FREE MOWER! Turning Customers Trash Into My Treasure! How to Fix a Briggs And Stratton 6.5 Flathead

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@Dawson48]

Hello, my name is Dawson, it’s pleasure to meet, you are awesome for your all video, iam Single never been married no kid, are you single? May I ask?

[@timscanlan1466]

I always look for free lawn mowers on Facebook or sometimes just when I'm driving I see one sitting on the side of the road with a signed that says "free take me" this past fall I picked up seven of them that way. Most of them just need carburetors rebuilt are in one case I picked up a 2017 that had a broken pull rope. I get them running, do a compression test, sharpen the blade,clean them up and sell them for $150 to $200 each I even write in free local delivery. I just got rid of the last one on Thursday my net profit was $1527.00 . Not bad for a retired guy trying to keep my mind occupied

[@mando6497]

Don't let the IRS know about this. They will hunt you down.

[@garnerac]

Respect!

[@philwood9760]

I saw 2 mowers at the recycling center and thought about this video.

[@albertamaycurtis1012]

You go gal, love watching your videos, you prove us gals are NOT stupid. 😊❤

[@GarrettGiuffre-w3p]

California being the greatest play for a tinkerer but unfortunately not for the space needed. If I had the room like this chicks shop. Also the new plastic carb is some bs

[@lincolnlandpicker]

In Western Illinois, I fix mowers even though I am 72 yrs old and I get around $125-$150 for a good used mower like that. Really like your channel and am jealous of your shop :) I have learned a lot from you even if you are a young whippersnapper LOL

[@stevef.9659]

I use to price mine at 125-150 but the cost of good quality parts have gone up so have my price.

[@69wandering]

Nice... just starting to figure out how to even work on small engines.

[@bwnco]

Yes! Love that shop!

[@Sherry-jx9hs]

I had a old mower that my aunt had in her shed and it must have been at least 40 years old since her husband mowed the yard and had been gone for years when she passed away. Took it home and put gas in it and it started right up. It was a mower sold by Montgomery Wards which has been out of business for decades. Old stuff is hard to kill :)

[@Synchrimedia]

"Monkey Wards," we used to call it. 😆

[@kennyrichard2971]

She is so right no L-heads, flatheads engines are indestructible

[@johndias6614]

Indestructible unless you are Project Farm where B&S engines go to die in the name of science..."let's find out"!

[@CarlGerhardt1]

Kind of like a lot of 1990's cars and trucks!

[@diverm2371]

Love seeing the carb teardowns...

[@calvinpoore2303]

Happy Easter to all

[@brucemitchell5637]

WOW! That mower looks brand new! Great job, Bree!

[@carverindian]

Nice job where does one buy parts for 17 year old mower

[@Chickanic]

@@carverindian Fortunately There are still tons of parts available for this model. I added a link to get all the parts I used.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks Bruce! It's going to make someone a great mower.

[@leehuff2330]

​@@carverindian You would be surprised. I can still get parts quite easily for my 44 year old Lawn-Boy

[@PlanetaryThoughts9861]

@@leehuff2330 Maybe if mine was a REAL lawnboy instead of a knock off I could get a new choke for it. The new carb didn't come with a new choke either. Zip tie to the rescue!

[@davea5150]

Hooters looking great 👍👍

[@pdcolema]

This brought back memories. People were always giving my dad old lawnmowers. He'd resurrect them and sell them for a few bucks. That's where I learned to be a mechanic, helping him with these old mowers. We always had 4 or 5 working mowers in our garage. I never had an excuse to not cut the yard. :-).

[@uknowimright6269]

@pdcolema ha same here, also had push sickle type hanging on wall that prevented any complaining about having to mow with a powered mower

[@JemezDaveNM84]

I bought a 8hp craftsman chipper shredder a week ago for 50 bucks. All I did was pressure wash the thing (before) I started working on it and cleaned the carb. Now it looks an runs great. Sharpen ed the blades, changed oil after running it a while, and tried it out. Wish I had this 30 years ago! Good vid I enjoy your videos

[@BearE9090]

I found 3 mowers for free. I did the same thing, and now the kids have had them for a few years now and are going strong. Great video.

[@Chickanic]

Awesome! That's the best way. Repairing a quality machine will always be better than buying all this new throw away stuff.

[@JW...-oj5iw]

@@Chickanic ... You got that right! My predecessor to the self propelled unit is a Yard Man with a cast aluminum deck. We bought it used in the '70s. I've kept it going through judicious repairs. It's due for some more attention, such as the vertical pull starter and I think I'll get a new dipstick tube to return it to its original configuration. Right now, I pull the fill plug and make sure it has oil close to the threads' upper area. The throttle is held by a crooked piece of stiff wire. When I fix it up again I think it will outlive me and my son will run it another lifetime.

[@HOLLESjr]

I believe that the two base gaskets are # 1 with primer bulb, # 2 Easy Start thermostat controlled choke without primer bulb.

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

I've been fixing my own lawn equipment for 40 years,and it never fails I always learn something from your videos,the vacuum tester sure does beat the manual test...Thanks A Bushel.

[@VincentZecchinelli]

Thank you, I have learned so much from you. Small engines are no longer quite so intimidating.

[@Chickanic]

If I can do it, ya'll can. Thanks so much Vincent!

[@dave-uf8ir]

U rock bree lol 😊

[@Gadol_Adonai_196]

​@@Chickanic....Same here, You're giving me the confidence to repair small engines...

[@craigbasoco4886]

Nice job ! Not many women like to repair small engines or even have a shop, easy stuff . I do it for the community not for the money, keep up the good work.

[@jeffsonsmith7288]

Hi Bree. You are correct. I have one of these engines I purchased in 2005. It still runs great. The other day I went out to start it, fired up on the first try, and I forgot to drain the fuel from the bowl last October. Change the oil regularly, they ARE pretty bulletproof.

[@barrybegley5379]

This Gal sure knows her stuff. We fellas can learn a thing or two from her. Nice job on the Briggs. Greetings from Ontario, Canada.

[@lannagifts7865]

Wow. Your workshop is looking like a Workshop. It’s all coming together now. 👍🏼

[@Chickanic]

Thanks 👍

[@GaryBoylen-e5e]

@@ChickanicI think you’re doing a great job and I hope that you get outstanding rewards for your time and effort. Thank you very much

[@bigb7157]

Bought that same mower at a yard sale for $100 about 15 years ago. Still runs great and all I’ve ever done is put a $15 carb on it about 10 years ago.

[@new921]

Love my flathead Briggs. 17 year old as well. Two pulls in the spring and one pull every time after. Periodically check the head bolts especially the lower. They are know to become loose overtime.

[@RichFoley-z5s]

I want to spend my vacation with Bree at the shop learning the trade. What a babe!

[@Wiechman]

Here recently I have actually completely rebuilt two of those same identical engines because it's like you said they are a diamond in the rough and will Outlast any overhead valve engine that they build today

[@FrankRoden-wm2lm]

As a kid my Father would pick out lawnmowers from the city dump. Then he would repair and fix them up and sell them. So your right it is a good way to recycle mowers, and get them back to use. Not to mention its a good money maker !!!

[@oldjesus8978]

I have an old Craftsman mower with that engine. It's been under water several times. Each time I clean out the carb, change the air filter and oil and it starts right back up. Indestructible !

[@JW...-oj5iw]

Who keeps pushing it off the pier?

[@stanleyhape8427]

​@@JW...-oj5iw How else can you mow the bottom of the lake??

[@oldjesus8978]

@@JW...-oj5iw We have occasional flooding in our area. The 15 year old mower is low priority when the water comes !

[@nathanael5606]

I’ve got an ‘04 model. It runs well, but has some cosmetic damage. Great design, easy to repair, and plenty of power. The only downside is that it is pretty heavy. Thanks for the video

[@Super4speed]

Excellent work, and you washed it, my Honda mower is 15 years old and my husqvarna tractor is 20 and both are maintained by me, thanks for sharing your experience it’s greatly appreciated

[@drgoodwrench01]

I’m retired and do so many of these “freebies” love your videos, and always seem to learn something from you…! My yard is full of freebies, and what some others called junk…

[@pennyan2057]

I've flipped dozens of mowers like that using your procedure. On social media, I'd have buyers lined up at the door @ $ 75.00, if I wanted to wait a day or two, I could get $ 150.00. Gotta love Michigan Tool and Die !!!! Happy Easter Bri!

[@charlestidwell4970]

these segments are valuable to any homeowner who does their own upkeep,,,, thanks..

[@Ecksterphono]

I bought a Murray lawnmower from a pawnshop for $25. It has the quantum Briggs &Stratton flathead engine in it. Someone put a new carburetor in it and new airfilter. It wouldn't start. Found out the last owner put diesel fuel in the gas tank. Had to drain the tank, clean the lines, put fresh gasoline in it. It smoked for the first 5 minutes after changing the fuel in it, but then it cleared up. Runs amazing. Also put fresh engine oil in it. Great bargain.

[@brianperry6533]

You make me look so good in front of my neighbours when starting stuff at has sat for awhile And I watch them struggle with there stuff

[@mikebash6920]

When changing bits on your impact, you don't have to pull up on the collar to insert a new one. Just push it in. I always pulled it up like you do, and one day my son told me I didn't need to. Gave it a try and it works. Just makes it easier.

[@Williammartinez8735]

You are a really good person to. Helps people with THIS information and can tell your heart is true. Thank you.

[@georgemitchell9696]

Smell the oil. If it smells burnt, be careful, and change. She’s a very good mechanic!

[@davidhodges6326]

Side of the road and auctions are where all my small motor equipment comes from. I made a seat installer out of a small drift ground to a tiny nub on the end that holds the seat as I push it in.

[@tobymiller1598]

Really enjoy your videos. What I like the most is that you truly love what you are doing. The passion and excitement really show. Thank you for allowing us to see what you love doing!

[@mikelikesit6175]

Those old Troy-Bilt mowers are amazing. In 2016 I plucked one out of someones garbage and fixed the pull cable. I used it for six seasons to cut my grass then one of the wheel assemblies broke and it went back to the trash but the motor was still running.

[@markdanielczyk944]

Free 99, Briggs flat head, I'm in! New shop looks awesome!

[@williambarnes1276]

Have one of these Troy Bilt that I purchased in 2003 for trimming. Still running great with proper maintenance.

[@donnyarmstrong9559]

7:02 "So lets get to fixin"... love the look on your face! Thank You for all the learnin' that you give us! Living my best La Vida Loca here in south eastern Arizona

[@romgar200]

I have this engine since 2002 or 2003. It starts with one pull every year. Never in 22 years it gave me any trouble. I never had to clean the carburetor. I don’t even drain fuel and don’t use any stabilizers. It just works. I figured it must have been a good engine to perform like it did. The deck is all rusted though. I was patching it up for the past few years. I just bought an aluminum deck mower without engine for $25. I will attempt swapping this engine to the new mower. Hope it fits and keeps running another 20 years.

[@deanmsimpson]

Your mezzanine floor looks great! Excellent use of height space.

[@thomasknobbe4472]

Thank you for pointing out the potential issue with the warped air filter housing. That was the issue on my Dad's 27 year old John Deere with the Briggs motor. That one got fixed with a little carefully applied duck tape. My first thought is $100, but maybe more given you are at the beginning of the season and people are about to experience sticker shock at the big box stores. Keep fixing them, we'll keep watching!

[@rickgaston7118]

Thank you , the best tutorials I have ever found .

[@MackMoore-q2n]

I used to have a old man who would go around and pick up old mowers at the dump and yard sales curb side ect and most of them were so simple to fix plug,water in gas ect I’d give him $5 to $20 bucks for them fix them and back out they go for another season or two and they would often come back for reg repairs. He was hy, I was happy, and most of all my customers were happy.

[@anonanon7235]

Subbed, liked, commented. Your content is not new, but what is new, is your commentary. You are quite thorough in discussing what you're doing, what you plan to do or don't do.

[@Jarrodthebusker]

Those old Quantum engines are amazing. I've got a few I use for lawn care and they simply work.

[@joegarza3064]

I was talking to a friend about learning how to work on all two cycles. And now I'll start learning from you. Thank you. Yes I am a fan now

[@benventura5170]

you are amazing!! thank you for sharing your knowledge!!

[@jayl6019]

$200 easy, and well worth it! Love your channel. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@timewa851]

the Quantum pulls a premium compared to others. the governed speed keeps it smooth & no-fuss. And the ignition, and the flat head. the ultimate mowing machine. Mine's from 4/2000 production. Needs a new air filter. bogged a bit a few days ago cutting neighbor's 1/2 acre.

[@Buie144]

Great to see you so excited about getting another one running! Great job!

[@kens.1779]

Love these trash to treasure videos! They are my favorite. Very satisfying to see neglected pieces of equipment turned into a useful tool Keep it up! I love your channel!

[@Robert-w4k8p]

Workshop looking good. So pleased you've got there with the layout. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@jimandnena4]

Good morning! We have never bought a new mower! Nena drives around the neighborhood at the beginning of Spring and finds mowers sitting at the curb. Usually, it is just a carb cleaning and they run fine. The newer models are mostly junk, plastic carb jets and such, so I just keep running the old models and give the newer models to our boys to use. We love watching your channel. Thank you. jimandnena

[@jimandnena4]

I should add that I hate cutting grass while Nena loves it!? Our deal is, if the mower starts in 2 pulls, she mows, otherwise I get stuck with it. I have not mowed in years. 😊

[@SpruceGoose-qx8zj]

Good morning Bri...! Always enjoy watching you work and learning from your great tips! Love your sense of humor too❤❤❤❤❤

[@markperreault1951]

had to comment, you mentioned price gouging of parts from big box and dealers! Same issues here in Canada, priced JD fuel pump and dealer was $62 +tax, same part Amazon $20 delivered. Glad I watched your videos. thanks for the savings😊

[@hughgray4199]

Hey Chick: I just love your show... the attention to details and your obvious love of bringing life back to these engines....Keep up keeping up!

[@reamer1363]

OMG it looks brand new. Seriously what an incredible recondition as for value you know that already but always fun to ask.😊

[@marklubecke4854]

A touch of Bre-magic and the mower has a second life.

[@daniellevesque9732]

Ether it be you, Taryl, Home Garage, or Donny Boy, I always learn something, today , when you showed the trick about turning the carb upside-down and then blowing air, wow! Thanks ! And to answer your question , at least 150$ Dan from Montreal, Canada.

[@RichaRat]

I have a DR trimmer that had been setting under the shed for about 5 years with that 6.5 hp Briggs after the recoil rope broke. Serial # shows 1999. After I fixed that it cranked on the first pull. The carburetor was pouring fuel and the gas tank was leaking. I replaced the needle and seat on the carb and ordered a fuel tank from Amazon. It runs perfectly. I changed the oil for the first time too. It should be could for another 25 years!

[@Chickanic]

I bet it will!

[@dave-uf8ir]

😊

[@JW...-oj5iw]

Should be. Could be.

[@cruisinkruty4405]

Popping out needle seats with compressed air.....man does that bring back memories,we used to shoot them at each other and they sting when they hit bare skin. Circa 1971 at the mower shop I worked at as a kid. Your shop looks magnificent,need a shot of the front customer counter. Now is about the time you wished ya woulda built it a wee bit larger...Great carb video.

[@PaulMcGinnis-e4f]

Shop is looking great

[@dave-uf8ir]

Excellent girl luv it happy Easter to u and yours cheers 🥂 😊

[@larrymccormick4756]

I really enjoy your videos. Great work.

[@Shilohii65]

Looks amazing and for a few $$$ and some elbow grease. I’m thinking my transition into retirement age will be small engine repair. I took a class in high school and loved rebuilding engines. After two 3.5hp lawnmowers and 5.0hp (vertical) rototiller, I should have pursued that more as a career choice, but chose military after school. The project this week, I’d go for near top $$$, minus warranty, unless you offer warranty repairs, then I’d charge top $$$!!! Looks fantastic. Helps with an additional coat of surface treatment. The shine is incredible! Well done Bree.

[@markschoenhals4816]

Awesome shop and video. Around here $100 is about all you can get for a push an $300 for a rider. Any more a they walk away.

[@stevieg2755]

Not self propelled either

[@myrenkohlhorst4422]

WOW, your loft is up and organized. Now you have floor space. Looks fantastic and I love your videos.

[@RickStorni]

Love the red Corvette in the background

[@scubasteve7946]

If you search the video history, she did an episode on the Vette when they got it 👍

[@matttravers5764]

Those Briggs Quantum engines were great units👍 Great video 👍😎

[@jamescaron6465]

Those flatheads were a thing of beauty. Back when Briggs actually made great small engines. That frickin thing looks brand new, Helluva job. I'd sell it for $200-250

[@emeaniebrakkee1094]

Great video. I am sure it will save many people time, money, and frustration. One thing that really stood out for me was the gas can you used to fill the gas tank. i would like to know where to get one. Thanks for the great content and a happy Easter to you and yours.

[@davidrobinette3834]

Good morning Bre. How about no less $200 on the mower? After all, it has been touched by the Queen of small engines.

[@Chickanic]

Aw! Thanks!

[@jamesdavis8021]

I agree.How much money would you sink into a newer yet,inferior mower over ten years? I would think $200 is a fair price

[@Google_Is_Evil]

I had 200 in mind as well. The thing has barely any hours on it and it has been fully serviced.

[@Barbarra63297]

I have no idea what you could get for that mower but I do know that sweet sound of a purring engine. Thing looks brand new!

[@skyepilotte11]

Thx Bre ...that mower looks like new...easy 200 + dollars.

[@faustinoaleman1677]

I have 4 of these flathead Briggs engine mowers. One I bought used for $60 at a flea market in 2007 and still going strong. The other 3 were being thrown away and given to me.

[@radiofhi]

The carb rebuild video with insightful instructional comments, as well as your tool selection were great! The flexible nut driver used with the drill is ingenius, beats the heck out of a rigid socket extension getting to the bolts holding the carb in place. I just completed the build of the carb on my Masport mower's B&S engine which is ten years old, and wouldn't trade the mower for anything. Thanks for sharing!

[@briangay9402]

Great Video. I have the self propelled version of this mower that I brought in 2007. I am still using it now. The only problem I have now is starting the mower. I am going to check the engagement cable and then pull the Carb apart like you did in this video. Wish me luck. Thanks for posting this video it will help me with troubleshooting my mower.

[@Nancelot13]

Wow Chickanic! That shop's lookin real nice inside!!!

[@edl5074]

Great job!! Found an old iron flat head brigs 12 hp electric start never ran still has the price tag on it !! Great engine the older ones were made much better.

[@bentaylor8342]

Another work of excellence out the door!

[@LawpickingLocksmith]

Congratulations Bree! What aa beautiful machine.

[@leehuff2330]

Reminds me of my early teens when I would trash pick old mowers and fix them up for sale. One time I sold one back to the guy I trash picked it from! 😂 Those were good engines, but not as bulletproof as the even older 92000 series. Those were practically indestructible even though they were only rated for 3 or 3.5 horsepower depending on which carburetor was on it, and those suction lift carburetors were even easier to work on. Personally, I would have gone ahead and added an inline fuel filter, and maybe even a shutoff while I was changing the fuel line (just my preference).

[@Seashea]

Update! I got it running. Carb rebuild kit, fresh oil, new spark plug and throttle cable. Its running very fast, Rps seem too high and its really heating up. Going to search your playlist and see how i can turn down the rpm’s Thank you again for sharing all of your knowledge!

[@marksimpson3799]

Great channel. Informative, common sense fixes that anyone can tackle. Keep it up.

[@joewhite917]

The store I used to go to for my original Troy Bilt (pre MTD ) mower (They closed due to highway construction) used to find lawn mowers at people trash. They would bring them to the shop. Most of them just need the shaft key replaced and then sell them.

[@bobbyg4100]

Great Video, your an amazing Chickanic. Love your common sense and sense humor. You’re a treasure to share these Video. God Bless you , your husband and family for sharing your skill set 🙏🏼

[@chadfield376]

I love that flat head Briggs; when I get that style engine, I always add an inline fuel cut off switch. That along with everything else you did (plus changing the oil and sharpening the blade) will make that mower last many more mowing seasons:-)

[@w13rdguy]

After watching this.....well you _are_ a teacher!❤

[@Robert-dy2ej]

I want to thank you so much for the Briggs & Stratton carburetor video. Especially the part about using 2 gaskets for the air cleaner to carburetor connection. I couldn't get it to prime with 1 gasket. I don't think I would have figured it out without you!

[@sounderdavis5446]

I have a similar vintage Troy-Bilt mower with a B&S 550 engine donated by my neighbor when she moved two years ago. It benefited from a similar overhaul. I much prefer it now for its easy push, simplicity, and reliabiliity over my PITA 2016 self-propelled Honda HRX217 with AutoChoke.

[@allobject]

Glad to see you back... was kind a sad when you had announced to (have to) move on, but there is a season for ... --- The more I'm excited for you, that you returned to do what you enjoy and you are very successful in (ok, after 6 stubborn hours giving up... with a haunting hint that this was the 2nd time around... ouch). - Thanks to your very instructional movies I got my small engine tools back running again. Chainsaw, blower and edger needed 'help'... I even restored vintage Echo 302 and a vintage homelite chainsaw for friends after gaining confidence following your processes. The Echo, an all metal beauty, the Homelite a 'piece of metal' in two plastic half shells. No worries regarding territory infringement: I'm too far away. --- 20+ years wear rubber down. The lawnmower, because year round in use and because of the brand, needed the least of help: 1997 21" Yard Machines MTD 3.45hp Briggs and Stratton pusher. Still does what it suppose do and more. In fall, I use it as a mulch maker. I just run over it multiple times over the leaves and yard take down, then bag all on last run and throw it on the garden beds. (Chicelec would be your 2nd brand name: fixing a Mac Book's charging port... such things are more down my alley when they prevent me from my primary work: SW).

[@jasonahoosier7924]

Several years ago I replaced my Craftsman push mower, but before I got rid of it, I pulled the 190cc flathead engine off of it and it's still sitting in my shed. It does seem better than the newer 190cc Briggs I have now.

[@leosizemore-hm8jf]

I love how you specificity and walk through

[@rubenMarquez37]

I jus saw you taking the carburetor out. I’m impressed and say my self. Don’t worry Ruben the beauty know what’s she’s doing 🎉🎉🎉🎉😊😊😊

[@dave-uf8ir]

😊

[@rogercamp6071]

That's how I've supplemented my retirement these last few years, picking up old power equipment and fix/flip them I picked up a couple of trimmers, one of the Mantis rototillers and an '89 Snapper Hi Vac self propelled mower which I may keep, I already sold in trimmer for $45 so everything else is profit.

[@Patrick_Gray]

Hi, I had a Sears mower stored with that engine and recently got it running. Also had 4 items with 2-cycle motors that would not start. 2 chain saws, an Echo leaf blower and an Echo 225 straight shaft weed wacker. I drained the fuel out of all of them, replaced the spark plug or cleaned it with starting either, then put new premixed fuel in them all and they all started.

[@giro994]

Nice! Parents had the same one. When they upgraded, they gave me the old one to sell. In a pinch before winter I was selling it for just $50, but when a guy drove 2 hours, and told me they were going to use it as a free loaner at the shop, I told him to keep his money. It's out there in Fernley, getting lots of use. Good to hear it's a solid model.

[@JViello]

You let a person drive two hours and told them to "forget it?" Or are you saying you gave it to him for free?

[@giro994]

@@JViello I let him have it for free. They drove a long way, and it was going to a great use.

[@JViello]

@@giro994 Got it! Good thing to do, I would probably do the same.

[@giro994]

@@JViello I normally just underprice things a bit, to help get them out the door quickly and help with the drive up here. But I was feeling good, and was glad they seemed like good people and it was going to a good use. Lots of good all around.

[@brycestewart3181]

Non-self propelled Clean That has got to be worth $150 - $250 all day thx for sharing

[@325xitgrocgetter]

Working on my in-laws house. Due to health reasons, they haven't used their Briggs and Stratton powered lawn mower in years. We're in the process of setting up a lawn service but until then, I wanted to see if I could get the lawn mower running. The engine is identical to this one and this video was very helpful in getting up and running. I did have a problem with the throttle/governor being jammed wide open by a twig so the engine was over revving. I removed the shroud, cleaned the area around the governor and linkages and all was well...Fires up on the first try and was able to get the lawn mowed today!