How to Tune Up a Craftsman M100 Lawn Mower

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

If this video helped you, please consider clicking on the THANK$ button above 🙌 Watch this tune-up of a very old Craftsman next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2i8g3mZrbGJg5I

[@stevenchandler4218]

Good comen sense 👏

[@ThatOne77]

I really appreciate the way you do things. I bet you're a person of integrity.

[@mgomez5606]

Good tip on taking plug off bottom of carb.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching!

[@mgomez5606]

@@TheLawnmowerLady I was messing with a hrn216 mower I bought for $50 and it was surging. Was sitting there saying, what would lawnmower lady do. I ended up opening the jet a little and surging went away. Cleaned it like 3 times with new gaskets and would still surge before finally fixing it.

[@tonym6920]

Great vid, thanks! Like your idea with the sandwich bag to oil up a filter! 👍👍

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks! Every little bit helps to keep my paws clean :) Cheers!

[@logmeindangit]

​@@TheLawnmowerLady My Pa was in retail sales, and always kept his hands clean for handshaking purposes and such. Seriously, though, I laughed with happiness at the zip-lock baggie tip for massaging the oil throughout the filter foam, and for storing, too! Simple and SO smart! Thanks for the idea and the chuckle!

[@markwiley9516]

Stella you know you can't work on small engine's without a little oil spill 🤣 great job again Stella 👏 👍

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Haha! I’ve got a doozy coming up then. It was epic. 🤣

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Damn, I thought I was the only one to use a toothbrush for cleaning! Obviously I use Aprils, NOT mine.....🤣

[@SandiRose2008]

🤣🤣 Poor April!! I can hear her now, 'One of these days Steve!!!' 😂

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I won't tell Steve. LOL!

[@fyt00000]

excellent - easy to understand-you are a lifesaver ..its just me since my dad died.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help!

[@andryjcisneros2334]

How many hp has this machine

[@pharmedutainment]

My lawnmower and I appreciate this video. I figured that’s how I was supposed to get the oil out, but the engine manual was super cryptic. Thanks!!!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@KZ-np8fz]

I agree, I've never had a mower without a plug on the underside to drain and was at a loss as to how to change the oil... though I saw at the store today an m130 it said it doesn't need oil changes... which I find suspect. I like this mower for ease of use, but ease of maintenance is a bit lower rated. My old craftsman gave it up after 20 years, but changing oil, changing spark plugs was much easier to access without scraping knuckles. I'm glad I wasn't the only one perplexed by the lack of instructions on some maintenance. The manual also didn't tell what spark plug it needed... I like to stock up so I don't have to make a special trip to get one should I need it. Thank you for the video.

[@williammoore5924]

Ms. Lawnmower Lady, thanks for your time and knowledge spent on sharing this video with us. You are certainly very thorough with how you explain your repairs. I will continue to support you With my time and interest in what you do. Thanks again Dear.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Wow, thank you!

[@DIYVariety]

Great video, i use the bag also. Love your positive attitude. Cheers

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching! Cheers!

[@jensknows8215]

Thank you for this video. I had the same situation - 1 year old mower that won't start. I was advised to check the spark plug and oil by my Dad and I wanted to fix the situation without him having to come over to my house. Thank you for showing me where the spark plug is located and how much oil this mower will hold. I will follow your video this weekend and hopefully get my mower started.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help. Good luck. Cheers!

[@faithkommu3223]

This video was awesome Thank you so much It helped me to get my mower running This was the first time I've ever been successful at the attempt and it's because of your great video!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Outstanding! I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@henrymurawskibigdogrepair]

Jobs a good one see you on the next one

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Mr Hank!

[@brewster3987]

Ahem... can we just talk about 5K subscribers? Nice.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I know, right? It kind of crept up on me. I appreciate your support!

[@hickorystx]

😀Nice job!! Good pace, tips and filming!!!! Glad you could fix this mower for the customer.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Mr G! Thanks for watching.

[@almclean4835]

Nice job Stella.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Mr Al !

[@jeremiahcooper1664]

Thank you for the video I just bought one and no matter what if it has a motor I always do basic maintenance and fluids the only thing I did differently I had a transfer pump to get the oil out other than that love the video and info

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Right on! I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@garyclifton2180]

Nice one Stella always a pleasure watching you work x

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Mr Gary!

[@Dracossaint]

Thank you very much for your invaluable help. Greatly appreciated.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

I must be the only shop that gets those engines with No oil in them and spun camshafts! Nice work Red, I mean Fred, I mean Stella!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

It's crazy. I helped a guy on Monday assemble the same model. It has a huge yellow sticker warning that you have to remove before you use the machine, and even comes with a 15oz oil jug.

[@almclean4835]

Lol Ben 😁

[@andersforrad]

Nice one Stella - spot in with a great tune up. I look forward to the day it says "Anders" on the name tag 😀 Cheers my friend!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I'll look into that! Cheers!

[@austinbrown3130]

Thanks so much for leaving the links to the parts in the description!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Sure thing!

[@mortensgarage]

Nice one 😎👍 Stella 🤔 interesting karb. drain

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Mr Morten! I appreciate you watching!

[@mortensgarage]

@@TheLawnmowerLady 😊👍your welcome 🤭 a little hint.... 😉 look my last upload 🤭

[@TheOutdoorPowerGuy]

Some of these Briggs EX/EXi Engine's call for a 0.020" (20 thousandths) while other's call for the standard 0.030spark plug gap - the owner's manual will tell what gap the engine uses. Oil capacity is 12-15 oz on these engines. (i am a Briggs dealer)

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching.

[@firpofutbol]

Great tutorial, thank you!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FORMULA_376]

Thank you for sharing this video

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you for watching!

[@HobbyMotorDK]

Thanks Stella. I find those little B&S engines are very sensitive to stale fuel - must have had 5-6 in this year with hunting issues after sitting just 6 months. I also oil these foam filters but I'm testing an air filter spray oil (for dirt bikes) where only the front side of the filter gets sprayed - seems to work well.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I have used K&N spray on scooter air filters, I think it works well. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@wilenelson1810]

Cool 😎

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching!

[@SandiRose2008]

I wish I knew all of this back when I was still using gas mowers. Would've made everything so much easier. Thanks, Stella. 👍

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you Ms Sandi ! Believe me, I got rid of a great old Honda about 25 years ago. If I only knew then... Cheers!

[@randytorboli]

I have a Craftsman lawn mower but it's the M270 with the V20 battery operated electric start feature on it that is powered by the 159cc engine and so far it's been a very good mower

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Nice! I didn't realize they had an electric start version. I've had the M250 in the shop, but these are pretty new. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@randytorboli]

@@TheLawnmowerLady I didn't either until my mom seen it online and she liked that because it's a lot better than pull starting every time but it still pull starts extremely easy too because I went to use and barely pulled the rope and it started and I didn't pull it all the way out so that's definitely better than my previous mower that had the Briggs quantum on it

[@waynestefinashen239]

Yep really nice mowers and work great but in Canada they were selling them with the real thick heavy duty blades on them and Jake did a video on the crankshaft damage basically a scrap engine that we salvaged all useable parts . By they way we haven't put oil on a foam filter in 9 years they still catch the dust but can be more easily cleaned without the oil and they last much longer provided you wash them out at least once per season.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

You're right about the oil on those foam filters, but I figure since they put that in the OM (who reads those manuals anyways? LOL) I figure it's helpful to show how little oil is really needed. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@waynestefinashen239]

@@TheLawnmowerLady You are correct very little oil is needed if you decide to use it.

[@Big_Johns]

Nice job Ms Mower Fix'n Lady, I like putting sammiches in my sammich bags, the oil would probably make them taste funny though. 🙂👍🏼

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Mr John! Maybe try using a nice extra virgin, first cold pressed olive oil? :)

[@Big_Johns]

LoL… I’ll try that 🤣

[@barryewalt5368]

Very cool Stella

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching!

[@shannonlucas4605]

Thank you so much for this tutorial!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it was helpful! I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@BrucesShop]

How do you get such new stuff. i have to wait 3 years to see these. Good music during the carb clean. A classic tune up from a classy lady.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I think we're so much more advanced in our throw-away mentality than you fine folks from the far North. :( Cheers, Mr Bruce!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

extremely thorough job

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Mr IHG ! I appreciate you watching.

[@SimonE-et2xg]

Thank you so much Stella for another very useful, practical and entertaining video. The quality of the camera work, lighting, sound and editing in your videos is always superb and your care and attention to detail comes across most strongly. Keep up the sensational work.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@mowerrepairshopfortscottkansas]

love your videos

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@tonywampler217]

Very very good 😊❤

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad you like it!

[@Turningwrenches85]

always enjoy the work you do on these machines. but wow a new mower and the paint is off of there makes it look like it is 5 years old lol

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I think it's just more cost cutting, unfortunately.

[@martinburgess4814]

Great video keep em rolling rolling.All the best to you all.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks, you too! Cheers!

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Great job Stella.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Mr T-Bone. Cheers!

[@haneyoakie14]

I like the primer version better than the choke version of those BnS carbs.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Absolutely, you can see if it's working! Cheers mr Tom!

[@haneyoakie14]

@@TheLawnmowerLady soon I will get to watch more of your channel and others because I am going to have 6 - 12 weeks off after my quadruple bypass.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@haneyoakie14 Whoa! Hang in there Mr. Tom. I hope it all goes smooth as ice.

[@haneyoakie14]

@@TheLawnmowerLady I will be fine. CABG is as common and easy as a Quantum carb clean. I will be back at full HP before long. If not, I have a Savior who will take me in.

[@BADD400]

Good video

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for your support!

[@tracythompson1692]

BP moments. Red you are so funny!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@mc2whls]

Great job, Stella! Unfortunately, that mower won't last long. Thinner metal and definitely too much plastic.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

That's true! I've gotten several of similar mowers with those plastic backs, they often break where the handlebar goes in. They make enough changes in the molding, that the right backs are often not available even after a few years. Thanks for watching!

[@MF-rp9ox]

@@TheLawnmowerLady We've had ours for 4 seasons already. It takes me 40 min to mow our grass, (and that's me really moving too, no easy strolling) and every 6 days from May to Nov 1. It's holding up great.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@MF-rp9ox I'm glad it's working out for you. Any machine well taken care of will definitely last longer. Thanks for watching.

[@KZ-np8fz]

Thank you souch for this video .. the instruction manual was worthless. Question: How often do you suggest one should sharpen the blade???

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

As often as inspection reveals a very dull edge, or big divots on the edge. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@darrellwbrown9671]

I enjoy your videos. The way you show the smallest detail is helpful. Do you work on riding mowers? I have a Husqvarna riding mower. Can you show some maintenance and repairs on them. Keep up the good work.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

It's rare that I get any riders. I do have a few videos on a John Deere, most of the same applies... clean, replace, or adjust. I did just get in an older Craftsman (I think?). I'll probably do a video on that. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@jimbrewer2893]

Good video. Shame the paint is chipping off what looks like a fairly new mower.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

It was only about 10 months old at the time. Cost cutting corners for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@robertlee4172]

The ol' boot tray-catching oil trick. Now why didn't I think of that?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I try not to make a mess. Thanks for watching!

[@harambeslifemattered2970]

Always great content.

[@melissakolarich6892]

Very informative video! Ignorant question here but what kind of oil does it take?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

If you live in a moderate climate, any 10w30 motor oil is probably OK. Don't spend the extra $$ on synthetic oils. Dinosaur oil is fine. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@michaelgonzales7655]

You should have done a carburetor tuneup cleaning the main jet so it would start on 1st pull

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching!

[@MF-rp9ox]

I have this same mower and your video guided me thru winterizing it. I don't have the manual, and I checked the Briggs and Stratton website, but I'm still not clear on the replacement carb for it. Could you tell me what it is?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I cannot. But you can search the mower engine model # (not the mower model # the Briggs site has a good reference page to find where that engine # is located. With that number you can search for parts diagrams to give you the correct part #. Good luck. Thanks for watching.

[@chrisevans1546]

Thank you so much!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help. Cheers!

[@brianking1138]

Good job. I do things slightly different than you but the end result is the same.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Mr Brian! Thanks for watching.

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

Red don't see many Riders. Most work be Pushers. Wet grass makes Dollars Amid customer Hollers. Wait patient for a Dry Day, Does Stella Lady say. Best to you who Mow When humidity be low.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Ha! I've missed your prose lately. Cheers!

[@Inisfad]

Hmmm…..the top on that gas can. I’ve never seen one like that before. Is it something you buy separately, or is that how the container came??

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

It’s made like that. It’s some anti-evaporative spill venting thingy. Usually results in lots of gas spilling 🙁

[@matthewpuryear8009]

Have this same mower, confirmed spark, flywheel key is good. Won’t even pop on starter fluid, any ideas?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Does your mower have a priming bulb? If you are priming and shooting ether, it might just be flooded. Is the spark plug wet? If so, pull the engine over a few times to dry out the combustion chamber and try again. Skip the starter fluid and just a small squirt of petrol, don't push the primer. If sputters and coughs, you might have an air leak sucking air when the primer should be pulling fuel into the carb. If you have a compression tester, or can borrow one give that a whirl. You should get about 60-80 if the compression release is still working. If you can't get your hands one one, you can always pop off the valve cover and make sure the valves are not stuck open or, not opening. Hope this helps.

[@mrspatterson20]

I have a m110 craftsman. I cannot get it to crank it took the carb out and cleaned it but that didnt fix it. What else should I try. I also dont think mine had a plug in the carb but it worked last spring lol

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I would drain all the fuel out, leave it in the sun for a few hours to completely dry out and refill it with fresh ethanol-free fuel. You'll need to drain the car bowl as well to get out all the remaining fuel. Hope this helps.

[@fyt00000]

Ehat kind of oil to lub wheels and switch? And what to do , i have emptied mine of bad gas, what next please??

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

If I pull off the wheels, I'll usually put a thin film of lithium grease one the wheel bolts, after I clean them with a green scotchbrite pad. If not removing the wheels, just a few drops of SAE30 weight oil. You might need to pull the carb and clean it if the mower sat with bad fuel. This video (different mower, but same carb) shows detailed cleaning of these plastic carburetors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJrSopein5qkf7M

[@philliphall5198]

Do you paint the bottom of deck with used motor oil ??

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Yes, old farmers trick. Not a permanent solution, but it helps for a little while when there is a lot of rust.

[@ultragator724]

So was it bad gas? I did the exact same thing with my mower.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Basically, yes.

[@tommyhanlon8012]

Magnetic sockets, why didn't I think of that 🤔

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

There's a Amzn link in the description for those, not sure if it works on your side of the pond though. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@tommyhanlon8012]

@@TheLawnmowerLady sadly they don't deliver here, But I'll keep an eye out over here for something similar. It's always when I see someone doing something an obviously better way, do I have yet another Homer Simpson moment: " Doooouuu! " . Thankfully I'm not so foolishly proud to learn something new. Thank you Stella.

[@logmeindangit]

I took the carb apart, checked the little holes, all clean. Gas flows out the tank-to-carb connector tube when I have it disconnected, and the float and needle valve move well and are in good condition. It starts for half a second, using up the priming gas, then dies. What should I check or do next? The mower is almost brand new.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I'd pull off the carb bowl and make sure fuel flows out the carb. When was the last time it was running well? Does this have a priming bulb?

[@logmeindangit]

​​@@TheLawnmowerLady This is a barely used M100, MODEL 11A-BOBY793 Made 10/2019. It was given to me by a guy who could not get it to start, and had been given to HIM for he same reason. He said it would fire up for less than half a second by pressing the red bulb a few times first, but would die immediately. I'm a retired mechanical engineer, medical equipment, and have worked on engines from mowers to cycles to cars, and this one is stumping me as to what is preventing the fuel fraction of a fuel-air mixture from getting into the combustion chamber. The mower looks brand new. The carburetor internals are pristeen, the little jet holes open and free of any obstructions. The floats and needle valve work as they should, and the bowl fills with fuel as it should. The gas is fresh, and ethanol-free. Even the device that opens and closes the butterfly/choke flapper in the carb throat moves freely and is held closed (choke) by the spring. I wonder if something under the starter flywheel is not "blowing" on the fin enough when the motor fires up, to push the flap, and open the butterfly in the carb. Or, perhaps it is opening the butterfly too much, and the carburetor can't pull enough vacuum behind it to get the gas to feed in. I've had the carburetor fully apart twice, and it is still pristine. I even pulled apart the white plastic jets assembly to make sure it was good inside. I know it is something simple. I've not yet pulled the flywheel off to look under that, but that's about the only thing I can think to check next. Oh - the spark plug also looks new, white ceramic around the electrode, so I do not suspect fouling. I heated the tip with a propane torch to make sure it was dry, too. Color me perplexed.

[@logmeindangit]

@@TheLawnmowerLady GOOD NEWS! The machine came to life. I took a third dive into the carb, and a deeper test of all possible passage-ways for fuel or air. I used a silicone rubber tube to blow air through every possible path, and think I dislodged something in a carb-body passageway. Everything back together, it fired up, and mows like a champ! So, my conclusion is that something (maybe even a plastic shaving from manufacturing) got lodged in the carb body, and the deeper dive in poking, probing and blowing through all the places found and removed it. I mowed for a half-hour, which was great. Test: passed! It was free to me because the previous owner could just not get it to run after 1/2 second. That told me it was a carb issue, and I was excited to see if I could fix it, bc my 35YO push-mower, an old 4-horse Briggs and Stratton, was wearing out, leaking oil from the crankshaft seal. Now I can give that one away. Yay! Thank you again for your helpful, educational and encouragimg videos. Have a good Spring and Summer!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@logmeindangit Yay! Glad you got it fixed.

[@garyclifton2180]

Hi Stella nice to see you on the stream tonight.can I ask you about a scooter come with a full mot grandsons first bike it starts with the kick start but nothing electric works it only has one 10 amp fuse that's ok sad to say his dad my son has just split up so left to me to sort just what to look at x

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Mr Gary! I’m assuming the electrics worked when it passed its MOT? That said, the first thing I should check is the main ground strap from the engine to the frame. If that is good, might need to start cleaning each connection to grounds. Small wire brush to remove any oxidation or corrosion. I hope this helps. Cheers!

[@garyclifton2180]

@@TheLawnmowerLady it helps alot thank you very much Stella xx

[@haneyoakie14]

First!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Yay!

[@philliphall5198]

Got any new videos out ???

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Working on them, Thanks!

[@robertmailhos8159]

No my name is not red lol😂😅😆

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Gotta have some fun!

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@TheLawnmowerLady that is so true about having some fun 🤣😜

[@ThatOne77]

I have that model. It starts, but runs for 60 seconds then dies. Anyone have any ideas?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Probably needs a thorough carb clean: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJrSopein5qkf7M different mower, same carburetor. Hope this helps.

[@ThatOne77]

@@TheLawnmowerLady Awesome! I wondered that, but I'm illiterate when it comes to this stuff. I'll start on it tomorrow! Thanks so much!

[@archlclark9770]

where’s a drain plug when u need it? such a pain

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I agree!

[@Sizzler3569]

Came here to see what blade was being replaced. Did everything, but what I was here for😢

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Sorry, I don’t often replace blades, sharpen sometimes if needed. Essential Service Steps For Your Toro Recycler Lawnmower kzbin.info/www/bejne/bl6UhZuXgbunprc this video does include that. Different mower, same process. Thanks for watching.

[@Sizzler3569]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

[@phitruong7422]

Poor design. Cheap parts.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I agree!