Fixing A Cub Cadet Mower, That Won't Start

Links to products I have in my tool bag.
Compression tester. amzn.to/2NMgeze
Spark Checker. amzn.to/3bnXjmA
Feeler Gauge set. amzn.to/3rTsZK6
Chemical bottle. amzn.to/3eWcGVs
Mulching blade. amzn.to/3BIPN4q
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Thanks for watching. This mower was found on the curb for free, but after a carb cleaning, it still won't start.
This video is meant as entertainment, always practice safety.

[@Mr_Bones.]

I’m using this video to fix the Cub Cadet 173cc that I gifted my dad years ago, so this video is gold. I changed the plug, engine oil, air filter, lubed the cables, degreased the engine, and washed the bottom. Now I just need to check the valves and this baby has another decade of mowing in Florida heat 😅 I gave her full synthetic premium oil to show appreciation. Thank you sir!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and it sounds like you're about to have a working mower on your hands.

[@watermanone7567]

Most people don't even change the oil or plug never mind doing valve lash. You won't believe how many mowers I see with the blades on upside down. Nice fix as usual, thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a great point, thank you Waterman one.

[@RedBoyDaTruth28]

@@HomeGaragechannel hi i have the same mower i bought used and change the carb but it want start, i sprayed starter fluid in and it started rite up and then killed, i check fuel line to see if fuel was restricted but it was coming out line, i put it back on and still no start, but it started again and killed when i put more starter fluid in

[@phillupondz]

What is this thing called oil that you speak of?

[@bobbyely7934]

@@HomeGaragechannel for

[@gweedomurray9923]

@@RedBoyDaTruth28 ~ Having that same problem.

[@rodrigogarcia8225]

Thank you very much! My neighbor is very happy, I fixed his cub cadet lawnmower just like that one you showed on your video, so he also says thank you for showing me how. God bless.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it helped

[@der_pinguin44]

Cardboard from a cereal box is how we did a gasket on my diesel! Good tip.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Mr Penguin.

[@edrodrigues5623]

I never would of known where to start with the valve lash but I'd give it a try. I got a lawn mower off the curb and the only thing wrong was the hit something and needed a new fly wheel key..They put a new blade on it and when I saw that I thought they may have hit something. So new key got it going and I sold it. Good video again.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very good diagnosis of the problem on that mower Ed Rodrigues.

[@garyalensr]

I absolutely check the valve. That mower is still in excellent condition. Great video as alway

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Gary Allen.

[@butler386]

To answer your question I would definitely try to fix this machine. Engine still sounds good and could last quite a few more years. Thanks for the diagnosis and repairs. Thanks for the video's.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you D Butler

[@brucecoleman7412]

I have done many valve adjustments on automobiles so I would have done exactly what you did. If it still didn’t start, the next step would have been to pull the flywheel. Great job!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Bruce Coleman.

[@AMVayanefan]

Excellent video, straight to the point with lots of good info. I'm glad you didn't add your whole life when you were a child and you had to mow the neighbor's lawns while going up hill all the time and getting sunburned etc etc etc.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@redskins1120]

Mine lasted 20 years. I love Cub Cadet!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow, you must have one without the overseas engines on them then?

[@billsilva7932]

I'm going to pick up a freebie push club cadet tomorrow. Don't know what is wrong but looks brand new. Great video thanks for the tips. I've only used craftsman mowers and briggs motors.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Good luck!

[@billsilva7932]

Ended up being the carburator (amazon 1 day).swapped it one pull start. I was impressed

[@cynthiabranch2]

Thanks for the info. I am going to try and fix one like that. It was given to me so I loose nothing if I can't get it to run. Awesome video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad I could help Cynthia Branch.

[@jenntek.101]

@7:00 mark; Valve Clearance ... Good stuff. .004 to .006 for intake; .006 to .008 for exhaust. Thank you!!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the info!

[@apatterson8128]

LOL I was talking to you through the screen and suggesting you check the valves. lol I've seen waaay too many of your videos. Keep them coming. Thanks for sharing.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you A Patterson

[@30kendel]

Bro!!😎 you are awsome man!! Just fixed mine exact same one without the key start, did a valve adjustment, broommm….damn aswsome feeling! Thanks again!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Great to hear!

[@audubon5425]

Wish I had seen this video last year. Had a non self-propelled Cub Cadet I bought in 2007 that gave me good service. When I couldn't get it going one weekend I took it to the local repair shop, who told me it wasn't worth fixing because the crank was bent. Now my brother had bent the blade on a tree root over ten years before - that's the only thing that could have bent the crank. I think the shop just didn't want to fool with the old girl.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it happens a lot. If they know it's going to be a hard sell, as far as the repair, sometimes they just pass on it.

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Well done getting the engine running. Cheers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks 👍

[@iwannachopbladeslawncare]

Siilar model here... guess what I'm gonna get started tomorrow LOL Wow Never thought to check valves, it's nt curbed... but it is shedded lol Time to pull er out! Great stuff!!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and good luck with it.

[@Patrick4959]

yes i would check the valve lash timing for sure and on that wobbly wheel it,s a easy fix by simply replacing it and you can buy them online a fraction cheaper and i think the bearing might worn etc.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point.

[@mikespain8655]

Wobbly wheel could just need a metal sleeve to tighten up fitment.

[@Patrick4959]

@@mikespain8655 yep either way will be ideal.

[@runin1wild149]

Something I will definitely have to check out I have one that's only a few years old with the same issues. As well as the fly wheel! Thank you for the heads up hope this works!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hope so, thank you 1 Runin1wild.

[@MrGattor33]

Another great video as always. Now you know me and yes I would have done the valve lash repair myself because I'm cheap... lol No but seriously tho I would because I do enjoy doing my own repairs. Thanks for the video 👍🏼

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Rob Kercheval

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

Adjusting the valves can be a difficult job, you have to be very precise to get them in the right place. In other words, the majority of people aren’t going to do it themselves due to the complexity.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are right, it can be a precise job.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

It's not that hard, but Joe homeowner will figure it out

[@electroddxful]

Yes, I would of check the valve adjustment. 👍🙏👍🙏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you RayFpv.

[@jesterr7133]

I would check the lash. I had a friend that had a shadetree small engine business. A lady brought him a Troy Bilt riding mower that wouldn't turn over. He diagnosed a blown engine and she declined the repair. It sat in his back yard for a few years before he gave it to me for parts. It sat in my back yard for a few years while I robbed parts for other projects. I finally decided to tear it down and scrap what I didn't need. When I started messing with the mower, I quickly realized that it had too much compression, and was not locked up like he said it was. I did a valve adjustment, and it fired right up. I then had to replace the parts I robbed to make it a usable mower again. I learned my lesson on that one. That is one of the first things I check on anything with adjustable valves now.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point

[@user-se6oh6dc7q]

I own a cub cadet push mower and it runs great I love it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice!

[@therandomman6647]

This is why I love 2 stroke equipment

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I can agree with that.

[@mikespain8655]

We are often talking about people who cannot even put a mower blade on correctly. Therefore, a valve adjustment is out of the question. You could throw a feeler gauge and hit them in the head with it, and they wouldn't know what it is.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a really good point. I need to keep this in mind, when scripting my next video.

[@beefjerkey962]

Yes,I tried making a head gasket for a weed whacker out of a poptart box and it works perfectly fine 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Wow, nice work!

[@beefjerkey962]

I also took it apart again around 6 months later and it was still intact and just fine

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice to know it was still holding up, means it's definitely a good option.

[@aussienebula8331]

Great vid again mate, Yeah i would check valve lash adjustment, nil cost other than a little time. Cheers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Aussie nebula

[@EzRay11]

I usually judge a job by the condition I receive the mower. In this case, no oil, the blade was upside down and the owner was running it or trying to run it without screws in the cover and a wonky wheel. People that neglect their machines will just run over a branch or stump and don’t stop to move rocks. That said I’d check the timing first then the valves. I also find it very difficult to find specs on just about every motor I see. I spend way too much time searching the web for information. Cheers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Ez Ray.

[@williamsnow1531]

I would of checked the valves myself as well. As a matter of fact while I was watching this video and it wouldn’t start after you put gas in the carb and checked for spark, I said it must either be a valve problem or they hit something and knocked the timing out. I’m not a huge fan of Cub Cadet mowers, but spending a $100.00 on fixing that mower would of been more economical than spending $600.00 on a new mower is what that would of cost here in Canada. Good job my friend. Love it when you have to farther than the spark or fuel problem.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too, cleaning carbs gets a bit old after awhile.

[@williamsnow1531]

@@HomeGaragechannel and so does the countless videos that people post of them.

[@wildefox1478]

Great video, I would check the valve clearances if I had a starting issue and it was getting fuel and spark.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you WildeFox for your time.

[@haneyoakie14]

I would check the lash, but many would not. This engine looks like a Chinese Version of a Honda, or as many call it, a Chonda. I got a similar one, including the manual choke, as a curb find last year. Problem on that one was the owner was cleaning grass clippings with a broom and knocked the governor spring off it’s mountings. Easy fix, easy $100.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes, I find most knock offs to be some version of a cloned honda. It's funny, I wonder why they don't clone briggs engines.

[@mrmerhtin3625]

I would check the valve lash so I have an excuse to finally buy the tool lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ah, very good reason

[@bisarowood]

nice I have the same mower . also picked up for free ... it starts fine but quits after 5-10 mn , also need to fix the drive cable

[@HomeGaragechannel]

try leaving the fuel cap loose and see if it can get past 10 minutes, otherwise the seat for the needle might be swollen and restricting fuel flow.

[@brockbaker3able]

That power more engine is a beast. 9 years and mine starts first pull every year. Sees about 20 hours a year

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you brock baker

[@erniebeswick7675]

Check the lash after this vid for shure. Found a c cadet in trash wont run starting to go through it .good vid

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hope you find what you're looking for, and thank you

[@norge696]

I have always set the valves with one fully closed/open. never failed me.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That works well too. I't thought about showing it that way, but I know I'd get a comment about doing the way its states in the owners manual. But your way is fine too.

[@jibnerjuarez4288]

I finally got one like this type of engine I cleaned the carb and swapped the plug Starts and then dies I do feel a small kickback So this helps

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes on these knock off brand engines, they seem to need valve adjustments to fix the kick back.

[@sxewhodey]

Cub actually uses the Honda Harmony airbox on that model. A cheaper alternative than buying the honda OE :) Good fix, Although I don't think I would have jumped to the valves as quick as you accurately diagnosed. I tend to think it would just be really hard to start, rather than not start at all with valves out of tolerance. You got that one quickly though!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

the only reason, is that the last time I had a cub with this engine, it was the valves, and I find it easy to do.

[@shiitakeblu1980]

Well I got a curbie! Same issues will try your method , Let you know as soon as I getting it going to see what it takes....

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Please do!

[@jonkent6064]

Excellent video! Tell me again the spacing for each/separate valve? I must be doing something wrong. 0:48

[@HomeGaragechannel]

.004-.006" intake .006-.008" exhaust

[@robertmailhos8159]

I'm thinking it might be the cables are out ajustment

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good thought.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@HomeGaragechannel from the loo of it .I might have been right about that matter.

[@cookingwithstephanie]

Thanks for the video. My Cub Cadet push mower has all of the same problems. Their single pull start guarantee is a complete lie. I fix my own car and have adjusted valve lash before but would never had bought this mower had I known it was required here too. Strongly recommend that others avoid this brand and find an old mower with flathead 5HP motor like from Briggs&Stratton or Tecumseh that will last forever. My last one with B&S engine lasted over 15 years until blade hit something and sent connecting rod out the block.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good luck to you with that and thank you for your time.

[@johnluebano3322]

I am having the same problem with a Cub Cadet SC-500 Z. I thought for sure, after watching your video the valve adjustment would have fixed the problem. (No joy. ) What do I look for next if not the valves, spark or fuel flow?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Fuel, have you considered replacing the carb?

[@aidanasmr5099]

Nice!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you AIDAN arms.

[@aidanasmr5099]

@@HomeGaragechannel lol arms

[@danielthomas3127]

Harbor freight sells those spark tester's

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes they do

[@geogeduggan6579]

Good information , thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You're welcome

[@marshallcollins3376]

I would check it myself, what do you have to lose on a non operating mower? I really like that on your vids you show the sticker for model and serial #s. In my area I work on quite a few Toro recyclers and boy they sure like to use different #s. Keep up the good work.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Marshall Collins

[@christopherdoty7032]

I have an other question on this mower. Is there anyway you could send me a picture of the top of the engine. I'm looking to see the coil and the flywheel. I still have a problem with the rope pulling out of my hand. The coil just doesn't look right. when the magnet is under the coil. The exhaust valve is open. Not sure that would be right.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

unfortunately no, this mower was not mine and is long gone from my possession.

[@andreworli4117]

Would you consider buying a cheap trailer and repairing ride-on mowers or zero turns? Or are they both few and far between and not cost effective for your situation?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's not an issue of cost effectiveness its space.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Do it myself if I could or take it to someone else that could if I couldn't. I'm middle of the road on Cub Cadet stuff. Thanks and Blessings!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You can do it!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel If I can't I'll look in your archives!

[@mgomez5606]

I bought a mower today and owner said a mechanic told him it had no compression and that engine was blown. I checked and it did not. Took valve cover off and noticed the intake was not working. The valve was stuck open. Put some wd40 and moved in and out. Has compression now.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice diagnostic work.

[@josephpistachio5675]

On those type of mowers I would have checked timing first because I have not had to deal with the valves adjustment yet on those type of mowers. If I found that it wasn't the timing and it looked like the flywheel key did not have to be replaced then I would check the valves.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make good point. The only issues, Is for me, this was easier to do.

[@TTNP6]

My lawnmower start just fine but it shutting down a couple minutes later. I had replaced air filter and gas is full. Also checked and clean the carburetor. Sometimes it ran ok but sometimes it won't run. Any suggestions where to look for this issue? Thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, have you tried loosening the fuel cap and running it? The cap might not be venting air like it should and that could be causing the fuel to not flow to the carb like It should.

[@TTNP6]

@@HomeGaragechannel I open the carburetor and do a deep clean as video suggestion here kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4LNaXeNfa-efbs and it works for me. Thank you

[@danielthomas3127]

I have that mower what is the model number for it if you remember the motor was changed to another deck thanks if you could help

[@HomeGaragechannel]

12ae18m3056 or cc550sp

[@danielthomas3127]

Thank you for the info

[@ronhammar1154]

I fix a lot of wheels that flop around because the hole in the wheel is badly worn by drilling out the hole for the shaft and then putting in a piece of copper water pipe that fits the shaft and then grease it and it is like new again ! The wheels tend to be expensive !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the tip

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

Another great video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks again! I appreciate that Growing Little Country homestead. I also subbed to your channel.

[@rickthelian2215]

Checking the valve clearence

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Rich Thelian.

[@christopherdoty7032]

I just picked up this same machine. When I pull on the role I get It pulled out of my hand. I was hoping it had a bad flywheel key but it was fine. So I'm kind of lost as to why it's doing this. When I first picked it up I serviced it( clean the carb. Checked for spark. Check compression.) It started on 2nd pull. Now it will not start. Pulls right out of my hand. Hoping you can help. Thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure thing, have you removed the valve cover and checked to see if the valve lash is out of tolerance?

[@christopherdoty7032]

Yes. I adjusted the valve(005) on both. It started. Turned it off. Tried again. Pulled out of my hand. I went back in adjustments were off. Readjusted. Started up. Shut it down restarted and shut it down a number of times. Seems good now. for some reason I lost the correct gap on the exhaust. Thank you for your help. I was going to give up. I'm glad I didn't

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you did great job!

[@adamthelawnguy228]

what size of socket is for the spark plug to get it out? and for the most of lawn mowers, is the valve lash about 5000? like universally? i got a craftman mower that didn't start and cleaned the carb and spark plug, still didn't start, you think i might look into the valve lash?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would give it a shot, and the short answer is NO, not all are .005", you have to look up the specs on what it's supposed to be for your engine. I think I was using the 13/16" spark plug socket for this one .

[@aminkhashm]

Thanks. Mine not turning on. Gonna try that.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem, hope it works for you.

[@mr1pearl]

Nice repair now get that wheel sorted 😆 It never ends does it ?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

never does Bill Clement

[@cbauer72]

Upside blade results in less mowing and more beating the grass into submission.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely right.

[@sarnold1277]

Great video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks!

[@thatmountain]

I literally just got this exact (I think?) model off the street yesterday and I'm having similar issues. It has no markings to indicate model though. Mine just looks extremely similar. Can you tell me the model number of this? Thank you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

the model number is shown at the 0:50 time stamp.

[@TTNP6]

spark plug is fine too

[@border411]

I would check the valves....but I am mechanically inclined and can find the time to do it. In today's society, where we consume, abuse, and throw away most people probably wouldnt.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

best comment, I've seen yet.

[@rockmemama86]

My pull string catches so hard it whips out of my hand and it's sprained a shoulder muscle. What does this sound like it could be? It sounds like it wants to start but the pull string is very resistant. Plus the lock back when it rips out of my hand.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's easy, the exhaust valve is "way" out of tolerance, probably over .015". Adjust the valves and you should be good.

[@rockmemama86]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you so very much

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@leafplays5990]

my old man isn’t willing to buy the shims for our lawnmower, I suppose it shall remain broken until I find a friend to help me with it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a shame

[@RussellBooth1977]

I would check the valve lash obviously !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Oh I'm quite certain you wold.

[@andybecker2693]

I’m not sure about the” PowerMore” engine. What I do know that the mower is made by MTD. That pretty much sums it up for me.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes sir

[@gregorymalchuk272]

Is MTD considered good or bad?

[@ebbtide1962]

would have done a compression check or even shot some starting fluid in the carb to see what direction i was to go with no start issue

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good idea.

[@SwingerVic]

soooo does blade turn clockwise or counter....for all mowers?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I can't say, I've not worked on all the mower brands.

[@justinmuench1676]

So I have the same type mower sc300hw. I removed the valve cover and oil just poured out. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's supposed to, I would raise the front end up about 4 or 5" when taking off the cove. Some oil will come out, but not a lot.

[@justinmuench1676]

@@HomeGaragechannel I have changed oil, spark plug and air filter. Cleaned the carb. Still only runs when I spray ether in the carb then dies. To me it sounds like it's not getting gas but I fully drained tank, new gas and gas poured out of the line that connects to carb. Still lost.. plz help lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

do me a favor and remove bolt on the bowl and see much fuel comes out of the opening, in about 10 seconds, after that is should continue to flow out of the opening. If it doesn't It means there's a blockage in the fuel line or the screen in the tank is clogged.

[@justinmuench1676]

​@@HomeGaragechannel I removed the bowl and gas just kept coming. So I'm stuck. Have no clue. Wife wants me to throw the towel in and drop it off somewhere. I'm busy for the next week so I won't be able to drop it off soon. If you think of anything I will definitely give it a shot. If not I'll report back with what it was. Thank you for putting up with me and my shenanigans.

[@crawdad62]

I'm really surprised it didn't fire up when you put the fuel into the cylinder. I mean you were getting spark. Now I realize with the valves out of adjustment it wouldn't stay running but it should've at least fired up.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

with the valves out of adjustment, it was affecting the compression too.

[@davidcoudriet8439]

"Valve lash?" "Umm .. what are valves?" *shakes head ruefully.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@lindsaywalters9909]

I have a cub cadet push mower with a bag. It started smoking & now it won't start. What could be wrong?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and check the oil level. Was the mower tipped over, on its side recently?

[@lindsaywalters9909]

@@HomeGaragechannel I had just put more oil in it. Think maybe I ran over something I shouldn't have

[@HSC570]

Hey quick question how do you fix a mower with a hard to start problem

[@HomeGaragechannel]

identify if it's a fuel, spark, or an engine problem. If it's fuel, just replace the carb, and fuel line. If its spark related, replace spark plug, and reset the air gap on the ignition coil. And if it's an engine issue, perform a compression test, and find out what's worn out, rings or valves.

[@HSC570]

@homegaragechannel thank you I will definitely check it out tomorrow

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@SwayNotZay]

Do all blades spin counter clockwise?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm not 100% but I'm pretty sure most are

[@michealwilliams5639]

Is the valve gaps on any engine around the same?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no, it can vary, always check what it is for the engine you're working on.

[@sonnyc3826]

the choke level on mine just slides back down all the time any idea why or how to fix?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you mean the choke knob on the handle bar? No I've never had to deal with that .

[@sonnyc3826]

@@HomeGaragechannel yes at 3:16 you can see it clearly on yours..i was just wondering if it locks in place when you pull it towards you to start it...mine doesnt lock in place it just slides back down slowly but surely so idk if that the issue im getting to keep mine running..i bought a new carb even though the one i have looks decent so ill see if this works..

[@phillupondz]

HELP! I let someone borrow my lawnmower. More than likely was too lazy to pick crap up out of the yard. Now , I’m back at square one. At first it made a noise like the blade was hitting the side , now it’s a similar clanging noise but with a slightly lighter sound.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

have you looked at the blade to see if it's been damaged or bent?

[@ommah3667]

What is the blade part number and or the blade size for this one? Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

19" and here's a link to it for cheap. amzn.to/3SwSZWM

[@ommah3667]

@@HomeGaragechannel great thanks

[@patrickpoulard24]

Did the valve lash cause the mower to lose compression? Is that why the mower wasn't starting? I thought mowers would still start but run poorly. 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@HomeGaragechannel]

No it was due to a past experience with the same model. After going thru the carb, and confirming spark, and that there was "some" compression, I went for the valve lash. Sorry I didn't make that clear in the video.

[@patrickpoulard24]

@@HomeGaragechannel Is the valve lash preventing the mower from starting something that is unique to this Cub Cadet model?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

In this case, The clearance was so tight, it was affecting the valve Timing, which affect the compression of the air and fuel. An engine that had Too much clearance ,would start and run, but run poorly, but one that's too tight, has a hard time even starting.

[@patrickpoulard24]

@@HomeGaragechannel Thanks for the information. ✌🏿

[@xboxaccount7684]

Did you figure out the issue with the electric start

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes the battery needs to be replaced.

[@christophermarshall5765]

I'd find the problem & fix it. Key start might be a bad, or missing battery.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Christopher Marshall.

[@lucasbergfors9446]

That mower also has an mtd engine so i guess every cub cadet mower has an mtd engine on them 😁, i'm not sure yet until i get to see more of these cub cadet mowers and do more analysing on each engine they got to confirm 100% all of them got mtd engines 🤔

[@HomeGaragechannel]

the engines are MTD, made by Powermore's plant in China.

[@lucasbergfors9446]

@@HomeGaragechannel neat 👍, i guess i was correct 😄

[@Turningwrenches85]

I have one of those mowers like that I end up taking it for the engine because the deck was so rusted out the front and the sides of it we're all tore up and I strip it down for the parts. I think that engine I got has the same issue also with valve adjustments.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

do you still have the engine out, or did you put it onto another mower yet?

[@Turningwrenches85]

@@HomeGaragechannel I have the engine out it is not on a deck yet

[@lieut.griffin6904]

Just like new cars, new mowers are also very expensive. I'd rather spend a few hours diagnosing an issue rather than paying $200+ on a new mower, or $400+ on a new mower of that caliber.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good point of view

[@999thenewman]

pssst...hey! :D Nice service. Have a look at the wheel and see if a steel spacer will tighten it up. Don't spend a dime on this pile if you can help it. :D

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the tips!

[@dwaynecollins4974]

Is it just me or are a heck of a lot of these free mowers self-propelled? Personally I don't like self-propelled mowers, I find myself dragging them backwards and fighting with them plus they weigh a ton LOL

[@HomeGaragechannel]

They seem to be more problematic than the simpler ones.

[@paulburns3788]

Hello Home garage I won't spend time and money try to fix it I'll just buy a new one

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that make sense to me.

[@themowerman]

I would say.. I would of stated with the timing due to the blade being upside down.. and then move on to the values.. even with the timing being slightly out it will still start but would be difficult.. still you did a good job getting it going

[@watermanone7567]

Timing has nothing to do with the blade being on upside down.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a very good point.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I think was trying to say was that they might have installed the blade wrong, because they had hit something, that sheared the key.

[@warrensoutdoors5964]

I've never seen a mower with a sticker saying which type of oil to use

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's rare for sure.

[@williamfair]

👍🏾

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate it William F.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

I'd fix it, too

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Jim S.

[@LessThanHandy]

Spark of fuel is the extent of my skill....

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hate to say it but it also my skill level, several years ago as well .

[@mgomez5606]

Process of elimination.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very much so.

[@bigmesstest230]

Home garage if you ever buy a small engine for a lawn mower stay away from northern vertical engines they are a P.O.S I bought one for my snow blower and I had to return the engine 4 days later so stay away from them

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the information, I appreciate it.

[@bigmesstest230]

@@HomeGaragechannel no problem I just thought you should know so that you dont spend all of that money on a piece of junk