Fixing A Troy-Bilt Mower That's Tough To Start

[@rogermason5833]

FYI, I'm interested to see how you balance a mower blade after sharpening.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you I'll try and include that in video.

[@daig1984]

First pull and running smoothly, this things looking great,good idea with the oil👍🏻

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks 👍

[@gearhead366]

I wouldn't have expected out-of-spec valves to cause THAT much difficulty in starting. Good job saving this one from the trash heap.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@mjg263]

Nice work! I didn’t know valve clearance could make the engine difficult to start, good to know!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, took me a long time to figure that one out.

[@billsmith1770]

i have a generator that would start fairly well in warm weather , but in cold weather it would sometimes take nearly 100 pulls , no exaggeration . in really cold weather i'd have to bring it inside to warm , or it wouldn't start at all . was using it to work on a house w/no electrical hookup , and i'd be worn out by the time i got it started each morning . years later , vids like yours taught me that , unlike flatheads , you have to check valve clearance on ohv engines regularly . starts like a dream now . my thanks to all who produce these helpful vids , and to all who provide helpful comments and suggestions .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're welcome and thank you Bill Smith!

[@princenoah21]

I had that exact same lawn mower. The TB 110. It started on the first pull almost every time. I had used it on 3-4 lawns for about 4 years, and the only thing that failed was a spring that controlled the engine speed. It was plenty powerful AND it was very light weight to lift in and out of the truck. I really loved this lawn mower. My new mower is a Makita 36v now. Heavy, but super quiet.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow , interesting choice, I'm guessing you're only using it only on your own lawn then.

[@princenoah21]

@HomeGaragechannel nope. I use it on my customers lawns too.

[@retiredatforty]

Do you use two 5ah batteries in it? I’ve got the Makita line, and was thinking about buying one. How long do the batteries last?

[@Furrowx]

I have had a mower or two that have given me problems back in the past. After fighting with 2 of them I gave up and junked them. Now having watched Your channel for awhile now that won't ever happen again I have learned a lot from You thank You

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate the comment, thank you very much

[@Grahams-Grass]

Had a Honda izy put up a good fight . Cleaned carb still couldn't get it to run everything else was working brought a cheap replacement carb it still wasn't having it.. kinda left it to one side for a while. . Got my self an ultrasonic cleaner and placed the original carb in for a clean I ran it though 2 cycles for 1 hour total at 50c with washing machine cleaner ... put it back together and it runs like a dream 1/4 of a pull she runs idles and revs up as it should unreal🤷🤷👍🍻🤠

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow very nice!

[@dgav4539]

Hi I just wanted to add to the troubleshooting for multiple pulls to start the mower. I did everything you suggested and replaced the carb. I finally realized the auto-choke arm bracket (not the linkage) was bent and causing the linkage to get caught up, very suttle. Starts on the first pull now. Thank you for your video. it helped me isolate the not so obvious issue.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, thank you for the additional information

[@dannykesler7361]

Great job keep up the good work I love watching your videos.i learn a lot

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I really appreciate it!

[@palupa42playz43]

I love these videos they are helpful and well researched.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad you like them!

[@juandeharo66]

Thank you !! Your videos helped me get mine working again

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you !

[@lewiemcneely9143]

My hard to start one was the OLD Snapper hand mower with the reverse and the vacuum choke. The only thing I knew to do was keep it spinning to keep the choke open when hot. HJad the strange recoil that pulled straight up instead of sideways. Once I got the hang of keeping the engine spinning it'd start with not a whole lot of trouble, IF you were able to keep it spinning. Good fix and Blessings

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice problem solving!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel That was the only way I could get it to go without having to take tha air cleaner off and wedge the choke open and even then you had to be fast to get the cleaner and screw back in to keep it from dying. The newer auto chokes worked a LOT better.

[@watermanone7567]

Good video, I have many that won't start especially when hot due to bad coil. thanks for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

anytime and thank you

[@k-sell4065]

Thank you man this really helped me. I doing know how many times I pulled the carburetor off cleaned and inspected it and found no fault in it. When I first got it it would not start. After I cleaned the carburetor it Improved a little bit it started but soon as I turn it off and pulled a hundred times 😂 nothing happened and it only would start when I sprayed starter fluid and it would run just fine till I shut it off and pull another hundred time lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sorry to hear you're having so much trouble

[@999thenewman]

4:22 Great job, Home Garage! :) I place the front of the mower on a block of wood, turning the blade by hand forward (and backward) until TDC (or the farthest said valve will move on a worn engine) to adjust each valve. Typically set the intake two-thousandths tighter and exhaust two-thousandths looser to future-proof the mower engine a few more years without another adjustment.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice I like your method!

[@999thenewman]

@@HomeGaragechannel Thanks. It prevents oil from falling out.

[@Cinder2008]

Nice! We all work better when we are within specs.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are right about that

[@jamess.putman1779]

Great information

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad you think so!

[@christophermarshall5765]

I had a mower that was hard to start given to me for that very reason. A new plug, all fixed. I gave it to a neighbour, as I already had a big yard push mower that had a 3 foot cutiing width deck, which was great to use, & took only a few minutes to mow my back yard where I was at the time. That mower also found a new home with a friend who often borrowed it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice work!

[@georgedrake1430]

Use sand paper to clean your plug alot easier

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like the torch

[@user-yd7me7ns1o]

I have a Toro with a Tecumseh engine, how do you increase the idle? - Also do you have any videos of making that adjustment?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's not a Toro but this video might help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5XOnJRqbLKBg7M

[@braidenlentz2790]

What’s crazy is I just found the exact same mower on the side of the road last night. It doesn’t have a lot of power and it smokes like a chimney.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

did you check the oil level? hopefully it wasn't overfilled

[@braidenlentz2790]

@@HomeGaragechannel The oil looked new and was definitely up to the full level. I’m guessing it is overfilled.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that would my guess.

[@braidenlentz2790]

@@HomeGaragechannel is there a way to increase the rpms on these mowers?

[@rickthelian2215]

Thanks neighbor 😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right

[@butler386]

Yes I have had a mower that was hard or would not start. I loaned my almost new mower to a friend to mow his lawn. I did not think i would have to ask it to be returned after 8 months. Then it would not start. My neighbor saw me pulling and pulling and came over and took the mower to his house. He brought it back in an hour and it started and ran perfectly. He said their was a lot of water in the tank and cleaned the carb. I guess the borrower kept my mower outside which I never did. So I have learned a good lesson. If you loan something you might as well think you are giving it away.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I've been asked to loan out stuff before and I'm sure you can guess what my answer was.

[@charlescho]

Great video. Thanks!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad you liked it!

[@stanbigst]

Great videos. I've learned a lot from them. I've rescued 2 mowers lately, and am currently working on a Ryobi weed eater. When you split a repair into 2 videos, I sometimes have a hard time finding the 2nd one. Maybe if you numbered them and called the first repair 34 and the 2nd repair 34.1 (as an example), it would be easier. If I may ask, where do you source your parts online? Thanks for the great videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good idea thanks

[@clanoffun8819]

Hi after i removed my pro point 212cc carb that was working veru good no surging after i reinstall it started to surge at max rpm at 50kmh

[@HomeGaragechannel]

okay It must have gone bag on you while using it, take it off and clean it or just replace it.

[@Ryanvd1]

Does a quantum briggs need the valve lash adjusted?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not at often, and it typically takes along time before it even get out of tolerance.

[@jesussantibanez6711]

Thank you for always sharing good content in your videos greetings from mexico👍👍👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@etronix4922]

My dads 20 year old Masport mower would require at least 8 big and hard pulls to start, and even after taking it to service, nothing really changed. Then after a couple more years after its service, it would become impossible to start. Then at first we thought of replacing the spark plug with a new one so we did. Then we also did a oil change and filled it up to where it was supposed to be. Then the next time we took the mower out of the shed, the oil level was low for some reason and still would not start again so we checked the spark plug and it was full of so much oil and carbon. Then we also attempted to clean it, but we did not really have any luck with it. So from the oil also disappearing to god knows where, we decided to take it to the service. Then after a couple days, the service people told us that the pistons are worn off and the amount of oil the mower is going through is just insane. Then they also asked us if they wanted us to replace the piston on it, but they said it would cost us around $600 AUD, so we just said no to it because you can literally get a brand new mower for that same price. Then after that, we just invested into a Honda mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

great choice!

[@JCT442]

I have two that don't like to start (up to 20 pulls) when hot. One pull starts for both when cold. Both are B&S OHV Inteks 8.25 gt & 7 hp on old school Snappers (2008 & 2010). I've replaced the coils, set the lash, cleaned & gapped the plugs. Thinking vapor lock now, trying to avoid another rabbit hole. Any suggestions?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure did you ever do a compression test and have you considered ruling out the carb by just replacing it?

[@JCT442]

@@HomeGaragechannel Carbs are next; both mowers doing the same thing; carbs on both are relatively new. No compression test yet. Try, try again! Thanks for the input!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@Jayden-vo2vd]

Did you get your two-sided socket wrench from harbor freight

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes, it has to be about 10 years old at this point.

[@Jayden-vo2vd]

You have any mowers that you can sell to me for cheap

[@jct300m]

Another SAVE!!!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right!

[@liljoeii6091]

Thank you for the video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You're welcome

[@snoopysrc]

Nice mower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks 👍

[@mujomujic6293]

Yours is easy to start, my sometimes needs 10 to 15

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a lot

[@eddietigue547]

Do them frames have problems because i have 3 mowers with the same frame and the all seem bad

[@HomeGaragechannel]

with all the mowers I've worked on with this frame, I've never really had a bad one.

[@georgepruitt637]

Does anyone use "Leak-down" testers ???? you lock the mtr on TDC, install tester, follow instructions [after removing air filter and dipstick]. Listen for air coming out of dipstick tube, or muffler or carb to determine source of leakage. Then either effect repairs or make est for cust approval/rejection.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

most people do now have lead down tester .

[@mikehrdlicka8635]

Have a mower pulled hard no start with tecumseh 195. Pull recoil off put drill on it. Got it turning fire few times finally pulled crank case vent hose off carburetor started. Pulled head off scored picked metal transfer off cylinder wall (towards bottom with piston down. Then sanded some. Put head back on ran it a while oil leak top of engine. The big rubber plug with crank case breather loose. Took it out cleaned with brake cleaner silicone it back in. Haven't gotten back to it will probably let it run a half a tank through it. I do have another one with rod knock maby switch crankshaft and rod I wouldn't feel right about selling it like that.

[@bertgrau3934]

I worked on a pressure washer, and it ran great when cold but would stop after getting up to operating temperature. Turned out the ignition coil was bad, replaced the coil, ran fine hot or cold.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow nice fix

[@alexanders.nurell1134]

my mower starts only if i place starting fluid on carb...have a feeling a spring is lost that keeps buterfly on carb clos til governador forces it open...please explain.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it depends on what kind of mower you have, so I can only guess but sounds like the flap for the autochoke is not closed. And for your information, by default the throttle plate the governor is attached to is always open and close a bit when you start the engine.

[@Andrei-yx1is]

Hi! Love your videos. Could you please share your "secret formula" for the diaphragm rejuvenation fluid?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, it's Brake fluid

[@QuarterZipBro]

Thanks for sharing.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@annedavies662]

I have a Troy-Bilt 060-1639-2 lawn mower. Would you know No 1. Why the knob to turn the gas on and off is so hard to turn? No. 2 Why does it slow down when cutting the lawn? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Sure, the fuel shut off is always difficult to turn, otherwise it could turn itself closed after prolonged running. And about the slow down issue, have you done any sort of maintenance on the engine since you've owned it? A clogged air filter, and dull blade could be the cause. The same can happen if the grass is very tall and the blade is on Upside down.

[@annedavies662]

Hi thanks for the reply. It is so hard to turn it on and off, it's like you would need a wrench. How do I remove it to replace it with a new one and clean the gas line at the same time. I changed the gas in the tank and added a stablilizer as well. Oil is fine, Filter is clean as well. New spark plug as well. It does start and run, but slows down. I have a feeling it is the off and on valve. It may be gummed up, so I thought I would just replace it with a new one. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks ever so much Annie

[@greywolfdakota9350]

I've got the same mower and I'm having problems finding an oil seal for the crankshaft underneath the mower The old one got shredded and I need to replace it and I'm not sure on how to do that

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I have not had to do that yet, but I bet you can find other videos on here that will help you.

[@greywolfdakota9350]

Any chance you might have a link so I can find the oil seal ?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure amzn.to/3Db9uSa

[@williamsnow1531]

I had a Honda mower that would take about 5 or 6 pulls before it would start. Right on top of the recoil was a sticker saying “ easy start” …huh…ya right. I brought it back to the dealer and they said they couldn’t find the problem either, but did joke with me that it did eventually start. I paid close to $500 for that mower back in 2010 and I hated it. I ended up selling the mower and made sure I told the buyer that it was hard to start, but he didn’t care cause mine had a throttle control and that was what he wanted.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

at least you got what you wanted and so did the buyer.

[@martindesmarais7158]

Tnx for valves tip! I'd like to know your opinion about mowers best oil type: SAE30 as recommended OR full synthetic 10w30 ???

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, I would always follow what your manual says, and depending on how old the engine is, I'm pretty certain it only asks for SAE30 or regular 10w-30, no synthetic

[@HSC570]

Hey I just got a Ranch King Rider and I’ve put a new battery in it and it’s leaking fuel and won’t turn over. Any suggestions?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, replace the carb.

[@TTMonkeTikTokAccount]

Ill Say It This Mower Is Impressing Had It For maybe 11 Years Havent Used It In 9 Years Becuase My Friend Had it For a Bit And It Raing And Got Into The Motor Just Yesterday I Was Like You Know What Ima Try To Start It And Guess What New Spark Plug And Starting Fluid That Thing Started RIGHT UP AND IT RAN

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for sharing

[@Sungodv]

We have the same engine and that is the correct OEM plug....Autolite 5924

[@HomeGaragechannel]

the automate 5924 is a comparable plug and it works but the parts diagram show part number 692051 from briggs.

[@Sungodv]

@@HomeGaragechannelI am sure that is the part #, but brand new out of the box our MTD mower with a B&S engine had an Autolite 5924 in it!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

really??? how interesting.

[@gearheadgregwi]

But, it's not battery-powered? 😂😂 I make my neighbors grouchy because I rescue their curb orphans. Lordy, just give me a flathead Briggs and Stratton.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too! thank you for the comment!

[@lar4305]

I have the exact mower and i am a mechanic. I was given this mower because my neighbor said it was hard to start and he bought a new one. well i cleaned the carb, new plug, changed the oil , new gas. I made sure the choke was closed when the engine was cold. It takes about 7 pulls to start and i have no idea why. I will check the valve clearance and hope it correts the problem. I will let you know.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

let us know what you find

[@lar4305]

@@HomeGaragechannel Ok, i adjusted the valves to spec and it still takes 6 pulls to start. when it finally starts it runs like a champ. I am out of ideas , any suggestions? i also adjusted the coil clearance.

[@lar4305]

@@HomeGaragechannel can a weak coil cause hard to start cold but runs fine?

[@lar4305]

@@HomeGaragechannel Ok its fixed. The problem was the carb float. I pulled the spark plug to check to see if it had a good spark when pulling the cord. well gas poured out of the spark plug hole , it was flooding when it sat a few days. I took the carb apart again and cleaned the float needle seat with steel wool. That did the trick. Now it starts with one pull. Never overlook what you think you fixed the first time.

[@Patrick4959]

not from my memory of projects however can probably recall but yeah i forget which one that would have been etc.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, I would imagine you would do your best when fixing anything

[@lesshelest]

You probably answered this question previously, but I’m new to the channel: which lube would you recommend for engine parts and/or wheels. Thank you in advance.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would use WD40, or a plastic safe Lithium grease

[@lesshelest]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@blakeswauger4879]

Is that old lawn boy still holding up??

[@HomeGaragechannel]

which one?

[@blakeswauger4879]

@@HomeGaragechannel the one that had a huge whole in the deck.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh it;'s doing great, and it looks awesome too.

[@blakeswauger4879]

@@HomeGaragechannel that’s amazing!!

[@rubberduck4966]

I usually have no problems starting a Mower but i also do not pull on the rope like a 7 Year old Girl... My Trimmer is much harder to start as this one has no Soft-Start-Automatics as such mowers have.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

even with my soft pull it still starts. if you want to put your all into a pull go for it.

[@bradlane3662]

Troybilt ANYTHING is garbage! And I recently watched your short on your dislike of Husqvarna trimmers. Absolutely, without question, the best trimmers I've ever owned and worked with. And they get put through it here!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's funny, I didn't I ever say I disliked them, but we hear what we want.

[@bradlane3662]

@@HomeGaragechannel You did say you wouldn't buy one. I apologize if I misunderstood.

[@scrapyardengines9741]

I had a mower that wouldn’t start but would backfire so it went off a cliff

[@pauldosanjh440]

I have brand new Troy-Bilt weed eater. A very hard time it won't start

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sorry to hear that, you might want considering servicing or replacing the carb.

[@sticustom]

I have a Honda in the shed that refused to start. It’s still there. I bought a new mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that makes sense

[@robertmailhos8159]

I remember when Troy bulit was a great company back in the day but now who's the owner of the company sence m.t.d was bought out by Stanley/ DeWalt/ Black and decker

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@HomeGaragechannel that is the truth about that matter

[@k-sell4065]

One thing I don’t get is why the hell they put plastic carburetor on lawn equipment and pressure washers. That’s stupid

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got me there.

[@timariuswilliams809]

It is the carburetor

[@HomeGaragechannel]

on this one it turned out the valve lash was too far out of spec

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Seems every time you watch a valve adjustment video, they spend so much time showing how to adjust the clearance which is the easy part. Need to spend more time explaining how you know you are indeed at top dead center.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I don't use TDC, I just put one rocker arm all the way down, and because of the cam profile, the other valve should be in a position to make the adjustment. Thanks for asking?

[@alexanders.nurell1134]

or do you have a video,

[@HomeGaragechannel]

explained it in the last comment

[@sveu3pm]

but didnt you ruin 15% of engine power if you by fiddling with valves ruined compression from 150 to 130? 15% less power is huge difference, so this mower is after your "fixing" 15% weaker.i would much rather have to pull start rope 2 time more then have 15% weaker mower.