend, great video, keep it up. I just watched all the videos on your 2 channels, very good. a doubt, did you take a course to learn about the machines or did you learn it yourself?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Luan Possenti Melnek J7 I was self taught, that's why I take a few short cuts here and there.

[@luanpossentimelnekj7984]

@@HomeGaragechannel ok, thank you for reply my friend 👍👍👍

[@Pullingtractor]

Usually insufficient valve clearances will cause the engine to quit when hot.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that makes sense.

[@Pullingtractor]

@@HomeGaragechannel I've repaired many small engines since 1982 & found that insufficient valve clearances happens A LOT, even with right new lawn mowers & small engines.

[@philliphall5198]

It’s very very common on over head valves, best to just adjust them while you’re waiting on ultra sonic cleaner to get carb clean

[@Pullingtractor]

@@philliphall5198 I'm surprised at how many so-called mechanics don't know anything about the valves or ignore the valves.

[@zebman9228]

With correct plug and no-alcohol fuel, these start so easy with 1 or 2 pulls just remove battery.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes they do

[@jesuscasassr5562]

Hi Amigo. I have been your follower for a long time ago. I need your help I have a mower like the one you are fixing in this video. the self-propelled cable is broken and I couldn't find it online, just the cable I don't need the plastic housing. Can you tell me where can I buy it online, please? Thank you for your answer.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you mean the plastic tube, the cable comes in? unfortunately , if that's what you mean, they only sell the cable with the plastic housing. If you don't want to do that, you'll have to go to the hardware store, and find some steel cable, the will slide in the housing, and also find a way to connect it to the handle bar and the lever for the brake.

[@jesuscasassr5562]

@@HomeGaragechannel I need the cable with the plastic but not the box attached to the bar

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh.. I see.

[@IvanOchoa461]

I have a lawnmower almost identical to that one but the problem is the self propel belt keeps on slipping/falling off when engaged

[@HomeGaragechannel]

is this the original belt, or was it replaced at some point?

[@IvanOchoa461]

@@HomeGaragechannel both new and original did the same thing then put a smaller belt but the self-propel wouldn't release

[@HomeGaragechannel]

are both plastic covers for the belt installed? If I recall one or both of the covers should have metal pins in them to help keep the belt from deflecting too much and coming off.

[@IvanOchoa461]

@@HomeGaragechannel The bracket that's around the pulley was on there

[@WildBill236]

Once in a while I will trash pick a mower that runs but dosent cut because blade was on upside down or keyway was partially sheared so ran rough.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice WildBill236

[@TKC_]

I have never used the battery in my mower. They start with a half hearted pull and I don’t have power in the shed. I could keep it In the garage with power but it has started first pull all but one time (started second pull) for 10 years.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I understand how you feel , it's almost unnecessary

[@Tomyp89]

I have a mower with a 675 flathead, does not start when hot. Carb is ok, coil also changed. I replaced the rings , cylinder is ok. Compression drops when hot. Valve clerance is ok. Time to let IT go?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sounds like it, best to replace the engine. did you ever check the ring gap before installing it?

[@Tomyp89]

@@HomeGaragechannel i actually did, i even wrote it down before and after. It was not dramatic, but i lost the note with the spec.

[@jackreeves1521]

Yes

[@moparscot9271]

I have a mower with a manual choke that starts just fine. I can run it for several minutes and get it good and warmed up and it will not restart unless I apply the choke again and it fires right up then I instantly remove the choke and it tuns fine. Any ideas?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure the main fuel jet is partially clogged. I would try cleaning it.

[@donvoll2580]

Good day Them batteries are expensive , that why u find battery pack side of road. Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes, true

[@every_thing_wood1251]

I know this is a mower, but I have a husqvarna pressure washer and once I use it for about an hour it gets hot and then if I turn it off, it wont start again. Is this normal? Is there something I can change?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's interesting, because it should not do that. Do me a favor and remove the OIL dipstick, wipe It off and check the oil level, tell me where it end up at. Oh also, what brand engine is on it?

[@every_thing_wood1251]

@@HomeGaragechannel Oil level is good and it's a Briggs and Stratton engine. If you want to find the exact pressure washer it's a Husqvarna 3200 psi 2.5 gpm

[@HomeGaragechannel]

if the oil pressure is good, I would replace the spark plug and ignition coil

[@curiosity2314]

Yeah a starter is always cool, if it were mine I would spend the money. I had another Craftsman in the 1990's with a starter, did I use it much no, but what I did like was the throttle control. Yeah it also had blade control which I also liked very much. Those were the days..

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes they were, thank you Curiosity

[@mondude9754]

Man this water in the gas is ridiculous. The water in your mowers gas could be from rain but for me, here in Florida I dried the gas tank out and float bowl of my 125 Briggs push mower. Filled it up with ethanol gas and it ran but was surging the whole time (from water). 30 minutes later it completely stopped running, I drained the carb and tank again and put ethanol free gas in it. Immediately fired backup and wasn't surging anymore. Keep in mind that the gas I put in there that was full of water was only around 2 weeks old in a proper gas can

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow, that's pretty amazing at the amount of water in the fuel.

[@mondude9754]

@@HomeGaragechannel yeah for sure, the same thing happened with my Chinese quad. Brand new carb on it, soon as it fired up it just bogged out when I hit throttle. Dropped the bowl and it had like a teaspoon worth of water in the bottom. Just ridiculous, anyways I switched to ethanol free after that

[@twofeathers6540]

no thanks have fun

[@daphnekite578]

I paid $280 nz for my mower to be fixed as it was popping after running out of oil. Since getting back it doesn’t start for me as it used to. I’ve had it back to the shop twice but they say it’s me , getting old and not strong enough. I’ve been starting it for over 5 years and this morning again. Can’t start . When I disassemble the carburettor and clean it does start but I can’t do that each time and wondering should I have been charged so much when they didn’t do the job thoroughly. Always starts when I’ve had itt back at the shop but sitting one week at home there’s nothing. So unhappy as on pension

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a shame that happened... like I've always said you shouldn't have to be a bodybuilder to start one of these things. When I try and start them, I try to use a gentle pull and if it doesn't start like that, I'll try and make it that way...

[@daphnekite578]

@@HomeGaragechannel I nearly wrench my arm out of its socket . Wish you were my repairer. Thnx . Think I’ll have to buy a new Sp mower .

[@alpharaptor7510]

Dude I would love to have a electric start Flat head Briggs and Stratton powered push mower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too, too bad I sold it.

[@dougalexander7204]

Thsnk you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@bryanchapman3825]

I had a toro that wouldn’t crank after it was hot or sat awhile I straightened the spring bracket on the spring on very front of mower yours looked bent also

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@daltanwerre8277]

the oil almost acts like a coolant on lawn mowers even though it's not I fixed one the other day like this all it needed was oil it would shut off when it was hot it's always the carburetor just always clean the carburetor make sure there's good oil and fresh gas works all the time I fixed over 70 lawn mowers

[@jamesbrannon9594]

It’s been sucking dirt ! The filter housing is full of dirt behind the air filter ! It should be clean not dirty

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you're right.

[@keithkilps8250]

Depends on how long I think the mower will last.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

makes sense.

[@WildBill236]

Most garbage picked mowers I find have some water or dirt in carb, clean & service, then $ell! On this mower with the bag and inop elec start, I'd ask $100 firm. Sells usually within a day, as-is. Most customers are happy, but some cry because they find out its 10+ years old.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely right about that.

[@_mazda_mx_miata]

Hey so my mower will start when cold run no problem as long as I want but when I go to start it after I stop it it will sometimes and wont sometimes/ most times

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem, I want you to do a compression test, and tell me with the reading is.