Fixing A PowerSmart Mower That Won't Start

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Had a very difficult time getting this mower to start and run. Come to find out, it's not a quality machine.

[@hairballmanor]

I got one of these free (self propelled) when I bought a Husqvarna HU700 self propelled with the Honda engine for $10 from a local guy. He said it ran too fast - I fixed that by straightening out the governor linkage and getting the RPMs down to around 2900 The Husqvarna was hard to start and the belt kept jumping off. The kill switch needed some adjustment (would not always reset) and the belt problem was just a cable adjustment. So for $10, 2 air cleaners, an inline filter and oil changes I have two usable self propelled mowers. I really like your videos. Nice style

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

very nice work!

[@eugenecunningham491]

You're a good man do a good job people like to have you take a look at things and you make a good channel thank you

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Eugene Cunningham.

[@eugenecunningham491]

You've earned it

[@trutru9018]

Bro, you are 100% correct about every single thing you said. I have this exact Mower. Got it in 2020 and last year it didn't work for me. This exact issue is what's happening with mine. I just put it away last year. Now it's time to mow again, it's Spring and I came here to try to find out if I can fix it. After watching this you confirmed that it's not even worth it. They just stole my money on this mower. I used it for 2 seasons and I live in Philly so it's only warm here about 2 months a year. I used it a total of maybe 7 times in those 2 years, definitely not 10 times. i am so upset that I have to buy another one. Growing up, my grandpop and other old heads around used to have mowers forever. These plastic things dont last. Your presentation is on point as well. Great job bro. It's just crazy that my problem is EXACTLY the same as this one. I've only used Sunoco number 93 gas and fresh oil. It didn't even last long enough for me to need any new oil so...I dont know. 1 more thing about these if you didn't know, mine smoked out after minutes of my first use. I thought it was defective until I figured out that it has to only be used downhill or on a flat surface. If you go uphill, it's going to smoke out so maybe I messed it up from the first use but they need to tell me that I cant go uphill with it... and it's not a big hill. It's just on the side of my steps leading up to my house. It isn't a mountain sized hill. I know nothing about mowers so I made sure to follow the directions. I do know about cars so I know for sure I didnt put too much oil in it. I rather run it with low oil than too much. Have no clue what's goin on with this thing. They need to stop selling these, this is a rip off. Maybe that can be your next video on how this company needs to stop selling these.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

wow, thank you for confirming that and sorry to hear they stole your money. As tempting as the price is, it's not worth it.

[@shorttrackaction.8217]

@Tru Tru I'm agreeing with you one hundred percent my friend.I bought 2 of them. One for myself and one for a relative as gift. His had the break-in oil changed in well less than the five hours. It was more like 2 hours, and then brand new motor oil. Relatives push mower will start immediately, however when he had to shut it off to move stuff in yard it seemed locked up and would not restart. Then after cooling down completely several hours in the shade it would restart.

[@shorttrackaction.8217]

​@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I agree with everything that was stated by @Tru Tru on your awesome video. As you can see I replied to him with what happened to the first brand new mower. And the 2nd powersmart 170cc push mower did the exact same thing on me and my wife. Break in oil changed in 2 hours & on the very next use it seemed locked up after shutting it off and attempting restart. Oil was still one hundred percent full of the proper lawn mower engine oil. I let it cool for approximately an hour & when I attempted to restart it the pull cord knob broke. I'm only okay after replacing new pull cord handle & never attempting to restart until it's cool down 100%. Then it'll restart, however I would much rather drop kick it across the yard. Spot on video & thank you so much. We appreciate the video & dedication.😊

[@arsanctum1228]

I bought a 196 cc powersmart in 2019. Used it for 2 years regularly with no issues. Then I stopped using it in 2022 because I had heart surgery and had somebody else do my lawn. When I stored it, I didn't put a stabilizer so when I started using it, it won't start. I cleaned the carburetor and replaced the spark plug and it started. Also changed the oil.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice work getting it working again

[@chevellemann8367]

Bought one a couple years ago and love it. Yes, it has some cheaper made parts and that's why I'm sure they're lesser expensive than the others. I like it cause it's light and starts usually with one pull.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

glad to hear it's working out for you

[@benjover5663]

Ya I like mine so far

[@rickthelian2215]

Wow, the tools came out for this one, but it’s going... I remember run in time is usually 5 hours on the engine for first change. Though surprised to see that much garbage in the oil. Now you didn’t do your spin the wheel time trial. Great job😉🇦🇺

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

lol.. I wanted to try something new

[@BrucesShop]

I put one of these in the shed 2 years ago as it leaked from the carb. No parts avaiable. This week I took a float out of a spare chinese carb and it worked. I had to go through a few old carbs to find the right one.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

wow nice work

[@MrAdoons]

Wow Thank you for your time, professional job , I guess I'm lucky I have mine for 3 yrs with no issue, only thing I do I put winter storage in the gas tank

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

wow very nice !

[@zenzekezenard4269]

Many thanks. Just bought a PowerSmart mower. After running it the first hour, I removed all the oil. Now I will look for metal filings.... So thanks!! They say that these Chinese engines are not built to such tight tolerances as Honda and Briggs. So get those initial metal filings out. Then you are OK

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice method, thank you zenzeke zenard.

[@zenzekezenard4269]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE After the first 60 minutes, the oil was very black. But no, or very, very scant metal filings. So I will put in new oil and run it two hours and look at the oil again._______ I have a synth oil blend of 10-40. I am in hot southern Florida. IOW half synthetic. Is this OK for the mower? THANKS!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I see nothing wrong with that.

[@Unverbaut]

Hey, great video, I love your channel! I have a '99 Honda mower, that takes about 10 pulls to start when cold, however when its warm, it takes just one. I have already replaced the carb, flushed the fuel system, adjusted valve clearance, replaced the spark plug etc, its still not fixed. However, the previous owner didn't change the oil in like a couple of seasons. Could that just be compression loss/ a worn engine? Thanks for the vids

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

With the consideration that it has a new carb you should probably start with the choke\primer(if it has one?), then move over to the carb gaskets base and air cleaner gaskets.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes it can, however, have you checked that the choke flap is completely closed when choked?

[@Unverbaut]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE No, i haven’t checked yet. I’ll do when I get the chance to.Thanks for the help!

[@ericrichardson3332]

Check that everything is operating correctly carburetor etcetera if all is in proper working order another thing would be vacuum leaks check around seal on the carb in some cases you can use gasoline to find a leak by running the engine and squinting a little around the seal / gasket and listening for the engine to rev up or idle higher for a few seconds if this happens you have a bad seal / gasket

[@laurentco]

So slightly off-topic, but something I think you will approve of. I've seen the little rounded scraper you use to clean out the grass from under the mower deck. Checked online and saw that Amazon wanted about $20 for them (IN the US). For some reason, they want around $80 for them on Amazon in Canada. (Don't ask me why. Probaly cause there's no Canadian distributor, so it has to be sent from the US manufacturer, but I digress.) Anyway, I thought that was ridiculous. I dug out a straight scraper about 2 2 1/2 inches wide and used my grinder to round over the corners. I think I got 3 scrapers of differing widths for about $8 for all three. LOL If you can't be handsome, you better be handy! LOL

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

hey nice work and very ingenious of you.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

AS always, good video. You are a good man, I would be hard pressed to pull the cord the first time to try and start that one, much break out the tools.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks that means a lot to me!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I avoid those cheapo mowers like they are on fire, we should all be making videos of them some they are going to fail more people often.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

well said

[@blakeobrien363]

Wait do you actual play with tools?

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@blakeobrien363 For me, any day I get down into the garage and get to work on something I am playing. This is my idea of fun. 🙂

[@joebroke76]

Great Video! I think I would sell it for scrap metal than have to deal with the problems.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

You and me both!

[@jerrysudama5204]

I totally agree with you mine only last for one cut of my lawn it's junk

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

these are the worst I've seen.

[@hickorystx]

You do enjoy a CHALLENGE!!! My hat is off to you!!!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Mr G!

[@daytonlights-peterwine468]

My neighbor bought a PowerSmart 200cc based mower last year, and after storage for the winter, I was worried it wouldn't start. I'm helping her maintain the yard this year, (as she's nearing 80,) and have a suspicion that the oil not only was not changed after six hours of use, it likely has not been changed at all. It did start, and after a few minutes (and cleaning the air filter) it seemed to run pretty well, compared to how it sounded last year. I've been using a battery mower for several years, so am relearning a lot about gas mowers so as to use hers. I think it does have higher compression than my Neuton, so there's that. I guess I'm taking that challenge, to see if it makes it through the season, cutting three lawns a week. :)

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

well good luck to you then. thank you for the comment

[@whiskeybuilder6335]

Powersmart mowers are shipped with just enough oil to keep the seals moist. With only about 4 ounces of oil in the crankcase, I figure a new engine could last maybe, let's say 6hrs. Give or take.

[@zack_120]

I have a Power Start, model db2322s, EN 22" 196cc, so-called 3in1. After sitting through a winter with an empty fuel tank, it didn't start in early spring. The problem is found to be air bubbles getting in the fuel line by following this step (12:30) as seen in this video. This is verified by running it till the fuel tank empty which prevents it from starting agin. By loosing this bolt to release some fuel then tightening it back to normal, it starts easily. It has no primer bulb nor a choke. But in the troubleshoot section the user manual says "pump the primer" if won't start. It's a joke. Made without care.

[@gumarotrevino1966]

this video was very informative for me my friend. thank you for your videos, because it helps us with whish mower should buy. again my friend- thank you for your service and thank you for helping us whish mowers are best for us.i think the Black Max is better in every thing. thank you my friend and god bless you mi amigo.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem and thank you too

[@curiosity2314]

I'm not crazy about the lawn mower but I did have the snow blower and that did work fine.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

oh nice, thanks for the information

[@catsshadows]

Your chanel is growing on me, hate to tell you but my oldest son uses you to fall asleep.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

LOL!!!! actually when I'm proof watching my edited videos, I sometimes fall asleep too.

[@88ariesk]

this year's (2023) powersmart mowers are kinda interesting. they have a horizontal shaft engine going to a 90* driveshaft, down to the deck. the blade is then belt driven. they are a pain in the butt to start because of the rubber banding of the belt and the drive shaft, but once running, they mow through anything. I bought them at a deep discount at Menards, and I bought both of them that were on offer. They were able to mow through 3 foot high grass. The front axle assembly is cheap, and the black one has already broken. it has been repaired by no less than 20 zip ties, but is available as a replacement part for $35 plus shipping from Powersmart themselves. I'm just curious how long they will actually last. General consensus is the engines are the same ones from their snow blowers.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks, I've been hoping to get a hold of one of these horizontal shaft mowers, to test out. As for the engines, I don't have any faith in them to last more then a few hundred hours , but I think that was the point to begin with

[@Werewolfmage]

some manuals dont say anything about breaking in and changing oil what is unfortunate. SOme dont even give you instructions how to change the oil... I know my ryobi portable gen says nothing about it . just how to check the oil. but thankfully im smart when it comes to engines i have to be . being an auto mechanic lol... . when i used it for like 3 hours i drained the oil afterwards and it was glittery. ill end up changing the oil after 4-5 hours again just incase,.oil is cheaper than an engine. good video!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice work, your generator should last a long time! than you Pete Laframboise

[@melvis2017]

U are the man great video and thanks for sharing with us this appreciations 🇩🇰👍

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

My pleasure

[@1FishinAddict]

I’ve got this exact engine and it’s a Honda cloned. Very good engine if taken cared of. I ran 2 yrs w/o changing oil w.o any issues.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

very nice

[@therandomman6647]

If you've got to remove a Tecumseh flywheel, I would recommend a 3 hooked puller. I used one like what you have, and accidentally cracked mine. Although it's still running perfectly fine 2 years later, despite the crack. I never ended up removing the flywheel! Turns out the issue was a loose blade making it backfire. I learned a valuable lesson, Always remember the mechanic's rule! Easiest thing first.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes you are correct!

[@cattechofficialmeowmix993]

Those mowers are trash

[@brandonsnider7907]

Just give the crankshaft a good whack with a soft hammer and it will break loose.

[@therandomman6647]

@@cattechofficialmeowmix993 you have a bad opinion, sorry to inform you like this.

[@therandomman6647]

@@brandonsnider7907 that's what I did for my lawn boy in small engines class. Works pretty well!

[@blakeobrien363]

Great video I’m a kid to we have a 2000 victa vantage it starts but it has quite a few problems 1: it starts and runs but has backwards throttle so start is stop and stop is start 2: you have to take the air filter off it and get to the carb’s throat put your finger over the hole at the bottom then prime it 3:you can’t rev it to full throttle because it will be reving to much and it might try to stay idling 4: you have to tip it down so no fuel can get to the carb but anyways great video buddy keep it up oh and also here’s a joke how does the ocean say hello? it waves get it the ocean waves to you but great video keep it up buddy and also won’t start get a bigger hammer great video keep it up buddy

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

wow, that's a lot of problems

[@blakeobrien363]

IS THAT YOU

[@blakeobrien363]

I can’t believe it is it you for real

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I'm most definitely real

[@blakeobrien363]

Oh and also do you know how To fix the carb problem

[@Hebert6760]

Lol i did not know this, i been using this mower for the pass 5 years plus no usings every other weekend here at south florida. Just not decided not to start , should junk it?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I would at least try fixing it. No harm in trying.

[@RexenPrime]

My mom bought one of these things a few years back. Ised it a few times and then stored it. Wouldnt start the next year so we let it sit. Another year passed, same thing and I didnt want to deal with it. This year I went after it. The carb was basically a crap show from habing the ethanol...yes ethanol fuel being left in it for a few uears. I got the thing running eventually and started using it for the day. It soumded lile crap and I wasnt halfway done before it consumed its own belt. I told my mom to sell the thing because I wasnt going to use it again....total garbage.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

these are not good machines at all. I happen to think some work well, but the majority have a lot of issues

[@andreworli4117]

Thats all very well but how long did the wheel spin for? I godda know!😆

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

in reality, about 44 seconds, but in screen time, about 14 minutes

[@andreworli4117]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE HaHaHaHa

[@clagygulap]

I have a motor from the same Chinese manufacturer (Rato) that so far has lasted 4 seasons without a single problem. The difference is that my motor is from their commercial line, and thus much heavier (by 11 lbs) for the same 170cc displacement. It's bolted to a 22" Toro deck and performs just as well if not better than the 190cc Briggs L-head it replaced, though I have to admit the weight is a bit of an issue for me.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice, I didn't realize they had a commercial line

[@stevendunn6255]

Just worked on the 144 cc 2020 model yesterday. Metal in oil, engine locked up on third pull start attempt. Pulled plug, engine still locked up with bale lever clamp to handle, no brake applied to engine. 3 flush’s cleared the crankcase, bounced the mower a few times and engine now turns over. Adjusted valves, exhaust was set a zero lash. Carb was clean but slight varnish smell so I added Berrymans B-12 to gas. Add oil and 7 cranks later mower is running. No idea what inside mower is locking up but with the amount of metal in oil I sure cam bushing is involved.wont know until someone pays me to strip engine . This turd makes my 1995 Snapper Hi Vac look like the best mower ever made. Which in my opinion it is!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I know right, It was really strange, my guess though was the cam gear.

[@lurereviews5164]

What did you pour in the crankcase to wash the oil

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

old gasoline

[@donvoll2580]

Good day I think u would be a good neighbour,, possibly can't say no. Good video. Thanks

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

how about this, I would be quite neighborly for sure, the only think I ask is that you let me know ahead of time, that you're coming over, that way I won't be caught off guard.

[@donvoll2580]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE OK we will do that. Thanks

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem

[@jremeee1599]

I’m taking the challenge! Just picked up a powersmart horizontal shaft 209cc push mower brand new at Walmart for $177 😂 Yes HORIZONTAL shaft. I am highly doubtful it will last more than one season. That’s all I need it for. I’m gonna use quality oil and change it out every 5 or 6 cuts. As for the horizontal part.. well time will tell 😂😂😂😂

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice, I'm actually interested in seeing one of those close up, mainly because of the engineering of it.

[@arniewingco3561]

On the plus side, those wheels spin really well after being lubed 😂😂😂

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

lol.. yes they do!

[@watermanone7567]

Good video, try and push the primer on some engines that start hard even if it is warm. Thanks

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Great point!

[@der_pinguin44]

Those wheels are atrocious.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I know right? like I said, it's not a real mower and those are not real tires.

[@fcdrummer1806]

Like the entire mower?

[@fcdrummer1806]

@@24space310 yea compared to a honda or a toro or craftsman

[@josephmeadows8521]

I just bought a new push mower and put fresh oil in to break in the new engine, should i change the oil after my first cut

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I'd wait for the another cut, or more if you can wait. For me, I'd be about an 1 hour or so of running for me to change the break-in oil.

[@josephmeadows8521]

Oh ok

[@LawnmowerMaster]

I mow three lawns a week and my most recent Honda broke. It is a HRR 217 with blade break. The wheels won’t spin back. Replaced oil. That didn’t do anything. Also the front bar that protects a person from getting hurt by flying rocks or debris bent down in. I called Honda and they won’t do anything. Do you have any mower recommendations/ fixes. I want a HRC 216 but I don’t know if that is overkill.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

so how long have been using the hrr217 and when did it have this wheel problem?

[@LawnmowerMaster]

I just started a few days ago I was mowing and the self propel started making a noise. Then it wouldn’t roll back. The mower is about 3 years old. Last generation of HRR

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

fortunately the way the Honda drive system works, you can push a mower forwards, even of the self propel is stuck or jammed, and unfortunately that's what I'm hinting at, I do believe the drive system is toast.

[@sergeipepper7213]

I would definitely like to take a yes challenge to that I know it’s a Chinese engine but I think it was lack of maintenance that of oil changes as what did it come I have one of those engines on mine and I know I’ve only had it for one season I’ll keep you posted on it but it’s working fine

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you are correct the lack of maintenance was a definite issue.

[@mrstanskaggs1]

I have one which seems to blow oil from the exhaust fairly heavily. Do you think this is rings? It seemed to get weaker and weaker and finally stopped starting after cleaning out the carb. I thought it was the carburetor and cleaned it out after sitting all winter so the gas in the carb jelled up evidently. After cleaning it out, the engine ran for couple of months of summer and then began being weaker and weaker, finally it blows heavy smoke and I see oil on the deck after the exhaust mufflet outlet. could the valves leak oil into the cylindar?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

it might be, as the blow by from worn rings will pressurize the crankcase, But first I'd do an oil change just to make sure it's not over filled.

[@mrstanskaggs1]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE how easy is the rings to change? I am looking for instruction on this mower.. thanks!

[@AmandaSahms9574]

I've done all that except for he valves and it's hard to pull too. I can't get mine to start and I used it 2 weeks ago.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

wow that's a shame, how's the oil level?

[@jonathonrodriguez1198]

I would love to learn what method and tool you used to drain fuel from the tank.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I use my squirt bottle to start a gravity siphon, that's it.

[@jonathonrodriguez1198]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Thank you! I’m going to have to try that.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem

[@matthewpiper3288]

I agree that brand of mower is not my first choice, but excellent fix.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Matthew Piper

[@ravikorpal2861]

Hi I have pawer smart lawn mower . every thing looks ok but does not fire up at all. I put some gas in the carburetor no fire up. have spark timing is ok compression when puling the rope it looks it has compression. lawn mower does not fire up .

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

did you check for spark at the plug?

[@brandonparrott5382]

I've got one and need the valve clearance specs. Since you don't remember them, is there any chance you could tell me where you found them. My exhaust rocker arm "ticks" once at the start of the stroke, but when I loosen the exhaust valve clearance it does not do it. The mower actually starts and runs decent with the increased exhaust clearance, but I'd still like to know the factory setting.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

sorry Brandon Parrott, I don't remember where I found it either. The reason is because this engine is not popular so the specs are not easy to find.

[@alanfenwick9560]

using gas down the air filter box to start engine can wash the oil off the rings and cylinder that can cause a metal to metal contact and dig out the cylinder wall and lockup motor - when freed would cause bad compression - using chainsaw gas for test start it will not cause the digging in the cylinder walls like straight gas can

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks that's why use 2 stroke mix

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro what's up? Cool video. I was wondering if you did a compression test after the mower started and if so was the reading higher?🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

oh nah, I didn't want to spend anymore time on it than I needed to.

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE cool👍👍

[@Dave7160]

Thats a power nomore mower garbage I agree with you, have a great evening.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Thank you David LaSalle.

[@Dave7160]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE your welcome be safe out there.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I will

[@BallBusta]

I got a powersmart and the only issue I've come across has been the throttle cable rusting through after 3 years of use. I store it outside with an old wheel barrel bucket atop the engine to keep the rain off it. I'm no mower snob, if it gets the job done, so be it. At the end of the day, regardless of brand, most of the shit on them is made overseas anyhow.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice, glad to see it's still working out for you

[@medabee1322]

My lawn mower have been sitting for a year I drained the oil out before I put it away for the season but forgot to drain the oil when I went to drain the oil it was black I replaced it with fresh oil but it still won’t start

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I can only guess you meant to say that you drained the gasoline, not the oil. If so the carb's main jet needs to be cleared.

[@medabee1322]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE oh I’m sorry I drained the gasoline but left the oil sitting in it for almost a year when I poured the oil out it was black

[@crisprtalk6963]

It has a great dipstick!

[@brianandrews7099]

If I were offered this mower for free, I would definitely take it! I have an old Briggs Quantum on my bench that needs a home!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

that would be a good swap

[@justme.53]

I have a brand new one and its giving me problems on the first use. 2 days to cut a 1 acre yard. Either won't start or back mulcher get full fast and the side mulching setup not working... it still wants to release the grass through the bag😮😢

[@samfeldman1508]

Appears lack of oil change and not maker is culprit? I thought it was all malarkey when I read about the break in oil change. I guess it isn’t. Thanks for video.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Thank you Sam Feldman. yes and no, from what I've seen, all other engine manufactures can last at least 3 years on the original oil, until the loss of compression, becomes too much, this one didn't last a year. So I think the quality of the materials was lower in this brand.

[@suzanne9622]

I read the following "Power Smart lawn mowers are new mowers manufactured by Illinois-based company, Amerisun, which only produces and sells this brand." So are they made in Illinois or China?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I don't know that, I haven't done any major search but from what I can tell they are assembly here using Chinese engines

[@XoGooFyABGX]

What kind of lubrication do you use on push mower wheels? Also if I may ask what product to use to flush the engine

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

the engine flush was old gasoline, and I'm using plastic safe lithium grease for the wheels.

[@XoGooFyABGX]

Thank you so much (2) very nice things to know

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem

[@jr-pl9kj]

if and when the deck is in good shape, but the engine is bad, i just swap it out with a good Briggs and Stratton or Tecumseh. i have a bunch laying around in need of decks. then i disassemble the bad engine, try to fix it or salvage it for good parts. most failures are because of that cheap crappy plastic camshaft and sometimes the compression reducer breaks.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I like the way you think j r

[@Mikelp73]

That mower is awesome I would baby it.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes that's good advice

[@mikem362]

I have a 200cc power smart mower on its 3rd season of mowing my 1/2 ace lot. Followed all maintenance recommendations and have had no problems with the mower. I can do the whole lot on one tank of gas and it does not bog down in heavy grass areas. The only complaint is the choke. Even when its warmed up you have to pump it in order to get an easy start. But all in all it takes my punishment on tree branches, tennis balls, and short brush. It is a cheap brand that takes my abuse.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice, thank you for vouching for them.

[@natelendrum2893]

Hay wondering if you now what is wrong with my stihl ts350 stone saw it starts and runs but stops if you release the trigger but if you keep the trigger in it keeps running thanks

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

sure, it sounds like the carb is either out of adjustment or it's not working like it's supposed to, because of the diaphragms. I would adjust the carb, or replace it. There might also be an air leak at a gasket or seal.

[@natelendrum2893]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE ok 👍 I will take a look at the carb thanks for the help

[@lewiemcneely9143]

IF I needed one I'd say yes, knowing what stunts it already pulled BUT I'd reduce the r.p.m. and refill it with Delo. I've babied a bunch along like that and almost never run them wide open at 3600. BUT that's just M E too, nobody else. And we usually learn more from the bad ones than the good. Thanks and Blessings!.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

that's makes perfect sense to me, and I think that's a great idea.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I think that refiners are making oil a lot different than it used to be and the lube properties are a lot weaker. That's why I run stuff slower and use a better grade oil. My 'career' was truck driving and heavy equipment operation as my title picture was taken from one boulder hauler of another getting loaded. I shot it. I ran a Cat 980g loader and when I quit, it had 24 THOUSAND Hours on it and had never been touched as far as overhauling engine or tranny. Guess what kind of oil they used. U got it, DELO! That made a believer out of me. I changed the oil in the opposed and it was purplish instead of black and I usually run it harder for the smooth cut it leaves with it's floating deck. There you are!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice, I think you've got me sold on it!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE We both know the oil, lubes, cools and cleans. I know the makers call for 30 wt. but the 15/40 works at lo and hi temps and if it'll take care of a compression ignition engine that compresses the charge of air so tightly that it'll burn diesel completely, hour after hour, there's got to be something to it! I always got the most out of whatever I did and never tried to gut it, but WORK it. Delo always came through, even for the 2-cycle diesels, GM/Detroits.

[@kirbyvanduzer6565]

I handle a lot of power smart push mowers at my job at fedex they seem to be popular the one that seems to be the better one is the 209cc one I saw reviews on the 209cc one and it seems to be pretty powerful and does pretty good we are fixing to do an oil change on my huskqvarna push trimmer it has a Briggs 190cc flathead it’s a really good trimmer for the price the only thing about it I don’t like the strings if you run them against a fence they shear off instantly the strings don’t last long and a box of them are quite expensive but if you use it right you can make them last other than that my trimmer is great quality and the Briggs engine is very powerful the good thing about push trimmers you can use them as a push mower and still do trimming with it meaning buy a push trimmer you won’t need a weed eater and it’s pretty easy to push and after it’s been running the Briggs starts no problem one pull I would like to see a review on push trimmers they are very good there are some affordable but reliable push trimmers out there like my huskqvarna the best one is absolutely amazing but extremely expensive I can’t remember the brand name of the best push trimmer it has electric start and you never have to change the strings but you’ll pay over 1,000 dollars for it I only paid the lower hundred dollars for my huskqvarna and it does work well I would love to see what your thoughts on push trimmers is

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you are correct, they're not bad when working it's just that they don't seem to be built for the long haul, and what I mean by that is more than a couple of years.

[@kirbyvanduzer6565]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE it’s definitely a case of you get what you pay for

[@billsullivan8812]

@INSIDE HOUSE GARAGE- does Amazon sell replacement carbs for these mowers? Thank You.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes they do.

[@billsullivan8812]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE -Thank You for the quick response. I am in Canada, do you happen to have a part number for the carb. Thanks again.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

www.ebay.com/itm/225161392975

[@dfields9511]

good vid there, power smart the only thing smart about it is it would be smart to avoid. this is one I will pass on even if its free to me. Even the deck is bad quality

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

lol! nice!

[@Patrick4959]

yes for sure etc.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks!

[@Patrick4959]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE my pleasure mate.

[@robertwilliams3983]

I heard something pecking when you pulled the rope & again when you turned it off. I thought at first the blade was loose.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

unfortunately the engine is making that sound, and I've heard it from every one of these engines.

[@Min4Mass]

Really like your style. Very helpful info. Sub'd!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Welcome aboard and thank you !

[@dwaynecollins4974]

My ex roommates son had a girlfriend that pretty much had one of those types of mowers that they were going to throw away. I hadn't seen it yet, but they set it in front of my shop and that's when I realized it was $100 Walmart push mower 🤢 but I was up to the challenge so I went through it fuel, spark, and so on.. now the first thing I noticed was the gravel rock that was inside of the gas tank LOL and of course the carburetor and filter were super nasty, the pull rope was overstretched.. except for the rocks in the gas tank all of these things were just maintenance issues that happened over time. The problem was this mower was allegedly only a year old and I believe them because the paint was still shiny! Well after cleaning it up and pitching the rocks, I rewound the pull rope and on the second Pull it fired and started running! But as things go while I was mowing a side yard with it it suddenly went to revving very high and before I knew it it launched the Piston out of the side of the engine 😳 that's right! Once it was fixed to where it was working the damn thing decided to commit suicide LOL thankfully enough nobody got hurt. The moral to the story is if they're giving them away at a hundred bucks a piece brand new it's probably a reason for that..

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

wow, that's an amazing way to have an engine break.

[@alexandercosta1777]

Would you say hat the modern engines on todays mowers are much more fuel effient as than those that were made in the say early 2,00s

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no, and that's because they are still carved. They now have more stringent smog regulations on them, but until they become EFI, these will always be inefficient machines.

[@MrDede2011]

Check those torch brand spark plugs and replace them with Equivalent NGK brand mine runs like a champ now after getting 3 DOA plugs

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

agreed

[@AveragePootis]

I don't think i have heard a more pathetic sounding lawnmower in my life, it just sounds incredibly loose

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

it certainly sounds like it

[@liljoeii6091]

I absolutely not want to try that kind of mower. Briggs and strain Lawnmower Thank you for video

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Very welcome

[@mathewappleton7758]

instead of powersmart, they should call it powerjunk lol

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

lol!

[@liamwaters5451]

The engine is almost exactly the same as victas V170 that we have here in Australia

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes they look to be the same.

[@liamwaters5451]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I actually have a Victa 21" mower. Do you think it's worth upgrading to a toro time master?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

if it takes you hours to mow, sure, it's definitely with it

[@eugenecunningham491]

Like the joker said on Batman where did he get these wonderful toys

[@mondude9754]

I wonder if the muffler was clogged or something

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

unfortunately we'll never know because it's long gone.

[@LeeLeezy19]

its not actually a bad mower in my opinion its a "fair" in its class but the owner should had read the manual very closely and took better care of it by changing the oil regularly to make the engine last longer and not end up like that

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

well said.

[@jay7264]

decompression is to aggressive loosen the exhaust valve. i have dealt with these in my shop. and thats what i do

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

that would work!

[@tdumford1]

I currently have 3 powermore engines here that have less than 1 season one them and they refuse to start. I strip them for bolts. lol. thats about it

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

lol.. that's pretty much how I see them too.

[@diggerman190]

Like the body, I will swap the engine though

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you're right, nothing wrong with the rest of it, so I'd swap engines as well. thank you diggerman190

[@RussellBooth1977]

120 PSI is a good compression reading for a lawnmower engine !

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

the problem is the initial, and even the second pull, didn't get good readings.

[@steamboatmcg2197]

Haha. It must be really bad. I'm pretty new to your channel but I haven't heard you really being very harsh on any equipment brands yet. I gotta say while the MTD brands are some of my least favorite, I was pleasantly surprised with the little Chinese Powermore engine. I wonder how this one would compare if opened up... Cast Chinesium is the metal of the future!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

oh I get pretty harsh but it's very selective on what I do it on. Powermower engines are way better than this one.

[@williamsnow1531]

Maybe the brother company to that mower is WeedEater. Two companies that will drive you nuts.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

very true

[@jameshedrick605]

I have never heard of that brand of mower before

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I'd forget that you even heard of it, It's just better.

[@littlerabbittrucking]

I would use this mower

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

good luck, if I could get it to you I would.

[@littlerabbittrucking]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE that would be cool

[@berkeleygang1834]

"Boat anchor on wheels." ROFLMAO. I'm wondering if the auto choke is working, as difficult as the engine is to cold or half-cold start. Really weird it locked up like that. No valve/piston interference on an L-shape cylinder head.

[@stevendunn6255]

No auto choke. Primer bulb is used.

[@enkeyvely6589]

yes it falls apart and very difficult to start.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

agreed

[@robinausbayern1999]

That engine flush kind of reminds me of gastric lavages...

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

never thought of that

[@Thomas-ul3uy]

My neighbor had one, the shut off lever wouldn't engage properly.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

that's a shame

[@chadr00]

The rear wheels on the powersmart mower I found in the trash this week are worn out so only one of the wheels is driven by the self-propelled. My dad was looking for the wheel to purchase but didn't have any luck searching. Any tips on where to get parts for this mower? He said the engine was a copy of the Honda that he recently worked on and it sounded just fine in the brief 5 sec test run.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

the engine is a copy but it's an older design they copied and the carb primer setup is there own. as for the parts, I won't be able to help unless you want to look on Ebay

[@tincan31]

I have one. It's a piece of crap. The plastic has cracked where the bottom of the handle touches the deck. (all plastic) the protector for the drive has cracked into bits. I live in Florida so I mow regularly. I am done with it.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes I agree with you, I thought these were okay until the reports came in on it, it's not good quality at all.

[@stan1027]

As cheaply as this thing appears to be made, I wouldn't be surprised if the jam-up problem was in the starter recoil assembly rather than the engine itself.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

but I couldn't turn the engine using the blade, I don't think the recoil jam could be "strong"

[@stan1027]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I watched the video again, and I have to agree with you. If it was the recoil, I don't think it would have jammed in mid-pull like that.

[@christophermarshall5765]

Power hard to start!! Not for me!! I wouldn't put that engine in a kid's go-kart!! I wonder how easy it would be to blow it up?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks Christopher Marshall.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

most likely

[@lawrencecarroll2031]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I got an old Montgomery Wards free. Gotta be at least 22 years old (Wards went out of business in 2000). Has a Briggs Pulse jet on it that was locked up. Poured oil down the plug hole and let it sit and then broke it loose with a pipe wrench!! It starts easier and runs better than that piece of junk you worked on!! BUY AMERICAN MADE!!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you bet!

[@alext8828]

People tend to abuse inexpensive things and take great care with expensive things. Ergo, they should make the lawnmower more expensive so only careful people buy them. Marketing 101.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I like this comment

[@fredster40]

man it seems like ever video you get these things from co-workers, how many do you have🤣

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

umm

[@michelinman8592]

After having had not one, but TWO Briggs and Stratton powered mowers fail in my lifetime with routine maintenance, I'll gladly buy a Honda with their rusty decks! As for this atrocity, the answer is *ABSOLUTELY NOT.*

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you

[@tigator32]

The blade brake cable does not seem to engage fully so when you pull on the rope you are fighting against the blade brake . That is the handle that you have to pull in to get it to start. Mine chirps after pulling the rope and upon shutdown which is a sure sign of blade brake engagement. The wheels on these mowers are horrible. The center part on my rear wheel broke in half and they are unobtainium. If you have one of these mowers I suggest you go find you a parts mower. Very informative video though thank you no thank you one more thing, this is American made? It's a sad State of Affairs when Chinese quality rivals American made quality.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you

[@FrankRuiz66]

Rolling boat anchor

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right.

[@hunterprowsemrereviews9141]

I know the perfect fix for this engine. A sledgehammer lol!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes, I'm in for it.

[@JCT442]

Friends don't let friends buy any Powersmart equipment... tell him to buy a used traditional Snapper with a Quantum after you checked it out!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right.