Free Curbside Lawn Mower - Is it Trash?

[@billwebb8561]

I used to buy old mopeds and repair and refurbish them and flip/sell them. It gave me a certain satisfaction to take something old, broken, and uncared for and restore it to running and cleaned-up condition. Perhaps it is a man's way of bringing new life into the world.

[@annebrumbaugh3243]

I hope that you will be able to continue your honorable work! More and more people are getting poorer and might be able to benefit from your passion. Gratefully all the best to you.

[@billwebb8561]

@@annebrumbaugh3243 Thank you. I am retired now but there are still a lot of opportunities to help make the world a better place.

[@gradypoole2163]

😊 3:30 😊😮😅😊😅😮😮😮😮😅😮😊😊😊😊

[@theupscriber65]

Bought a brand new push mower from Goodwill once for $20 that had been donated by a store and still had all the tags and paperwork on it. No one wanted it because it was locked up. Took it home and connected the brake to the safety handle and it was perfect.

[@jcondon1]

Very nice

[@JR-bj3uf]

When I was a kid I used to help my grandfather in is lawn mower shop. I watch your mower videos and I can smell the memories of gas fumes, old oil and grass clippings.

[@davidellis7695]

“Huh, well there’s your problem lady.” Instant classic!

[@keevstr]

Everyone: "Nice, I fixed the engine and it's running". James: "it sounds like it's only running at 4999 rpm instead of 5000, let's keep fixing it"

[@kargo27]

LOL! Glad he did or else we'd have never seen Ratatouille's lair.

[@harveybrown8014]

Your video helped me fix my craftsman mower thanks

[@weschaffin]

There is therapy in solving mechanical issues with small engines...

[@0tt0z]

Definitely!

[@TPINSC]

Very much so

[@cliffmauck510]

I am loving that new lift. My back feels better just watching you.

[@scottcollins5060]

I like the way you explain things and go that extra bit to really make sure you have found the problem(s).

[@philliphall5198]

I’ve never bought a new equipment my intire life Being a mechanic has been a great rewards and joy to fix them up

[@SeeSaw72]

Same here. I did get a new mower from the Sears warehouse as a house warming gift about 25 years ago and still runs to this day. All my other equipment are either free or from auctions at a really low price. I count about 18 gas engines in our household.

[@philliphall5198]

@@SeeSaw72in 1990 I started buying lawn mowers of all kinds that people wonted to get rid of in 3 towns, ended up with over 192 riding mowers and just 2 acres of push mowers, Lots of them came from scrap yards

[@robertwfetech8691]

First time I heard you say let’s get it up on the lift . Great you finally got one makes life so much easier

[@daverose8772]

I use a folding plastic picnic table.

[@brianallen9810]

My father never bought a new mower in his life. All of his mowers were found on the curb and after a little elbow grease they all functioned well for years. And he also had several, he'd never pass one up. I'm glad to see you do the same thing

[@nibcamp3958]

Showing us how is important to rookies and newbies. Thanks from Canada.

[@dannytreadway4561]

Growing up low income family I learned to make repairs such as this out of necessity. My wife often can not believe the things I know. It was that upbringing that gave me my mechanical ability. At 67 I still tinker but leave major things to my trusted Mechanic Shop but things like these are no brainers, Thanks for the video.

[@phbrinsden]

So glad the lift works for you! My knees already feel better watching you!

[@bumpybuckethead]

Thank you so much for this video!!! I just came across this exact mower stored under a porch at a house we just bought in rough shape, but it still pulled so I wanted to fix it up and get it running again. I have no clue how to do this type of thing, so I was stoked to find this video. Much appreciated!!!

[@jcondon1]

Fantastic!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

My new favorite phrase on your channel, “Let’s get this up on the lift “. 👍🔧

[@allotmentfornovices8256]

Mine is welcome back guys

[@gergemall]

Love it . Was extremely sick with Covid 2019 to 2022 I started feeling better. Still weird side effects they don’t know. Good days , bad days, but I diagnosed and tunes up two different push mowers . First time in over three years I was able to lift a Honda mower into a trunk. No problem. Love solving these puzzles . Go simple first . I have a tendency of over six decades to still go to worst problems first . This is never the case 😊

[@mrobi5797]

Great job on finding the problem with the choke James. You never know what you will find when you open up an engine. I like to use fluid film under the lawnmower deck after every summer season. It does a good job in preserving the deck. I also use it on the snow blower auger area. Rust is the worst enemy.

[@666dynomax]

I do this also.

[@daboomer2277]

Do you guys know what would cause gas to get into my oil on my mower?

[@mrobi5797]

@@daboomer2277 Carburator issue where the needle does not seal properly. The carburetor float could be stuck.

[@jimw6991]

What do you spray on to keep from rusting

[@mrobi5797]

Fluid film, old engine oil or anything similar under the deck, every season before you store the lawn mower is a sure way to keep it for the long term.@@jimw6991

[@brianhind6149]

Pleased to see that you FINALLY got a lift & service bench. An old guy like me at 82 needs both to work on ANYTHING ! Well Done James !

[@wildefox1478]

It's just amazing the stuff people throw away, most of the time on lawn equipment it's a simple fix, someone was probably fiddling with the carb and overtightened the bowl nut cracking it. Nice work James!

[@arthurbiringer5676]

That’s another award winning resuscitation and didn’t cost you much money! Great find!

[@sinx2200]

Any time I pick up a mower I always pull that top and check for critter nests and clean the carb usually good to go!

[@ChristopherTreadway]

That seems like normal protocol for fixing mowers but whatever I guess. There’s no way I would resell a mower without checking all that out first.

[@er1073]

Clones and Amazon keep you employed. I wanted to add that the lift is really a handy thing for you to have a time saver no doubt. Great job as usual James. Thanks Ed

[@somerandomguy3868]

I recently put a hipa carburetor on my leaf blower, it always was a strong running machine but it's really strong running machine now

[@awdsvx]

I have the same exact Craftsman lawnmower. I got mine for free as well. My Mom gave me the lawnmower, she didn’t need it anymore. It’s been reliable & starts up on the first pull. Thanks for the video.

[@sunbeam8866]

Last of the decent American mower engines. Replaced by 'disposable' OHC engines with infernal plastic carburetors that clog up every season! Today being replaced by battery mowers. Even Honda stopped making gas mowers. So you may not be able to get any decent gas mowers, unless you find a curbside rescue!

[@philliphall5198]

I have the same mower also and it’s been great except the fuel tank cracked and had to be replaced 😊

[@Jim-ie6uf]

James, I’m jealous of that one.! Very easy fix, but remember, always take the shroud off when starting the repair, to find the hidden surprises. A good pressure washing, and oil change. Paint up the block and shroud with some Krylon black lacquer, some underneath the deck oiling with old oil, anything else needed and it’s a solid $175.00 in season. The bag and 4 wheel adjuster seal the deal.

[@DanKoning777]

James every time a watch one of your videos I'm reminded how thankful I am to have found your channel. But this time I'm reminded how thankful I am for something else as well-that at 65 I can never/ever recall having an issue with mice [in any way]. Literally nothing-no signs or negative affects to power equipment, or my home, garage, shop, or shed. Maybe it's our cats 🤔 I always wondered if 37 was one or two too many? 😂 [we have 0]. As always a 👍 for an excellent video. God bless.

[@martyb3783]

Your videos are always so therapeutic to watch. Great job as always.

[@alanstalker5499]

The critters love these mowers!🐭

[@texascottonfarmer]

👍👍👌👌 Always satisfying to see an engine restored to operating condition.

[@Landrew0]

It's always a joy to watch someone who you know will always do the job right. Instead of taking shortcuts or making excuses.

[@jcondon1]

Thank you!

[@markr.1984]

I have one almost exactly like that! Same Platinum engine. Been running like a champ since 2010. Switch to exclusively synth oil and ethanol free gas by around 2014. It really liked that. Mine is not self-propelled like this one. Other than that it looks like my mower. Worth fixing. Mine is not nearly as rusty as this one though. I'm bookmarking this vid in case I ever have to actually work on it someday.

[@Duke93720]

I picked up a mower from the curb 15yrs ago when i moved into a house from an apartment. All it needed was a new pull cord and spark plug boot. Still with me and it starts on the 1st pull every time.

[@hugh007]

I just replaced the carb on the same engine with a clone from Amazon. About $14 with a section of fuel hose, gas filter o-rings and clamps. Working fine. Thanks.

[@Ram14250]

Mowing season is over? You are lucky! Here in Michigan, leaf mulching and picking up is part of "mowing season" here. Still have a week or 2 yet.

[@jcondon1]

Good point. Leaf season is going strong here for a few more weeks.

[@Skynet-1]

I'm also in Michigan. Just mulched the leaves last weekend!

[@1pcfred]

I'll be doing leaves here until Christmas eve. After that I say screw it I'll get what's left in the spring.

[@knighthawk86855]

I use clones all the time, never had an issue, hipa is a good manufacturer.

[@paulhare662]

I recently added a small collection of Revereware pots and pans to my shop. Several frying pans in various sizes for drain pans and a big stock pot that I keep old gasoline in for parts washing. They are indestructable, cheap and available in thrift stores. They also clean up nice and look good on the shelf. Just a suggestion.

[@peterperry5378]

Thank you so much for your tutoring I am an amateur mower repair enthusiast, trying t repair a broken recoil spring on a John Deere at the moment, a lot of Condons live here, Greetings from County Cork.

[@milesvincin2199]

Glad to see you have a lift.......I had noticed you always working on the ground (that I saw at least).

[@billabernathy1541]

Nice find and repair, James. Free is good - sometimes!! lol

[@KJ6EAD]

I put two old mowers out on the curb and they disappeared quick. One had a bent crank shaft so good luck getting that to run.

[@billabernathy1541]

@@KJ6EAD I wondered about that at the start of Jame's video. Luckily it was ok.

[@watermanone7567]

Nice find and fix. Those were good engnines. Thanks for the video.

[@geraldharkness8830]

so nice to see you putting the new lift to good use james..that will save your back!

[@peterking1134]

Initially, I was wondering why the cylinder head was so nasty looking. The mouse nest explains everything.

[@1pcfred]

Fluffy was camping out in that mower.

[@ron827]

For some reason, mice prefer to live under small engine cowlings so it is wise to watch the cooling air outlet area for mouse house debris when starting.

[@watertech011]

Your video inspired me to load up a toro 21352 self propelled push mower next to the dumpster at work. It had three wheels was very dirty and looked pretty rough for being 3 years old. At home upon disassembly found the crankshaft bent about 1/2” used a long steel pipe to straighten it the best I could, changed the oil adjusted the valves bought a wheel and inner corner and for $52 I have a second backup push mower. It is rewarding to make something useful again. Thanks for all your detailed videos.

[@barthanes1]

I'm glad you listened to your son. Cool video, and a pretty easy fix.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

That's why I always pull the recoil/blower housing on a rig that's been sitting to check for bests and usually derust the mag and flywheel magnets. Never know what's there until you look. Thanks and Blessings!

[@cowboy777120031]

It's nice not seeing you work off the floor now I'm glad you got a table to work on good video keep up the good work and God bless

[@drawengrave01]

I enjoy resurrecting throw away lawn mowers. The demonstrations on KZbin have been wonderful tutors. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@brianwood5220]

That lift will save your back a bit James. Nice job today, thanks for sharing.

[@mbk-Por911]

These are fun toi watch. I had a broken 10,000 watt Champion generator with 2 hours on it. I learned how to clean carb and get it running good as new for a just some of my time. These are great helpers on small engines. Thank you.

[@hillcountrylivin]

I've never seen anyone with a box full of carburetors before. Great video!!

[@philliphall5198]

lol I got several 5 gallon buckets full plus old Holley and ford carburetor

[@georgestender7172]

Good to see you using the Lift. Take care of your Back! Thanks for all the effort you put into your Videos. I have learned A lot!

[@andyhamilton8940]

Just got one like this off the curb which had electric start! Had a spun flywheel key, got it going but it had a rod knock. Swapped another quantam off a rusted out Troybilt. Good to go!

[@mr.waynes7555]

There’s your problem Lady. 😂 😂 😂 Cracked me up!!! Loved the sense of humor.

[@runout74]

He may be tipping his hat to another KZbin channel named South Main Auto Repair.

[@Jayson90210]

"Hey hon, I'm going to go back out and finish mowing the front yard, I left the mower out front..Wait, WT...."

[@asakayosapro]

In the condition it was initially in, it wouldn’t be able to start anyway, let alone run lol

[@iantyler4045]

I hate seeing things thrown away for the sake of a few dollars in parts. Satisfying to see that mower living on. Well done.

[@lawrencepevitts2434]

I sure am glad that you got a lift. I couldn't have lasted as long as you have without it. My back would've been killing me. Whenever I have to work on my lawnmower, I work on it on the side of my drive way. I have a retaining wall there, & I can stand up & work on the mower.I love the time-lapse of the ultrasonic working.

[@michaelstoliker971]

Nice job! That's a pretty nicely configured mower for a free unit.

[@donfitger9567]

I have a good time watching you take on projects like these! Almost feels like I'm in the shop with ya, with all the usual yapping that goes with it.. I always learn something, I have a lot more confidence taking on tasks now. My small engine stuff has got me started on all sorts of things around the house, even a stucco patch. You got this old retired lazy ass off the couch, a big thanks Arch.

[@RyeOnHam]

We don't have mouse-nest problems down here. I absolutely HATE those auto-choke systems. It's a mechanical solution to a non-problem. I also hated those push-button starters until I started working on a 10,000 watt generator and dislocated my shoulder trying to pull start it. Yeah, I'll deal with the electric start on that one!

[@jcondon1]

I agree with the auto choke. Sometimes they are hard or impossible to start. A manual choke is never a problem (if you know how to use it).

[@markae0]

@42:37 beautiful lawn to walk in your bare feet, a living carpet. Great video! I am glad you saved the mower from an early death to-be-put in the landfill/where-ever.

[@123tylerwebster]

Video definitely helped, my chraftsman power washer with the same Briggs engine has the same problem, I’m gonna take mine apart and check out the choke mechanism.

[@loucinci3922]

Always fun to watch. Good fix. Enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing

[@rickgalla3377]

Great video, the blue looks like Briggs and Stratton stabilizer, thank u, I always pick up unwanted mowers, because after I service them always get minimum $100 plus

[@hanzfischer585]

Had the same issue inside the carb where the jet nut had broken the threads. Found some old two part metal epoxy, from my old job kicking around. Took my time and did a rethread. That craftsman mower is still being used by my grandkids to mow the grass. It's 27 yrs old and has not missed a beat.

[@jcondon1]

Very nice

[@patborjon6778]

I came to the comments to ask about a 2-part epoxy fix; especially *before* he tore out the broken piece. I used 2-part epoxy to repair a washing machine drum & it's still cleaning clothes to this day, and my dad used some to fix his compressor tank and it's still pushing out air 30 years later.

[@danielsauriol]

Just want to let you know that I really do enjoy your videos as they are extremely educational. Looking at someone cannot beat getting your hands dirty but I feel that I learn (and ENJOY) watching your logic and troubleshooting approach ............Cheers from Canada

[@kanebenoit8987]

Awesome video!!!, can't wait for another!!!!

[@Texas4x]

Now I see why the aluminum head looked so crusty and corroded before you took the flywheel cover off. Nice find, Jim!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Great point and great tip for examining all engines. Mouse pee must corrode aluminum! If you only see corrosion in one area then there must be a reason for it! It’s all in the details. 😉👍🔧

[@michaeltarasenkoop2389]

James a suggestion on the lift the deck is all steel made for a tire add a piece of wolminized plywood so things don’t slide all over the deck ! Glad you now can save your knees and back by not bending over great show ! I’ve probably seen every show you have put on ! Love them !

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@gaetansimard1594]

Good job, always interesting to watch your work. I learn something e very time. But like the other guy say. It is not a space shuttle…it’s a lawn more..😊it runs fine!

[@johnh5896]

I bought a Honda mower 15 years ago for 170$ it had a bag I used it for 10 years doing lawns for elderly it had the double blade so it mulches great finally bought a new blade after I hit a rock Honda starts at 750$ now new so I’ll keep it running till the wheels fall off.

[@PBGetson]

That mower looks very similar to the mower my next door neighbour put on the curb this summer. I rolled it home, and after some work, got it running and operating correctly. I used it for the rest of the summer cutting my lawn, and even a few neighbour's lawns. The neighbour knows I took it and fixed it, and they're fine with it. If I hadn't started watching your videos earlier this year (found a Firman 1700/2100 on the side of the road) I might not have even looked at the mower.

[@timewa851]

that B&S 'Q' engine DOES NOT STOP. Put a used one on my old Snapper, got curious after running it ten seasons. It's assembled in 2000. ? Still runs perfect, just new air filter/plug every five years. Perfect Engine. Too bad they went to OHV. Big step in wrong direction.

[@icefishdaily]

Loving the lift! Glad things worked out that you could acquire it! :-)

[@BigAlWillis]

One thing I like to do is use the old gas & a cheap small paint brush to clean all the heavy stuff on the outside of the carburetor. It saves on carb cleaner & really does a nice job. Cool vid. I gave it a thumbs up

[@jasonm6468]

My neighbor gave me his Craftsman mower almost just like that. Had some carb issues I had fixed and it runs like a champ! Lightweight and easy to maneuver. The man who fixed it said they were good mowers.

[@davidduvall4655]

My area we call those mowers F.O.R.D.S, found on road dead. Got one I'm using just had to give plug more than 8 thousand gap and dump out the overfill oil. Runs good now. Get vid keep up the good work.

[@irishauto]

Wow! I got this exact same mower a few weeks ago for free in the same way. Someone had pushed it to the curb and I had passed by it for several days until I finally decided to stop and pick it up. I cleaned the carb bowl and flush the tank out and had it running in 10 minutes. It had very little use.

[@jcondon1]

Nice. It’s a descent mower

[@woolval52]

I literally did LOL when you started rifling thru that bin of old carbs! I can just imagine how many OTHER bins of old parts you've got lying around. You need a shed for all the equipment and parts you've accumulated...

[@TestECull]

12:55 When I got my flatty Briggs pushmower it would only run on the primer bulb. I cleaned the carb out in situ, as it were. Dropped the float bowl, poked some thin wire through the passages, and apparently that was enough to get it to start. From there it finished the job on its own. Reliably one-pull starts these days.

[@maverick5006]

How about a huge thumbs up to Jim's son for talking dad into picking up that mower. Now, we'd like to him working with dad learning a skill!!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Mower just needed a carb and a cleaning and a little love it cuts very well nice clean cutting decent free craftsman mower nice work as always @James Condon

[@steveferguson3705]

awesome as always and yes we just got thru the drought to now being hit with high rains over a 100 mills for 2 day's till the next one cheer's steve

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

when tipping over a mower always tip it so the carb. is up or on the top/high side .

[@butler386]

Once again great diagnosis and repairs. So glad you took off the shroud and discovered the nest. I have heard good things about those Hipa supplies. Thanks for the videos.

[@beaviswashere8009]

Always fun to watch your videos!! Fixing is Fun!!

[@ausenciomoreno3498]

Thank you for your teaching, English is my second language , God bless you man 🙏

[@allotmentfornovices8256]

Hello my friend I'm one of your biggest fans another great job thank you again for sharing your knowledge and expertise I am gaining so much Knowlege myself and I'm sure other people are also great channel once again thank you.

[@ElisabethGray-w1h]

Lol, got one the same way. Went by the next day and it was still there. Loaded it up,put some fresh gas straight in carburetor,filled up tank. Mowed with it 20 min, cleaned out the carb, I guess.Been running ever since.

[@redneckbryon]

Something I found successful, when you cannot get an OEM part through a website, you go to a local small engine shop, they can use different resources and actually get the parts and sometimes quicker.

[@billcarson8848]

Nice video. You are a very good mechanic.

[@stevetealey2804]

Nice job well done keep up the good work you do fixing up stuff.

[@jameshedrick605]

That looked like 2 stroke fuel in that. I use Lucas fuel stabilizer and the gas still is clear. I have 2 mowers with that same engine but one started knocking and i just replaced it with a Honda gcv160 that i had taken off a deck that was completely rusted out. Those clone carburetors actually work pretty good. I've used them in the past and they all run good. I always like to wire brush the under side of the deck at least 2 or 3 times a year then put a coat o heavy duty brush on truck bed liner on and it works great. Seeing you clean that one reminds me that I need to do mine

[@ablelock]

Great job on getting everything figured out on it and on the great find in the spring you ought to be able to sell that mower and make a few bucks.

[@1pcfred]

There's no way I'd have replaced that blade. Maybe wire wheel it and sharpen it. There go all the profits.

[@Tommy_Mac]

I found the exact same mower at the curb. The engine was stuck. I pulled the plug and put WD-40 into the cylinder. It had a ridiculous amount of oil-over a quart in the crankcase. The oil had migrated through the crankcase vent soaking the air filter and back into the carb. I drained and refilled the oil. The carb was gummed up. Found a replacement on Amazon for $13-with a fuel filter and spark plug!. Replaced the carb, flushed the tank and pulled it a few times to clear the oil out of the cylinder. It started on the first pull. It's a better mower than what I had-cost about $15. Crazy. Still starts on the first pull. Every time.

[@frankie7508]

Absolutely amazing that he never checked the level of the oil before starting the engine. There is no better way to destroy an engine than to run it on low or without any oil.

[@rogertyler3237]

That Gunk Works Like Crazy

[@MrSSB51]

I liked his big bin O' Carbs.

[@gabejones5147]

Thank you for some basic things like the blade installment direction , when you don`t know something you just don`t know no matter how basic.

[@JimConnelley]

The auto-choke thermostat spring takes a minute to warm up. My mower runs better after I removed it. Now I just tip the mower back before I pull the cord. When tipped back, just the weight of the vane will activate the choke.

[@johncourtneidge]

Very nice, thank-you. I may have missed the proper fixing of the choke vane end on the opposite side of the mower to the carburretor.

[@guzziwheeler]

This is true sustainability. It make me sad seeing people throwing things away and buying new ones when they can be easily fixed. By the way, it would be interresting to know how much time you spend on the projects shown in the videos.

[@billhenry7833]

Seriously? That makes you sad?