Free Curbside Lawn Mower - Is it Trash?

I passed this Craftsman lawn mower on the side of the road. The owner had left it there hoping for someone to take it away. I had someplace to be and was running late so I had no intention of stopping. Thankfully my son talked some sense into me and I turned around and tossed it in back of the car. Is this lawnmower curbside waste or will it run and cut again? Lets find out.
Lawnmower Model: 917.374541
Engine Model: 128T02-1270-B1
Stens Blade: 350-149
AYP Blade: 421825
Carburetor: 799866
I use Harbor Freight Super Heavy Duty Degreaser in my ultrasonic cleaner.
Visit My Amazon Store:
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Hipa Carburetor: amzn.to/3h5Dozr
Fluid Film: amzn.to/3FKmReF
If you want to donate to the channel, you can use the KZbin "Super Thanks" feature.
#SmallEngineRepair #SmallEngine #DIY #Fixed #Troubleshooting #HowTo #LawnMowerRepair #MowerRepair #Hipa #Craftsman
Auto Choke, Autochoke, Bowl Nut, Broken Bowl Nut, Carburetor, Choke Sticking, Cooling, Craftsman, Critter, Curb, Curbside, Engine Bogging, Fixed, Free, HIPA, How To, How-To, Lawn Mower, Lawnmower, Mouse, Mustie's Friend, Running Rich, Small Engine, Trash, Troubleshooting, Will It Run, Will Not Start

[@billwebb8561]

I used to buy old mopeds and repair and refurbish them and flip/sell them. It gave me a certain satisfaction to take something old, broken, and uncared for and restore it to running and cleaned-up condition. Perhaps it is a man's way of bringing new life into the world.

[@annebrumbaugh3243]

I hope that you will be able to continue your honorable work! More and more people are getting poorer and might be able to benefit from your passion. Gratefully all the best to you.

[@billwebb8561]

@@annebrumbaugh3243 Thank you. I am retired now but there are still a lot of opportunities to help make the world a better place.

[@gradypoole2163]

😊 3:30 😊😮😅😊😅😮😮😮😮😅😮😊😊😊😊

[@JR-bj3uf]

When I was a kid I used to help my grandfather in is lawn mower shop. I watch your mower videos and I can smell the memories of gas fumes, old oil and grass clippings.

[@weschaffin]

There is therapy in solving mechanical issues with small engines...

[@0tt0z]

Definitely!

[@MrMultitool]

Very much so

[@theupscriber65]

Bought a brand new push mower from Goodwill once for $20 that had been donated by a store and still had all the tags and paperwork on it. No one wanted it because it was locked up. Took it home and connected the brake to the safety handle and it was perfect.

[@jcondon1]

Very nice

[@Jayson90210]

"Hey hon, I'm going to go back out and finish mowing the front yard, I left the mower out front..Wait, WT...."

[@philliphall5198]

I’ve never bought a new equipment my intire life Being a mechanic has been a great rewards and joy to fix them up

[@SeeSaw72]

Same here. I did get a new mower from the Sears warehouse as a house warming gift about 25 years ago and still runs to this day. All my other equipment are either free or from auctions at a really low price. I count about 18 gas engines in our household.

[@philliphall5198]

@@SeeSaw72in 1990 I started buying lawn mowers of all kinds that people wonted to get rid of in 3 towns, ended up with over 192 riding mowers and just 2 acres of push mowers, Lots of them came from scrap yards

[@scottcollins5060]

I like the way you explain things and go that extra bit to really make sure you have found the problem(s).

[@cliffmauck510]

I am loving that new lift. My back feels better just watching you.

[@davidellis7695]

“Huh, well there’s your problem lady.” Instant classic!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

My new favorite phrase on your channel, “Let’s get this up on the lift “. 👍🔧

[@allotmentfornovices8256]

Mine is welcome back guys

[@gergemall]

Love it . Was extremely sick with Covid 2019 to 2022 I started feeling better. Still weird side effects they don’t know. Good days , bad days, but I diagnosed and tunes up two different push mowers . First time in over three years I was able to lift a Honda mower into a trunk. No problem. Love solving these puzzles . Go simple first . I have a tendency of over six decades to still go to worst problems first . This is never the case 😊

[@robertwfetech8691]

First time I heard you say let’s get it up on the lift . Great you finally got one makes life so much easier

[@daverose8772]

I use a folding plastic picnic table.

[@peterking1134]

Initially, I was wondering why the cylinder head was so nasty looking. The mouse nest explains everything.

[@1pcfred]

Fluffy was camping out in that mower.

[@brianallen9810]

My father never bought a new mower in his life. All of his mowers were found on the curb and after a little elbow grease they all functioned well for years. And he also had several, he'd never pass one up. I'm glad to see you do the same thing

[@nibcamp3958]

Showing us how is important to rookies and newbies. Thanks from Canada.

[@knighthawk86855]

I use clones all the time, never had an issue, hipa is a good manufacturer.

[@markr.1984]

I have one almost exactly like that! Same Platinum engine. Been running like a champ since 2010. Switch to exclusively synth oil and ethanol free gas by around 2014. It really liked that. Mine is not self-propelled like this one. Other than that it looks like my mower. Worth fixing. Mine is not nearly as rusty as this one though. I'm bookmarking this vid in case I ever have to actually work on it someday.

[@dannytreadway4561]

Growing up low income family I learned to make repairs such as this out of necessity. My wife often can not believe the things I know. It was that upbringing that gave me my mechanical ability. At 67 I still tinker but leave major things to my trusted Mechanic Shop but things like these are no brainers, Thanks for the video.

[@mrobi5797]

Great job on finding the problem with the choke James. You never know what you will find when you open up an engine. I like to use fluid film under the lawnmower deck after every summer season. It does a good job in preserving the deck. I also use it on the snow blower auger area. Rust is the worst enemy.

[@666dynomax]

I do this also.

[@daboomer2277]

Do you guys know what would cause gas to get into my oil on my mower?

[@mrobi5797]

@@daboomer2277 Carburator issue where the needle does not seal properly. The carburetor float could be stuck.

[@jimw6991]

What do you spray on to keep from rusting

[@mrobi5797]

Fluid film, old engine oil or anything similar under the deck, every season before you store the lawn mower is a sure way to keep it for the long term.@@jimw6991

[@brianhind6149]

Pleased to see that you FINALLY got a lift & service bench. An old guy like me at 82 needs both to work on ANYTHING ! Well Done James !

[@paulhare662]

I recently added a small collection of Revereware pots and pans to my shop. Several frying pans in various sizes for drain pans and a big stock pot that I keep old gasoline in for parts washing. They are indestructable, cheap and available in thrift stores. They also clean up nice and look good on the shelf. Just a suggestion.

[@somerandomguy3868]

I recently put a hipa carburetor on my leaf blower, it always was a strong running machine but it's really strong running machine now

[@bumpybuckethead]

Thank you so much for this video!!! I just came across this exact mower stored under a porch at a house we just bought in rough shape, but it still pulled so I wanted to fix it up and get it running again. I have no clue how to do this type of thing, so I was stoked to find this video. Much appreciated!!!

[@jcondon1]

Fantastic!

[@Jim-ie6uf]

James, I’m jealous of that one.! Very easy fix, but remember, always take the shroud off when starting the repair, to find the hidden surprises. A good pressure washing, and oil change. Paint up the block and shroud with some Krylon black lacquer, some underneath the deck oiling with old oil, anything else needed and it’s a solid $175.00 in season. The bag and 4 wheel adjuster seal the deal.

[@MrSSB51]

I liked his big bin O' Carbs.

[@hugh007]

I just replaced the carb on the same engine with a clone from Amazon. About $14 with a section of fuel hose, gas filter o-rings and clamps. Working fine. Thanks.

[@texascottonfarmer]

👍👍👌👌 Always satisfying to see an engine restored to operating condition.

[@sinx2200]

Any time I pick up a mower I always pull that top and check for critter nests and clean the carb usually good to go!

[@Landrew0]

It's always a joy to watch someone who you know will always do the job right. Instead of taking shortcuts or making excuses.

[@jcondon1]

Thank you!

[@hillcountrygarage]

I've never seen anyone with a box full of carburetors before. Great video!!

[@philliphall5198]

lol I got several 5 gallon buckets full plus old Holley and ford carburetor

[@awdsvx]

I have the same exact Craftsman lawnmower. I got mine for free as well. My Mom gave me the lawnmower, she didn’t need it anymore. It’s been reliable & starts up on the first pull. Thanks for the video.

[@sunbeam8866]

Last of the decent American mower engines. Replaced by 'disposable' OHC engines with infernal plastic carburetors that clog up every season! Today being replaced by battery mowers. Even Honda stopped making gas mowers. So you may not be able to get any decent gas mowers, unless you find a curbside rescue!

[@philliphall5198]

I have the same mower also and it’s been great except the fuel tank cracked and had to be replaced 😊

[@er1073]

Clones and Amazon keep you employed. I wanted to add that the lift is really a handy thing for you to have a time saver no doubt. Great job as usual James. Thanks Ed

[@ron827]

For some reason, mice prefer to live under small engine cowlings so it is wise to watch the cooling air outlet area for mouse house debris when starting.

[@rogertyler3237]

That Gunk Works Like Crazy

[@watertech011]

Your video inspired me to load up a toro 21352 self propelled push mower next to the dumpster at work. It had three wheels was very dirty and looked pretty rough for being 3 years old. At home upon disassembly found the crankshaft bent about 1/2” used a long steel pipe to straighten it the best I could, changed the oil adjusted the valves bought a wheel and inner corner and for $52 I have a second backup push mower. It is rewarding to make something useful again. Thanks for all your detailed videos.

[@Ram14250]

Mowing season is over? You are lucky! Here in Michigan, leaf mulching and picking up is part of "mowing season" here. Still have a week or 2 yet.

[@jcondon1]

Good point. Leaf season is going strong here for a few more weeks.

[@Skynet-1]

I'm also in Michigan. Just mulched the leaves last weekend!

[@1pcfred]

I'll be doing leaves here until Christmas eve. After that I say screw it I'll get what's left in the spring.

[@martyb3783]

Your videos are always so therapeutic to watch. Great job as always.

[@DanKoning777]

James every time a watch one of your videos I'm reminded how thankful I am to have found your channel. But this time I'm reminded how thankful I am for something else as well-that at 65 I can never/ever recall having an issue with mice [in any way]. Literally nothing-no signs or negative affects to power equipment, or my home, garage, shop, or shed. Maybe it's our cats 🤔 I always wondered if 37 was one or two too many? 😂 [we have 0]. As always a 👍 for an excellent video. God bless.

[@wildefox1478]

It's just amazing the stuff people throw away, most of the time on lawn equipment it's a simple fix, someone was probably fiddling with the carb and overtightened the bowl nut cracking it. Nice work James!

[@Texas4x]

Now I see why the aluminum head looked so crusty and corroded before you took the flywheel cover off. Nice find, Jim!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Great point and great tip for examining all engines. Mouse pee must corrode aluminum! If you only see corrosion in one area then there must be a reason for it! It’s all in the details. 😉👍🔧

[@dingsdadesign]

Everyone: "Nice, I fixed the engine and it's running". James: "it sounds like it's only running at 4999 rpm instead of 5000, let's keep fixing it"

[@kargo27]

LOL! Glad he did or else we'd have never seen Ratatouille's lair.

[@harveybrown8014]

Your video helped me fix my craftsman mower thanks

[@milesvincin2199]

Glad to see you have a lift.......I had noticed you always working on the ground (that I saw at least).

[@P-B-G_YT]

That mower looks very similar to the mower my next door neighbour put on the curb this summer. I rolled it home, and after some work, got it running and operating correctly. I used it for the rest of the summer cutting my lawn, and even a few neighbour's lawns. The neighbour knows I took it and fixed it, and they're fine with it. If I hadn't started watching your videos earlier this year (found a Firman 1700/2100 on the side of the road) I might not have even looked at the mower.

[@timewa851]

that B&S 'Q' engine DOES NOT STOP. Put a used one on my old Snapper, got curious after running it ten seasons. It's assembled in 2000. ? Still runs perfect, just new air filter/plug every five years. Perfect Engine. Too bad they went to OHV. Big step in wrong direction.

[@lawrencepevitts2434]

I sure am glad that you got a lift. I couldn't have lasted as long as you have without it. My back would've been killing me. Whenever I have to work on my lawnmower, I work on it on the side of my drive way. I have a retaining wall there, & I can stand up & work on the mower.I love the time-lapse of the ultrasonic working.

[@rickgalla3377]

Great video, the blue looks like Briggs and Stratton stabilizer, thank u, I always pick up unwanted mowers, because after I service them always get minimum $100 plus

[@watermanone7567]

Nice find and fix. Those were good engnines. Thanks for the video.

[@alanstalker5499]

The critters love these mowers!🐭

[@icefishdaily]

Loving the lift! Glad things worked out that you could acquire it! :-)

[@brianwood5220]

That lift will save your back a bit James. Nice job today, thanks for sharing.

[@geraldharkness8830]

so nice to see you putting the new lift to good use james..that will save your back!

[@avdmer]

Awesome spare carb bin!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

That's why I always pull the recoil/blower housing on a rig that's been sitting to check for bests and usually derust the mag and flywheel magnets. Never know what's there until you look. Thanks and Blessings!

[@Duke93720]

I picked up a mower from the curb 15yrs ago when i moved into a house from an apartment. All it needed was a new pull cord and spark plug boot. Still with me and it starts on the 1st pull every time.

[@kanebenoit8987]

Awesome video!!!, can't wait for another!!!!

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

when tipping over a mower always tip it so the carb. is up or on the top/high side .

[@mr.waynes7555]

There’s your problem Lady. 😂 😂 😂 Cracked me up!!! Loved the sense of humor.

[@runout74]

He may be tipping his hat to another KZbin channel named South Main Auto Repair.

[@123tylerwebster]

Video definitely helped, my chraftsman power washer with the same Briggs engine has the same problem, I’m gonna take mine apart and check out the choke mechanism.

[@peterperry5378]

Thank you so much for your tutoring I am an amateur mower repair enthusiast, trying t repair a broken recoil spring on a John Deere at the moment, a lot of Condons live here, Greetings from County Cork.

[@andyhamilton8940]

Just got one like this off the curb which had electric start! Had a spun flywheel key, got it going but it had a rod knock. Swapped another quantam off a rusted out Troybilt. Good to go!

[@loucinci3922]

Always fun to watch. Good fix. Enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing

[@barthanes1]

I'm glad you listened to your son. Cool video, and a pretty easy fix.

[@guzziwheeler]

This is true sustainability. It make me sad seeing people throwing things away and buying new ones when they can be easily fixed. By the way, it would be interresting to know how much time you spend on the projects shown in the videos.

[@billhenry7833]

Seriously? That makes you sad?

[@redneckbryon]

Something I found successful, when you cannot get an OEM part through a website, you go to a local small engine shop, they can use different resources and actually get the parts and sometimes quicker.

[@markblair6130]

Glad to see you remove the spark plug wire when you were dealing with the blade....Safety First! Thanks for providing a great example!

[@hanzfischer585]

Had the same issue inside the carb where the jet nut had broken the threads. Found some old two part metal epoxy, from my old job kicking around. Took my time and did a rethread. That craftsman mower is still being used by my grandkids to mow the grass. It's 27 yrs old and has not missed a beat.

[@jcondon1]

Very nice

[@patborjon6778]

I came to the comments to ask about a 2-part epoxy fix; especially *before* he tore out the broken piece. I used 2-part epoxy to repair a washing machine drum & it's still cleaning clothes to this day, and my dad used some to fix his compressor tank and it's still pushing out air 30 years later.

[@irishauto]

Wow! I got this exact same mower a few weeks ago for free in the same way. Someone had pushed it to the curb and I had passed by it for several days until I finally decided to stop and pick it up. I cleaned the carb bowl and flush the tank out and had it running in 10 minutes. It had very little use.

[@jcondon1]

Nice. It’s a descent mower

[@gaetansimard1594]

Good job, always interesting to watch your work. I learn something e very time. But like the other guy say. It is not a space shuttle…it’s a lawn more..😊it runs fine!

[@iantyler4045]

I hate seeing things thrown away for the sake of a few dollars in parts. Satisfying to see that mower living on. Well done.

[@cowboy777120031]

It's nice not seeing you work off the floor now I'm glad you got a table to work on good video keep up the good work and God bless

[@bertgrau3934]

I've had some good luck with the clone carburetors. They can be a pain, the biggest problem I've has is many times they send a new spark plug, and I thought, it's new so it has to be good. What a dummy!! They have turned out to be junk. I will use either Autolite or Champion. I prefer Autolite, but the Champion is much better than the other stuff. Good job as usual.

[@johnh5896]

I bought a Honda mower 15 years ago for 170$ it had a bag I used it for 10 years doing lawns for elderly it had the double blade so it mulches great finally bought a new blade after I hit a rock Honda starts at 750$ now new so I’ll keep it running till the wheels fall off.

[@drawengrave01]

I enjoy resurrecting throw away lawn mowers. The demonstrations on KZbin have been wonderful tutors. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@georgestender7172]

Good to see you using the Lift. Take care of your Back! Thanks for all the effort you put into your Videos. I have learned A lot!

[@donfitger9567]

I have a good time watching you take on projects like these! Almost feels like I'm in the shop with ya, with all the usual yapping that goes with it.. I always learn something, I have a lot more confidence taking on tasks now. My small engine stuff has got me started on all sorts of things around the house, even a stucco patch. You got this old retired lazy ass off the couch, a big thanks Arch.

[@jimato01]

Smart son, talented Dad.

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

That worked out great James. Always a fun experience watching you breath life back into these old machines

[@williamwilson6499]

Breathe.

[@opiumtrail7032]

The machine was not old.

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

@@opiumtrail7032 Place your bets folks !!! How old was it Opium ?

[@JimConnelley]

The auto-choke thermostat spring takes a minute to warm up. My mower runs better after I removed it. Now I just tip the mower back before I pull the cord. When tipped back, just the weight of the vane will activate the choke.

[@randyo308]

I watch a lot of small engine videos. You’re definitely my favorite. Really like your troubleshooting processes. Your talent for accurately explaining things in a easily understandable fashion is superb. So excited to see you use a breaker bar instead of your torque wrench to loosen bolts 😂 Randy-Mississippi

[@gregsappington9991]

Glad your putting that lift to good use!!!!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Mower just needed a carb and a cleaning and a little love it cuts very well nice clean cutting decent free craftsman mower nice work as always @James Condon

[@BigAlWillis]

One thing I like to do is use the old gas & a cheap small paint brush to clean all the heavy stuff on the outside of the carburetor. It saves on carb cleaner & really does a nice job. Cool vid. I gave it a thumbs up

[@jameshedrick605]

That looked like 2 stroke fuel in that. I use Lucas fuel stabilizer and the gas still is clear. I have 2 mowers with that same engine but one started knocking and i just replaced it with a Honda gcv160 that i had taken off a deck that was completely rusted out. Those clone carburetors actually work pretty good. I've used them in the past and they all run good. I always like to wire brush the under side of the deck at least 2 or 3 times a year then put a coat o heavy duty brush on truck bed liner on and it works great. Seeing you clean that one reminds me that I need to do mine

[@Farm_fab]

I was able to get a couple craftsman mowers at the scrap yard, and even though the gas had been dumped, I was able to get them to run.

[@johnm.9989]

So lucky that you have access to a scrap yard. There are none in our local communities anymore.

[@danielsauriol]

Just want to let you know that I really do enjoy your videos as they are extremely educational. Looking at someone cannot beat getting your hands dirty but I feel that I learn (and ENJOY) watching your logic and troubleshooting approach ............Cheers from Canada

[@jasonm6468]

My neighbor gave me his Craftsman mower almost just like that. Had some carb issues I had fixed and it runs like a champ! Lightweight and easy to maneuver. The man who fixed it said they were good mowers.

[@arthurbiringer5676]

That’s another award winning resuscitation and didn’t cost you much money! Great find!

[@Scoutter]

I had 2 mowers repaired so far. One had an issue with the ignition as the spark-coil was bust and not made proper sparks anymore. And the the other had a very very silly issue. On the far outside side the carburator of the engine had a speed setting as that model had 2 version of it, one with speed selector and one without. My friends version was without one. But as he mowed close to bushes the twigs tore off the tiny metal wire keeping the speed-setting in high-position. He not even knew that. After a bit of searching we just adjusted it again and fixed it with thick wire to keep it running at high speed like it should.

[@ChosesinWon]

Over tightening the carb bolt is what broke the carb and I'd say that was 2 stroke gas, that would explain the oil on the plug.

[@jcondon1]

Good point about the plug. Either over torqued or maybe water that froze.

[@ChosesinWon]

@@jcondon1 I would think if it was water that froze it would have warped the bowl before breaking the center shaft.

[@r8118830]

I had wondered why it broke.

[@steveferguson3705]

awesome as always and yes we just got thru the drought to now being hit with high rains over a 100 mills for 2 day's till the next one cheer's steve

[@cdevarona4455]

Excellent video and long but very thorough and time VERY worth the time. Thanks a lot!!

[@christophermarshall5765]

Nice!! Those freebies needing less than $20 in parts to fix, then sell for $150 are good.

[@frankie7508]

Absolutely amazing that he never checked the level of the oil before starting the engine. There is no better way to destroy an engine than to run it on low or without any oil.

[@gabejones5147]

Thank you for some basic things like the blade installment direction , when you don`t know something you just don`t know no matter how basic.

[@breikowski]

The lift worked well!

[@ElisabethGray-w1h]

Lol, got one the same way. Went by the next day and it was still there. Loaded it up,put some fresh gas straight in carburetor,filled up tank. Mowed with it 20 min, cleaned out the carb, I guess.Been running ever since.

[@butler386]

Once again great diagnosis and repairs. So glad you took off the shroud and discovered the nest. I have heard good things about those Hipa supplies. Thanks for the videos.

[@mplsfarmer]

Is it a coincidence that I just repaired my friend’s exact same model engine and carburetor yesterday before finding this video -Craftsman with a 6.0 Briggs? Same everything. I had to clean the carb, replace the cracked fuel line, and clean out the dirty air filter. I shined up the ignition coil, and added fresh no-ethanol gas. The mower ran really well and cut its way through some deep weeds.

[@johnhiggins9838]

Blue fuel! Looks just like 100LL for aviation. Engines really like 100LL. you can keep it in a tank for years and it doesn't go bad.

[@BKD70]

Nah, that's not 100LL... that fuel in the mower was TOO blue. I'm betting it was some of the "Canned gas" that you buy for $40+ per gallon at the store.

[@davem1212]

I got this exact lawn mower at sears over a decade ago. Around 2010 or 2011. I still have it today. Always starts up on 1st pull. Just change the oil and gas like you should and it will last. They don’t make mowers today like they used too. This is a 190cc lawn mower and I wish I could buy another one just like this but it’s discontinued. I paid less than $300 back then

[@donwatson-kk5zs]

Jim, that mower, after bottom deck scraping, is prime territory to use OSPOS. It turns rust into black metal, and stops rust dead. You can paint over it. If you like. Try it; I' m betting you will like it...!!!!

[@Bullweenkle]

I've purchased 2 clone carbs from Amazon. They are the Powtol brand. Well made and work fine.

[@maverick5006]

How about a huge thumbs up to Jim's son for talking dad into picking up that mower. Now, we'd like to him working with dad learning a skill!!