Fixing A Bolens Mower That Won't Start

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Thanks for watching. I found this mower using a free site, and even though it looked like junk, we cleaned it up and got running, without any huge headaches.

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

Those older Briggs and Stratton carburetors are very resistant to gumming up due to how they are designed. I know I’ve already told you about my 1982 John Deere trimmer that uses a 3 horse horizontal shaft engine on it and that thing still runs to this day

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right, these engines are reliable monsters

[@keenanchandler4919]

I got this mower for free off the side of the road as well and the throttle was broken. I couldn’t tell what was wrong with it at first but this video was super helpful! Thank you so much!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem and thank you

[@davidfrank2824]

A few years back early on a Saturday morning my neighbor wakes me up and asked if there was any way I could take a look at this lawn mower. It's the identical one in this video. It was an older man's mower he had told my neighbor about it breaking and that's when my neighbor told him about me and told him that he doesn't mind working on things for people. I ended up having to take that plastic carburetor out of the tank clean it up real good check the fluids put fresh gas in. I don't care whose equipment it is I do not restart the engine or try to start the engine after repairs with original gas and less it's from my tank. Fired right up and I made this person very happy. He was trying to get me $40 for fixing it and I told him for $40 you could go out and buy another one of these brand new and have some leftover for lunch. For some reason he was really attached to this lawn mower. Towards the end of the summer it had started to act up again and I could not get it so idle out. So I ordered him a carburetor. That did the trick it was like $20 and he asked what did he owe me I told him nothing. I felt bad for him I did not think that he had money to get himself a better mower. Boy was I wrong. I found out that he actually lives in my community and that he owned the construction company that built most of the houses in my county. That did not matter to me he was a very nice person. I would get to see him one more time before he moved on. This time the mower deck was broke and he was hoping I could weld it up for him. Fortunate for him a couple weeks prior my neighbor's mother mower was broken. It ended up being the motor and I explained it would be totally impractical to fix the mower. So he left it with me. So I had a great deck for this man's motor. It was about 2 years later when he passed on and in those two years my friend said he used that mower every Saturday. I honestly could never see why anybody would want a mother right. Normally after doing engine repairs I have tested areas of my yard and I thought I was going to die cutting through the tall grass. And here is 80-year-old man used it every week. As always I made sure to give you a big old thumbs up and of course I am already subscribed. Look forward to your next video.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you David Frank for sharing your experience.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

You did pretty good on that one. When I am washing a mower I always think "I am spraying money onto the mower". It's worth a lot more clean, regardless of how it runs.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

lol.. nice, you make a good point,.

[@chidoche88]

You are so right about these engines. I have a yardman with the same engines it still runs great. I have had it for about 11 years.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

wow very nice, thank you chidoche88

[@ThePearsonExperience]

In my area basic mowers pitch 80 bucks....... Plus very fun to work on.......Cheers INSIDE HOUSE GARAGE🤑

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you The Pearson Experience.

[@Flammable281]

I have this exact mower I bought new from my local Lowe’s. Have had it for 15 years or so. Have serviced the carb a few times with new diaphragm’s and gaskets and primer bulbs but other than new blades and oil changes that’s all I’ve done to it and it still runs like a top.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice, you're doing a fantastic job

[@sticustom]

I noticed the camber on the front wheels when you tested it. The mower must want to be a race car 😂😂😂 Seeing it’s not self propelled could you just fit a straight shaft with bushings to straighten the front wheels up? I can’t see the set up it has now.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got it right, the springs were cut, bump stops removed, and it's got a ton of camber now! In reality the front plastics are kinda broken.

[@AveragePootis]

I really like how this thing looks, an honest late 80s-mid 90s box. Altough it might be newer, im not very knowledgeable on mowers

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

not a problem we all have to start somewhere.

[@tomlewis3658]

Wow, I don't think I have seen a structural plastic section like the front of this one. I look forward to seeing how you approach this one, given the very tight cost limits with this one.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Tom Lewis.

[@hickorystx]

Once again you bring something back to life!!! Terrific video and easy fix for the most part. Glad for you and the perspective new owner!! 🤩

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Thanks again Mr G, I appreciate the time you take to watch and comment, it means a lot to me

[@JOEZEP54]

Good pick these are reliable mowers & easy to work on. Just can not resell for much. As long as you do not need to spend much $ for parts they can be profitable. I have a collection of mower that are not worth the $ to repair. I keep them for parts or if some one I know is in need of a mower. You can wait to see if you can find one that you can swap out the wheels or sell as is for a low price. People will buy for several reasons, price, not to use their good mower in rough parts of their property or just to mow under bushes etc. Larger more expensive mower can be hard to maneuver under the brush. Stay well, Joe Z

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you are absolutely correct JOE Z.

[@joseh9955]

I wish there was a review on everything and I mean everything in the style of this video 🤣🤣🤣10/10 subscribed big dawg

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you!

[@toddosterhout9866]

You could sell it no problem for $50. I fix and sell mowers all the time and if it runs and cuts my minimum is usually $60.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Todd Osterhout.

[@wildefox1478]

Great video, most of the time it's an easy fix to get engines on free mowers running again, nice work!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you WildeFox.

[@thatoneguy_with_too_many_cats]

Good work! I have seen so many of these mower with those non adjustable front ends on FB marketplace with the wheels bent.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes it's happens quite frequently

[@scottdunn4506]

I mean you already made it This far with the mower you might as well fix the front end worst comes to worse you can always pull the engine off the deck and keep it as a spare incase you find a mower in the trash with a blown engine

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you make a good point.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I'd just sell it as is and just make sure the buyer knows about it OR if you can come up with a cheap fix. Nice cleaning job and it runs and cuts fine! BLESSINGS!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Lewie McNeely

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE U 2!

[@georgemartinez1720]

I say sell it is tell the Buyer what the problem. Is And you can offer to repair it for a Atnirnal Sgop rate

[@andrewjohnston6230]

It works really well alright the front wheels are bit messed up but it looks like it's a runner It will do someone the front wheels probably need a braceing plate

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

makes sense.

[@christophermarshall5765]

I would remove the bolts & nuts retaining the front wheels, measure the non threaded section of the bolts, & buy a length of round steel bar, & install it as a solid axle.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Very nice idea!

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro, what's up? The mower cleaned up pretty good bro. My honest opinion bro is not to spend too much time and work on this mower. I don't think that it's worth your time. Sad to say from the sound of the engine, it sounds pretty good bro.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you make a good point, thank you Ramadin Sookhoo.

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE you're welcome bro. I strongly suggest to repair what can be repaired and give it to someone who need it to help them with keeping their lawn maintained until better can be done.

[@garyalensr]

I picked up a Poulan pro push mower during spring clean up, you had to rapidly press the primer fast for about a minute to get it to prime. If you did it normal it wouldn't prime and wouldn't start, I think that's why they got rid of it. I replaced the Diaphragms and primer bulb, filter, oil plug, sharpened the blade and cleaned it up. It runs and cuts like new. I cannot believe people get rid of stuff rather than perform some basic maintenance.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice work Gary Allen, and yes it is amazing what's given away.

[@deebee3901]

Mate, any mower that does not go into landfill is a BONUS. Please show us another video of what is wrong with the front end and possible solutions and costs - if you don't mind?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

not a problem it will be coming up soon.

[@electroddxful]

Probably the front wheel bracket need a little TLC. Great video 🙏👍🙏👍

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you won't believe how the front end is made on this mower, you'll see what I'm talking about in the next video, thank you RayFpv.

[@electroddxful]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE can’t wait to see it 👍👍👍

[@patrickmccutcheon8860]

My grandma had a Bolens mower just like this. She used to leave it sitting outside, ran it with water in the gas, etc. the damned thing wouldn’t stop. I think it still runs to this day. I have a Bolens weed eater at work for the little bit of outside maintenance I have to do, and it’s a piece of junk. I’ve only had it a year and I’ve already had to adjust the carb and adjust my starting procedure.

[@patrickmccutcheon8860]

Man, when you ran it over that rock, I was thinking, “Nooooo!!” Haha. I’ve bent many a blade running over a rock or a tree stump.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

wow, quite the difference between machines.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

oh,, you mean the one where I stopped it at, yes it's recessed into the ground, so It wasn't going to do any damage.

[@mnight207]

I remember suggesting a video of the tools you use and tips and tricks...I dont think youve made one yet

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

oh yes, I'm saving the for when the weather gets colder which isn't too long.

[@CrispusAttucks2315]

Say what you want about this mower but it’s design is brilliant for tall wet grass like rye. The non mulching blade and deck allow for the grass to cut and side discharge with minimal accumulation on the deck. The lightweight enables it to get into tight corners with ease.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nothing wrong with, thanks for the comment

[@StevenEverett7]

I have a mower in my stash with an engine and gas tank just like this. The engine runs after I cleaned the carb but unfortunately, the tank is rusted with some pin holes in the bottom. I picked up some Permatex fuel tank repair this week and since it's going to rain this weekend, I'm going to get out to my workshop to see if this stuff works. Wish me luck!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

let me know, I'd be interested to know if it works.

[@StevenEverett7]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I will!

[@StevenEverett7]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Update: Unfortunately, once I sanded the rust off the bottom of the tank, not only did I find a couple of pinholes but there were so many gaps and weak metal that I decided that there was no way the tank would ever hold together, so I'm putting it off until later since I have a similar tank to work on later. I'll mention it in one of your future videos.

[@stevef.9659]

I rebore wabbling wheels and sleeve it with 1/2" scrap copper pipe that's a perfect fit for the axle. For excessive wear a oversized 1/2" I.D. washer may need to be added before applying the nut.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

unfortunately the wheel bore is fine, the supporting structure Is not.

[@Turningwrenches85]

I have the same deck like that right now it doesn't have an engine on it and it bows out too and it flexes out near the beginning of the front of the mower deck. at first I was thinking about the sheet metal screws in there but then again I didn't want to damage the deck let alone the screws might hit the blade so I was undecided on how to go about it unless put some heat gun to it to get it into shape .

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

if it's really bad, the part really isn't that expensive to replace

[@brianking1138]

I would look into fixing it but if it's to difficult then I would part it out. You can always use a good running Briggs classic.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right.

[@raresr4092]

Your right they added so much plastic to that mower to make it cheap.. I think it may be one from lowes. Maybe if you have another really nice deck around thats the proper height of the crankshaft transplant the engine and sell it to make a few bucks? I noticed around here everyone sure likes the high wheelers. Probably due to hilly areas. Anyhow im sure you'll figure something out. You sure know what your doing when fixing mowers. Weedeaters seem a whole lot tougher for me and sadly dont make much for me when i have sold them.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I think you're right, the engine is great, the deck, not so much

[@edrodrigues5623]

Very interested in how you're going to fix the front wheels. If it's not to expensive fixing it, make a couple of bucks or give it to someone that could use it.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I give it a shot, but it's not what I was hoping for.

[@marshmower]

Back when they were less new than used today. I remember $119 mowers and the occasional one for $79.99. we're talking 2000's. Also I remember thinking $379 for self propelled Quantum MTDs troybilt was absolutely robbery. Of course I didn't know how much I'd like them.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I felt the same way too

[@frankaferdhadley1603]

Thoes are my favorite brand of mower to work on I like how simple they are compared to other mowers but the decks on them are very cheap thoe

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you are absolutely right about that.

[@TrainTableRailroad]

I have the same mower with the smoke coming out of that one spot I fixed it and I just can’t get it to stop. I’m worried it might be the cylinder or the walls like you said because I know it isn’t over filled with oil.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes if the cylinder wall is scored up, and the rings are mostly gone, it's going to smoke as it runs, the only thing to do Is to run it minimal oil in the block, but it's dangerous

[@TrainTableRailroad]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE ok thanks it actually stopped smoking bad a minute ago! What’s the website you use to find the free weedeaters and stuff? I really enjoy working on engines especially weed eaters.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I use craigslist and FB marketplace

[@User-gy9ho]

Hey just curious what is the difference between your channel Home Garage and Inside House Garage?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

there's no difference now, but in the beginning one was the repair, and the other was supposed to be the diagnostics channel, people didn't like it.

[@farmerjackson709]

I would use a piece of all thread to make a solid axle for the front wheel. If it goes all the way across it should keep them straight

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you farmer jackson.

[@rickthelian2215]

Will wait to comment on part2

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

very smart of you.

[@rickthelian2215]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE 😀😀😀

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

You got it for free. If you get 40 $ you still win. But I don’t really know how much time you put into it.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I see what you mean, it's worth 40 to me.

[@mariocestra1156]

Be a Good Samaritan and donate to one in need.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

sure thing.

[@harryfp1494]

If anyone was wondering it’s la’s totally awesome it’s at dollar tree .

[@joebroke76]

Great video!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Thanks!

[@Secondarysavage05]

Funny story I had a similar briggs engine that was to far gone for repair so I decided to blow it up and to my surprise with no oil and full throttle no governor it ran for 30 minutes before I ended the test and put that engine on a shelf as a unkillable engine. What they say about old briggs are true they are bullet proof engine's.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

wow, really, very nice, thank you savageboy 649.

[@gradyhernandez4699]

Head gasket worn also makes it smoke and idle drops when it's a bad head gasket

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

it's possible.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Most of time it's old fuel, spark plug or coil, sometimes filter. Also carbs are set for very lean operation due to stupid epa.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I hear ya.

[@RussellBooth1977]

I fully saturate.the oil filter with engine oil.then wring it out as per Briggs and Strattons instructions with my mower,it should also be governed when there's no load on the engine because it can self destruct otherwise. The piston rings are easy to replace in those engines !

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you for the information

[@watermanone7567]

If you can make a few bucks, why not. Thanks for the video.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Waterman one.

[@LawnmowerMaster]

I over rev my engine a little because the throttle is broken on my Honda that’s only 2 years old! If I didn’t I would have to run it at 1 rpm which would take me 3 months to cut my lawn. I run pens oil platinum. Do you think I am hurting my engine? Also my transmission is whining and has a hard time going back. I lubed the bearings and cables with lithium grease but still no. Do you think I should just sell this one and get a Toro super recycler?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I would sell if you couldn't live with the honda.

[@johnsalles8248]

I have the exact same power Now for years

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice, thank you John Salles.

[@EngDrewman]

Is it possible to retrofit large rear wheels on a mower like this, or do you have to have a deck specifically designed for them?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you can put bigger wheels if you want but the front plastic holding the wheel is the part that's broken.

[@EngDrewman]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE sorry I should have been more specific: my question was about upgrade potential, and not about fixing the broken front end.

[@MikeJones-jr5hb]

I’d leave it as is & donate it to a needy family but that’s my opinion, you can do as you wish.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Mike Jones.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Maybe the PO didn’t want to bother fiddling with the throttle control. Full on all the time?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

that's definitely a possibly but it was much too fast for my liking.

[@Stuntshorts500]

What website do u use to find these machines

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I use FB marketplace and Craigslist

[@jameshedrick605]

I had one like that. It would smoke all the time until i decided to do a valve job on it then it quit smoking

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice work James Hedrick.

[@EzRay11]

Hey IHG, I don’t usually bother with these low end mowers. I find the time spent isn’t worth the profit you’d make. But that’s just me. Question : with that type of dipstick, do you screw it in to check the oil level or just set it in like a Honda? I have an MTD snowblower with a Tecumseh engine in the garage that has that same dipstick. I can’t find any info on it. Cheers

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

unless otherwise shown on a sticker, like the honda, you would normally just screw It in, but I would always search online ,for your owners manual to make sure.

[@jamesl9686]

Briggs and Tecumseh you screw in the dipstick, and unscrew it to check the oil level. With Honda, you just place it in the filler neck, pull it back out, and check the level.

[@EzRay11]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Thanks Bud. Trying to find that info has been a job in itself.

[@EzRay11]

@@jamesl9686 Cheers James.

[@jamesaydelott2487]

I would just try to fix the front end if worse comes to worst you can always use it for parts at least you know you have a good engine

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

seems like a good idea, thank you James Aydetlott.

[@josephimpastato664]

Hello I have toro Briggs and Stratton and ever since I got the mower every time I start it there will be a puff of blue smoke. The oil is not over filled and the cylinder wall and piston rings are in great shape. Any idea on what could cause the smoke.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

how did you confirm the rings and walls were in good shape?

[@josephimpastato664]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I took the muffler off and looked inside.

[@TheSaponiKid]

What's the cleaner used here?

[@jacobn3160]

I believe it’s the degreaser they sell at harbor freight

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Jacob N was correct, degreaser from Harbor Freight.

[@scrapyardengines9741]

All the mowers with this airbox that I worked on were full of oil and dirt not giving the carb any air

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Scrapyard engines.

[@Vipex_134]

I just cleaned and fixed the gap on my sparkplug and when i went to start it, it took around 30-35 pulls to start... is this normal

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no it's not.

[@mattwickert736]

Given the extremely basic nature of the mower, I would leave it alone at this point and sell it as is. Those wheels are cheap plastic without any sleeve inside, and the plastic around the front could be prone to failure if you do too much to it now. Thinking about it, the last few that I've worked on of that style, have all had wonky front wheels on them. There's always a market for those mowers, especially at a price point in the 50-80 range.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Matt Wickert.

[@darrenswails]

I have a joke one of these that I was going to use for a spare parts, I would like to get the blade adapter off but they don't seem to do that anymore, any tips?

[@darrenswails]

*junk , but joke may be appropriate

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

did you use a 2 jaw puller?

[@darrenswails]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE not yet

[@Patrick4959]

yes i,d continue with the repair ofr selling it and we Australians who sell our Victa 2 stroke aka 2 cycle type often make a good profit as long as the seller knows what they are doing and don,t sell people lemons and that,s for sure etc.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you Patrick Stapleton.

[@Patrick4959]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE my pleasure mate.

[@TheHobbyKid1]

where do you get your free stuff?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I get stuff from Craigslist and FB marketplace

[@Stuntshorts500]

U mentioned degreaser is there a name i can look for

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

sure, I use Super Heavy Duty Degreaser from Harbor Freight, it comes in a gallon jug

[@Stuntshorts500]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGEthanks

[@bandbsblastersandoutdoors2426]

What is the name of your degreaser?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

the official name is "Super Heavy Duty Degreaser" from Harbor Freight

[@bandbsblastersandoutdoors2426]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Thank you I’ll check it out

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem

[@atvmadness3358]

win I flip my mower over to change the blade why does it leak oil by the air filter

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

are you flipping the mower, With the carb, facing down? OR carb facing up towards the sky.

[@oawoodshop2702]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE the carb is facing the sky and after flipping it it burns oil

[@oawoodshop2702]

Ps I just switched accounts

[@robertmailhos8159]

The engine is not the e series with the plastic carb it's a better one of Briggs and Stratton engine,s

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE for sure

[@johne3999]

Seems like a shame to throw it away when it still usable, the main issue being the really crooked front wheels. If it wasn't for the front end issue, you could sell it for at least $50. There's got to be a cheap way to fix it. (5-10 bucks)

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I hope so.

[@emerybryant]

eh id either sell as is or part it out lol

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

both are good choices

[@shadowopsairman1583]

A new engine costs less than a whole mower

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

true.

[@dfields9511]

too bad Made To Die uses all that plastic for front and rear ends , axle go bad

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right.

[@jjjuarez312]

Sale it for 50 or 40 bucks

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got it.

[@fastandfuriouslawnandlawnc1514]

i don't like those brigs engine. I have had a lot of problems with them. I think do what you can about the front with out spending money on it and gift it to some one in need.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thanks, what kind of problems were you having with these engines?

[@yeetas4881]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGEI can never get the engine to run good it would always run crap and running to fast my 18v battery mower can cut thicker grass than a lot if those engines.and for some reason someone always cuts the spark plug wire off in nz so I have to buy new coils

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Id sell it for 80 flat if the parts to repair it are like $25

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

sounds about right.