How To Service A Tecumseh Lawnmower Engine- A Complete Guide

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In this video, I show how to service a Tecumseh Petrol Lawnmower Engine.
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[@MowerMan]

repairlawnmowersforprofit.com/how-to-service-a-tecumseh-lawnmower-engine-a-complete-guide/

[@begara6451]

What fuel hose diameter should be used when changing the fuel hose? I heard that a 1/4 inch(6.35 mm) inner diameter should be used. Is that true?

[@fliptoptan]

I've had my 2nd hand Tecumseh BVS143 (almost exactly the same model as in this video) for 16 years, & this is the 1st year it's had a problem. After watching this video, I'm confident I can get it running again. Thank you! 😊

[@Runeakb]

Top tip with the screw and the priming! I've been pulling my hair out trying to get it to prime without the air filter

[@dfguko]

So far the best video what i found on youtube about how to take care about this engine. Thx

[@jophillips2868]

Always a good idea to torque the head bolts in the sequence that the manual calls for.

[@Bxtskul1l]

My dude you showed me how to properly take apart my 25 year old tecumseh so I could swap out the carb. Thank you.

[@farrermike08]

Thanks for the info! Got myself a cheap second mower which was misfiring, Got myself some carb cleaner and followed your video. Running like a dream now. Cheers

[@waynestefinashen239]

Great explanation of why the primer does not work without the breather housing bolt installed.

[@MowerMan]

Wayne Stefinashen Thanks Wayne!

[@das250250]

Thanks for your excellent video. I picked up a completely trashed mower and it was this engine. This mower in the end still didn't sound right in my humble opinion. It seemed the motor was running up and down slightly like it is running out of fuel and then surges. Mine has zero compression but the valves look like they are closing and the bore seems in great condition. I did notice that when I turned the engine the oil seemed to push up in the crankcase so maybe there is pressure in the crank through a gasket. I cannot be sure yet as I have zero experience with this type of engine.

[@MrStevenbakeris]

My 15 year old son has been fixing up mowers and cutting lawns this summer to make cash. Your videos are great. We have just picked up a mower similar to this one, what a pain.

[@MowerMan]

steve baker That's great hope he made sone good profit!

[@MrStevenbakeris]

@@MowerMan he's done pretty good this summer so far. He did come across a Tecumseh mower, but is running into an issue with finding a replacement carb. The carb is stamped with 5275, off of a model 11a413a800 mower

[@qiaochen6253]

Thanks for the detailed video. At 59:30, Does your flywheel key look upside down? Some people said the tapped side should be down, others said the tapped side should be up. Could you please help? I have the exact same mower as yours. If the tapped side of the key is down, I just can't fit the flywheel in. I am not sure what will happen if I use the shaft nut to force the flywheel to sit. My mower has the kickback problem. So Maybe the key was installed the wrong way.

[@christophgottlinger6624]

Thanks for your informative vid. I actually work on two of these engines. One old from a 30 year old lawn mower and a newer one for 25€ oft of the net with only one screw of the carburator missing for.. Preowner had no idea 😎. Do more of this stuff. Greetings from Bavaria. Christoph

[@PaulHenreid]

Great video. My governor arm came off the cylinder head. i tried reconnecting to no avail. What is the best way to reattach the governor?

[@RoofRack2]

Great video - I had a similar one - same engine but with drive and throttle - the flywheel keys are designed to shear if you hit a rock and the engine stops dead - so I had to keep a bag of them in the shed. I've now got another one - same as this - had it running but won't idle. Going to give it one more go having seen this video - but then it's going on eBay for £15. Also instructions for this engine are really hard to find - I think it was imported and used in a lot of GGP lawnmowers around the EU for a couple of decades - but unlike the US versions which are really well documented - it's really hard to find documentation for this - there is nothing on the US websites to match the numbers. And many of the videos were Spanish or French and difficult to find on KZbin. So - cheers for this.

[@philliphall5198]

Cool the way you talk Different from West Texas Thank You for information and video

[@bobl6816]

Can you tell me the torque setting for the flywheel nut when you put it back together. I am just waiting for my parts to come in. Thanks in advance.

[@phillipchampion5563]

Thankyou for this video, helped alot with the carburettor removal Cheers Phil

[@donalshiels9530]

100% helpful video. Good to see videos made warts and all. Had an identical mower this helped me. 👍

[@MowerMan]

Donal Shiels Thats Great Donna! not easy to work on these!

[@Lennardish]

Great instruction. I am about to take apart a Tecumseh engine as well. One question though. Is this a Two-stroke engine and what kind of petrol is required. Is it the stuff you get from the gasstation, or is it some kind of mix?

[@All-rc804]

Nice 1 m8. Ime half way through one of these and they are a nightmare to take apart. This vid realy helped me. Thanks👍

[@MowerMan]

No problem 👍

[@emmams5]

When you were refitting the exhaust, can you remember if there was a gasket between the muffler and the manifold? I'm doing a similar job on a selfdrive Tecumseh (Partner 471sp) but there's no gasket on mine. My mower wasn't keeping a steady rev while it was running, I could see the governor arm slightly moving back and forth like as if the spring was not tensioned enough. I took the linkage apart to get at the governor arm and it can literally turn 360 degrees, I presume the governor is broken? Does the engine need to be split to fix this as it looks like it's buried inside the crankcase? Thanks in advance for any help.

[@kalamatic]

Great video. I have one of these and it has been a trooper for last 6 years, no problems always started 2nd time, never serviced but recently started having idling problems and cutting out. Any idea what may be the problem please?

[@rabfraser1234]

hi thanks ,,you have put me off those for life ,,

[@meinungs-freiheit7893]

You are the Best!!!!

[@jmability]

Hello. I need to get in touch with you as I have a tecumseh LAV30 or similar, that I have been advised was built in about 1963-5 and I have re built it as it needed a bit of work as it would not start easily and needed an oil change. Since I re built it (and I must admit to not taking reall care of the linkage for the govenor etc and had to make a fe new bits) the engine runs, can cut grass but does not govern well, does not idle properly and over revs if you move the throttle only very slightly. The engine is mounted on a Mountfield body and the blade is an old Atco type with the removable blades (triangular in shape). I need help in getting this to work properly and also am thinking of letting someone take care of it as I will not have storage space for it soon. Thanks

[@jasonhewlett1283]

They were good engines Tecumseh , fast running and light weight.

[@richardhumphrey3354]

Did you put the flywheel key on the right way round as it seemed the other way from how it came off

[@MowerMan]

Probably not !

[@justinpaulsnoxell]

Hi. I have inherited one of these mowers and has worked well for a number of years. I had trouble at end of summer though and have change filter / spark plug. It now starts but how much oil should it take? Have no instructions and can't find detail online!

[@oldguy8177able]

most mowers 600ml

[@documetricsinc.6135]

Paul, nicely done video, thanks, but I think you forgot to clean the low speed (idle) jet on the side (under a cap). I also believe that carb cleaner is harmful to rubber, so you really should remove the upper o-ring on the emulsion tube before using carb cleaner on it. Finally, it looked like your float needed adjustment. Other than that, it was a great explanation, though, at over an hour, a bit long. Good that you got it to run.

[@WaveAction777]

I didn't see it on the video, but did you remove the slow jet to clean it? Wonder if it may have been plugged a bit and causing a bit of hard starting.

[@demcomp]

Tecumseh LEV80 is their little L head 3.5HP engine. Really good engine, actually. The LV195EA is their big 6.0/6.5HP engine. Lots of power.. the little 3.5 runs better than a Briggs Flathead, but they cannot take the same abuse, and their carburetors are sensitive... But when they're running, excellent machines. Change your oil every 25-50 hours, do not store with old gasoline, replace your air filter every season, and maintain your deck by cleaning it. Lubricate the wheels and height adjusters, and cables. As long as you maintain the mower, it can easily last decades. I have a 35 year old Craftsman lawnmower with a Tecumseh LV195 6.0HP on it, runs like a beast! The only thing I really want to do for it is redo the deck. It deserves it.

[@richierich4175]

Hi Paul. Should it have a throttle cable. My old neighbour has one but it's missing the carburettor bracket that sits on the top which looks like it should have a throttle speed controller.

[@biffoswilly]

Ive got a Techumseh Scarifier which has not been used for about 4 years - obviously it wont start but I cant get parts for a carb rebuild - so frustrating

[@alexpoole7626]

Hi, very informative video, I have a Tecumseh lawn mower, and it's idling up and down when I first start, I'm guna try and give the carb a good clean, once I can get some carb cleaner. 👍

[@MowerMan]

Good Luck!

[@bobl6816]

At 57:59 the flywheel shear pin is facing left, but when you replaced it (at 59:30), it's facing right. That could account for the stuttering of the engine when you start it. Wouldn't that affect the timing? Besides that.... lots of good information. Thanks for the video.

[@MowerMan]

I must have made a mistake

[@brianbennett5793]

I have a old mountfield empress 16 with a Tecumseh bvs143 engine and I need a new carburettor is the one on your website I.e. mountfield carburettor the right replacement part?

[@wjc7655]

I have a same type of old lawn mower, it is getting more difficult to start. I'm wondering how to change oil for this engine, i coundn't find it in this long video, appreciate!

[@peterdodd8883]

Oil cap is on the back right hand side of the engine looks like a little circular cap with two little nubs sticking up off it put a strong flat head screw driver crossways across these nubs and twist open .you need someone to help lift the mower up and tip it over slightly to spill out old oil .make sure no fuel in the tank also before procedure. When finished draining it tilt back normal way clean away and spills off the deck pour back in oil slowly in small spirts to allow to get down into the engine.make sure you fill untill you can see oil in the hole and your can reach in with your baby finger and you h the top of the oil don't over fill.Replace cap

[@robertcaunt8488]

Another great video which has come at a perfect time for me as I'm currently servicing my own Tecumseh engine which surges when running. Do you think a carb strip down will cure this problem and also do you recommend changing the head gasket? Where did you order the new head gasket? Points to note about this video. At 58:05 when you remove the flywheel, the stepped key is shown facing one direction yet, At 59:30 when you replace the key, it is facing the opposite direction. You have mentioned in other videos the importance of this key, as a worn key can alter the timing of the spark. I think by replacing the stepped key facing the opposite way to the original position the timing of the spark has been altered significantly and as a result you struggled to start the engine.

[@MowerMan]

Robert Caunt Wow! Very observant! I had trouble refitting the flywheel key tbh and from memory I think the flywheel only went on with the keyway fitted the correct way. I would check the inlet manifold gasket the exhaust gasket and head gasket as well as servicing the carburettor. Thanks for your kind comments much appreciated

[@simonlinley865]

Take the main jet out of the carb and drill it out slightly bigger than the original hole and that will fix the surging on your Tecumseh engine.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Don’t know how I missed this one, The last, and only, brand T I’ve seen in 15 years was on. McClane edger I bought 6 years ago. Now it’s various Briggs, Honda’s, one Koehler, and some Chondas Sometimes, Amazon is your friend for carbs and various parts I do love my Ryobi impact and drill. Clutch down the drill, and it’s like a mini impact driver.

[@MowerMan]

jim s This was a total nightmare lol!

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Mower Man been there!

[@Parknest]

I've bought a Power Devil mower on eBay for £20. It has the Tecumseh Vantage 3.5 engine. It was missing the petrol tank cap and the recoil needed replacing. It is now up and running so it looks like I was luckier than you. I should break even on it but it will be a nice mower for somebody once I've got it serviced.

[@MowerMan]

Nice work

[@dillonjones5643]

ive one same as this and came with no compression. I took head off and found stuck valve. I removed it and cleaned it and lapped and replaced. still no compression, all though I seem be getting a lot of air out the side coming from the valve spring cover. I think its also the compression relise? but ive cleaned the block replaced head gasket and still no compression, any ideas before I bin it. thx

[@richardhumphrey3354]

Broken Ring

[@rolfgrosseholz1311]

I like Tecumseh

[@3-cpo574]

If exhaust is blocked it won't start.put small bit of fuel in cylinder to se if you have a fuel problem?

[@johnharvey1985]

Hi Paul, love the videos and all your stuff... I am trying to emulate you so I now have 3 mowers! One 20 quid B & Q one is done and running fine which I immediately sold to a lady at our allotments, and she gave me her old knackered one, result! Right my question is, the one I'm working on now is a Powerforce DG 350 with the Tecumseh carb. Well after replacing the goosed coil I got spark, but the carb was blocked everywhere, that's been sorted but there were signs of someone fiddling with it, eg. little emulsion tube 'O' ring missing. So far all I have ever got is "BRUMM", just the one "BRUMM" and that was it, I would have punched the air with joy if I got two "BRUMS", but NO... So I have given up on the carburettor and need a new one, is there any chance you could help as to me which one to order, there seems to be lots on Ebay etc. but this mower is not clearly mentioned and they all look similar but not exactly the same. Half the skill is knowing all the models innit? I don't know do I yet... Help! Best wishes, John

[@MowerMan]

It's just a case of looking fo one the same. Tecumseh parts are difficult to find here in the UK. Try taking the exhaust off and starting it just in case its blocked also. Thanks for watching

[@johnharvey1985]

@@MowerMan PS Tried the exhaust off mate, in fact I've tried everything, except the RIGHT THING that is !

[@jameslyon8359]

The problem I have is finding a primer repair kit for my Tecumseh engine, the rubber button has disintegrated ? Where can I order a repair kit or new carburetor?

[@MowerMan]

James Lyon www.shouldersofshoreham.co.uk/tecumseh-spares-parts

[@jameslyon8359]

@@MowerMan Thanks !

[@leerudd1294]

Yep. Definitely not the easiest to work on. Been trying to get my dads old Hayter Harrier 41(About 30 years old) to work again properly. It dies on me at the end of last year. Got the carb all cleaned out as far as I could go with it, and I also found that little spring pings off far too easily. But my issues appears to be with the Adjuster Arm. I have a spring connected to it, but when the Clutch lever is pulled the link pulls the Spring onto the top of the mower. Not sure It's supposed to do that after looking at this video, so thinking maybe the Spring and Link has been put on wrong at some point in the past. Maybe Dad had it serviced sometime?? Anyway, I'm going to swap the spring around to the arm the link is connected to and see if that fixes my idling problem and engine running too fast. Not something I would normally fiddle with, but can't break it anymore. :D

[@stevebarker1974]

The deck on mine is mint very green no cracks it's perfect going.to.tip unless you want it I dont think you'll ever get one of these again lol

[@clauslundberg9224]

Nice video. It that a Tecumseh/Aspera - or a true american Tecumseh?

[@fredcooper5236]

....Gee, you don't give up easy, do you, Paul?? Glad my first one was a nice, easy Briggs & Stratton !!

[@ronniebarker79]

Tecumseh vantage coil replacment m8 need part number or link

[@Warpedsmac]

HELLO mower man, Tecumseh carburettors with adjustable main jets (not the auto-priming type) need to be opened by 1.25 to 1.50 turns from point of o-ring contact. Common to many engines. Auto prime has no adjustable main jet.

[@peterdodd8883]

Just to let you know the fuel on the deck coming out through the oil breather. I had this because the float in the carb was not floating properly and was staying open running fuel far too rich straight into the cylinder and flooding the engine so bad the petrol was over flowing into the sump and out through the oil breather . I ran every test possible on my float and it was not sinking in water hot or cold or in fuel in a bad in but Everytime I put it back in engine would flood.I got another second hand float and it ran fine I drained the oil and haven't looked back since no weird oil or fuel splatters coming out through the oil breath

[@MowerMan]

Thanks for the info Peter. Much appreciated

[@peterdodd8883]

@@MowerMan 👍

[@chrisssmallengines7163]

I find with the Tecumseh's Prime with carb cleaner if you have trouble starting ,Remember prime for a good time .Once thy run for a while they prime and start better .

[@ronniebarker79]

Mower man tech vantage lawnmower the spark plug is bigger then the spark plug tubey thingy I've got I've tried a 19mm and a 21mm any ideas no fire up so fault finding solo ha ha and not quick anuff to plug cord and run to the back to check for spark 🤣🤣

[@cherokeefiddler]

Paul, good job hanging in there with the Tecumseh. Did you know that Tecumseh was an Indian (native American) tribe here in the US? The meaning of Tecumseh is "pain and sorrow", which certainly applies to this engine. But I agree that once you have one of them running, they are good engines. I have seldom seen one "blow". Good video!

[@MowerMan]

That sounds about right! Cheers for the information!

[@db130]

Tecumseh was not a tribe, he was a leader of the Shawnee tribe. Nor does Tecumseh mean "pain and sorrow" -> where are you getting this info?

[@cherokeefiddler]

@@db130 I apologize if my humor has offended you. I was just voicing my frustration with Tecumseh engines. I do know that this is not a tribunal name or an actual meaning of the word.

[@Warpedsmac]

@@db130 It's strange how people make incorrect associations!!!,,,, of course American native Indian history is not high on the curriculum in UK schools!!! Big fan of Tecumseh here in Australia, I own (I'm not really sure) about 10 Tecumseh engines in different roles. Main problems are with Tecumseh carburettors...the engines are very well made and are made to higher tolerances than B&S.

[@ce9xy]

dovessi riparare il mio bvs143,posso chiedere aiuto a te?

[@jmability]

How do we get in direct contact with you? I think your in Yorkshire, as am I and I may have a machine that you could be interested in. Thanks.

[@MowerMan]

You cant im afraid sorry, thanks though

[@SandroMancino]

No oil check??

[@markglanville6495]

Those Tucumseh engines are wonderful, if they don't start first or second pull there is generally a good reason! The mixture doesn't sound right on yours, they usually run very smoothly. Formerly Aspera they were built in Europe and had metric threads, when they switched to the American Tucumseh all the bolts became imperial, think mainly whitworth threads. But ditching the points made a huge difference to reliability. Cheap Briggs and Sratton engines are garbage in my insignificant opinion, aluminium bore, plastic camshafts, an excuse for a carburetor etc! Comercial engines built by Briggs & Stratton are a different matter and much better.

[@Warpedsmac]

Many people unfairly malign Tecumseh engines, they say things like this man did, "Briggs are better" it's an ignorant statement, and clearly this man does not know Tecumsehs...Some points about Tecumseh engines; 1. Tecumseh has pressurised oil system, unlike Briggs which has an oil slinger. 2.Tecumseh are built to higher tolerances in bearings and piston ring expansion allowances. 3. Better air cleaning elements(on-engine filtration at least, here in Australia air cleaners are often mounted up on the handle on a snorkel). 4. Recoil starters on Tecumseh simply do not break. 5. Some Tecumseh engines like the TVS105 for example, have a fully adjustable carburettor and be can adjusted for a good slow idle and fast run speed. 6.Generally for the same weight or capacity the Tecumseh has a higher power to weight ratio AND more torque. Briggs only rate their engine on torque not HP. It's true though and all repairers know this, the Tecumseh carburettors are very prone to problems within the welch plug sealed idle circuit and primer circuit...once this is understood the carbs pose no real problems.

[@dougsorensen7594]

You could have adjusted the level of the float. It looked uneven?

[@MowerMan]

Doug Sorensen Thats a good point!

[@diesel92kj1]

I've got a Mcculoch with a Tecumseh motor, looks the same motor as this one too. My cable is a bit dodgy and it likes to run flat out 😂

[@MowerMan]

diesel92kj1 That really doesn't surprise me hahahahaha!

[@anthonywilson4873]

Missing a head bolt in first look at engine! At the head.

[@eclectarama]

I can't say 'Tecumseh' without doing it in a Yorkshire accent...

[@MowerMan]

Steve Speck Blumin marvlos

[@stevebarker1974]

Bought one of these 1 mth ago dint even bother repairing it and I could not get parts for it....some one put fuel in oil and it was a lot of absolute rubbish it's in garden dint even take carb off

[@chrispappas6188]

You didn't put the bowl on right and you didn't take out the low idle jet and clean it

[@MowerMan]

I'm so so sorry

[@roddydaza9117]

That Exhaust has too much carbon build up needs to be fire treatment to burn off the carbon then I'll run properly.

[@alanlake5220]

mower man, why waste time unbolting the carb from the intake manifold, no need ,

[@stevebarker1974]

Tried putting picture up but wont let me will never buy one of these ever again we paid 20 for it got blade carb and cables exhaust guard got squashed by me in anger lol rubbish mowers not watched this yet got to part were you've just started it for 1st time it sound very ropey glad I turned away from it lol

[@alan4391]

There not the best of engines to work on I prefer Briggs and Stratton engines

[@TechnicFreakJulian]

Bruh British English I'll try to understand haha

[@MowerMan]

says the guy with 400 subs..

[@TechnicFreakJulian]

@@MowerMan ?

[@TechnicFreakJulian]

@@MowerMan I'm used to American English British English is hard to understand for most Americans

[@volt8684]

What an awful design