I got an ss16! lets see if it will run and drive

Picked this up because its a mostly untouched original machine. It has sat for years in a barn two towns over, and that's really all i know about it.
If it'll run, I'm gonna dress it up with a couple of attachments and put it to work, however if you know anything about Onan engines, they can be fickle.
Thanks for watching, I'll be making more videos as the weather allows, filming in 24 degree weather is tough.

[@ronaldcastleberry9389]

Matt, I have this same tractor and 48 inch mower that I bought from Sears in Chatt. Tn. March 1974, and I still mow with it every year. Only replaced the belts, blades and battery and seat. Replaced the spark plugs and air filter last year. although I was not having an issue. I kept the original air filter and plugs. The air filter did come with the foam around it in 1974. I have it too. Also, I still have the sales receipt for the tractor and mower. Last year I did have to replace the foam float in the carb. It did not come with a cigarette lighter. I have kept it in the garage since new, still look really great.

[@matthughes1614]

That is awesome! One of my favorite things to see is a well kept one owner unit! It's getting rarer and rarer to see! So the foam on the air filter isn't something new? Thats cool! I genuinely didn't know that, i thought that would be something that came along later in my machine's life! I love seeing one owner units, 50+ years of service and still going!

[@RooneysSears01]

Matt I for one have been really enjoying these videos lol and I have the satisfaction of knowing that when this channel explodes that I was subscriber number 1 lol! Keep up the great work brother!

[@matthughes1614]

Im glad to hear that! Thanks for the support! I hope it takes off too, I'd love to bring gart'n tractors to more people! Lol I'll remember subscriber #1, the true believer! 😎😎

[@vintagesawyer6246]

My Dad had the ST16 with the 1 cylinder. Good old days. I have 2 "newer" Craftsman's now , they just aren't the same. I think the hose to the filter housing adds positive air pressure to help keep the filter clean (er).

[@matthughes1614]

They definitely arent the same, I've had a bunch of the grey, green and red craftsman machines, its like they fall apart on a schedule haha I speculated that, positive pressure, fresh air and possibly cooler than what it would be otherwise? I dunno. Thanks for the interaction!

[@rammy630]

I have a 1976 SS 16 twin that I bought new .. and still use it some . Part of the family ,I also have a 72 XL10 that I restored.

[@matthughes1614]

I love it! We just aren't seeing lifetime ownership of tractors, vehicles or much of anything anymore. I doubt most people really care about having the same lawnmower or whatever, and thats fair. But its a shame we build equipment with an expected lifetime of 3-5 years. Money is fantastic, ill agree but money at the expense of quality and resources is a shame. Glad to see a nearby viewer, love to see the one owner units still getting seat time!

[@garymallard4699]

I have 2 Sears and 2 Ropers ( Sears were made by Roper if u didn't know )...2 Onan's 2 B&S's. 16 & 18 HP Yeah i prefer the Electric 3PH too...those manual ones are terrible ( imo )... i have snowblowers ( 2 ) Gas Tiller 3PH ...42" & 48" decks....Couple plows....Harrow...Push Blades ( 2 )..Dethatcher... Trailer...Sprayers ( 2 ).... making a Front End Loader soon ...have a bucket for that... Chains etc... only 2 are running one of each engine brand got a decent repower engine to replace one tractor... and lots of spare parts available from another chassis.... always looking for more too..lol 🇨🇦🤓🤟

[@garymallard4699]

I got a Sears 18 ( B&S ) that i'm working on today..i rebuilt the fuel pump in winter ( new kit ) and used it a couple times..then sat till Spring..went to use it and it is not idling or pulling fuel ( again ) so putting an electric pump in to test....before i yank it apart ( again )...🤬 i had it running ok but it was dying and shutting off soon after i ran around yard...could be the carb needs some luv again ( i cleaned it on engine like you ) but i felt i had cleaned it enough ( i cringed at your carb cleaning 😂 )... that is my last thing to do... i will know after the Electric pump confirms at " least " i am getting fuel ( my filters showed no gas being pulled ) .... i just want to cut some grass before digging into it deeper.... might be the carb too.. oh i replaced all my fuel line too.... old lines ..i thought the fuel outlet seemed loose ( it was ) and needed to confirm no leaks anyways..tank is pretty clean ( i forgot to clean it but it did flow fine and is plastic... when they run they are great...acting up..not so great 🇨🇦🤓🤟

[@ethanwimer8487]

Not sure but it could have that hose to the air cleaner housing to blow warm air in during use in cold weather

[@Junkboy888]

I know all of my 1968 have a lighter lol I love the looks of the 68. Nice video. I'll be your 111 subscriber lol

[@matthughes1614]

Thats for the sub! My 68' doesn't have one, im pretty sure that ss16 has had that added, i have a 71 ss12 that'll get a video in a week or two that doesn't have one. But I've seen a few with cigarette lighters. Its neat to me!

[@madmax6923]

Cig lighter was added

[@mikeyy.p1107]

Where can I get parts for these?

[@thepubliceye]

You sure talk a lot

[@matthughes1614]

I'm pretty long winded sometimes. Believe me, I've noticed in editing, taking notes as i go. Thanks for the interaction!