Let's See If They Were Telling The Truth About This Craftsman Mower

Links to products I have in my tool bag.
Air Filter. amzn.to/3sZIcGM
Compression tester. amzn.to/2NMgeze
Spark PLUG TESTER. amzn.to/3jEcZH3
Inline Spark Checker. amzn.to/3bnXjmA
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Chemical bottle. amzn.to/3eWcGVs
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Thanks for watching. This mower's self propel issue seems to be very common for this style of mower.
This video is meant as entertainment, always practice safety.

[@Crappie_Hunter_Seeker]

Great job. "I don't trust most people". Unfortunately, its the world we live in. I have the same issue. Wish I didn't..... Thanks for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you for understanding

[@tylerbeach4727]

I would say it’s definitely worth fixing the front wheels. Amazon has a nice looking set that appear to be correct for just over $20. The mower runs well, and even though it’s nothing fancy it is a special edition, I’d be a bit more interested in it on that fact alone. It should bring you some decent money, especially in fully working order.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yep that's the one I bought

[@tylerbeach4727]

Good luck with it!

[@robertwolf8368]

I had the same Craftsman only older, the teeth on the wheel seem to make contact only 1/4 inch even though the wheel and gear could go deeper and make more contact. This mower has a thick washer on the inside of the axle which I took and put on the outside which gave more contact to the wheel/gear. This may also give more stability to the wheel on the axle. Like your videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the tip I might have to look into it.

[@tjclarke4604]

Interesting you post this today. Just yesterday, not even kidding you, I had the exact same mower come in to teh shop, same issues and the drive wheels were also chewed. I still have it here right now, just waiting on the customer to give me the OK on the repair, lol!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

now that's quite the coincidence

[@georgepruitt637]

Back when I worked at a lawnmower shop, when a customer told me "It starts and runs", I would tell them "Show me". Most of the time, the machine didn't start and run.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, I'm going to have to do that from now on

[@johndenver8574]

I definitely think it's worth replacing the wheels as right now finding a used fully working mower is hard to find. In my area anyway. I usually sell the used mowers pretty quickly over the new ones at the shop I worked at.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yep that's the plan

[@tylerbeach4727]

I’m finding new sets for about $20-$30. Genuine mtd brand ones are $25 or so each.

[@mystic24100]

Love your videos. I always remove the little drive gear and clean, inspect and lubricate the key and spring.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and yes you're doing it the right way.

[@butler386]

Great video. If you can get a good price on the wheels I would fix the drive system. Then if the electric start can be fixed relatively inexpensively this machine should bring a nice price and sell rather quickly. Thanks for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct and yes you've already describe the plan for this mower.

[@scrapyardengines9741]

I had the same problem, I used toro recycler drive wheels and they worked fine

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice!

[@themowerman]

I would get a new set of wheels . With the electric start it should sell well.. especially for some who finds it hard to pull start

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely agree with you

[@mikehrdlicka8635]

I ended up doing toro mowers drive always needs service. Some have rod knock just deal with then best you can. The craftsman quantum engine fits if you drill crankshaft to 7/16 nf

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@kevinklassen8199]

QUESTION: why are some mowers able to completely fill the bag with clippings while others don’t? I have several push mowers and use lots of others frequently. Some just fill the bags so well and some only 70%. I’ve checked all the blades and there doesn’t seem to be a correlation with lift angles or mulching blades… one mower with a mulching blade fills a bag better then any others…

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I have to guess it's an issue of design. I full bag would make it really tough to mow with so I have to guess it's made to fill mostly full but not completely

[@KennyBaltz]

I would definitely replace the wheels. Great video as always.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks 👍

[@WhippJunior]

Owned exact model since new had to also replace the drive wheels. The special edition was...These were marketed for women with the electric start and lower profile handle (which is a back breaker if you're 6 foot). Still runs and cuts good though.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

really? I'll have to take a closer look at the handle, thanks

[@BADD400]

In my opinion I would replace the drive wheels. If you can get them for a good deal then definitely. Can’t wait for the next video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed and thank you

[@mjg263]

Definitely worth new wheels, without them it’s pretty much unsellable and with them it’s a very desirable self prop. mower with the bag. There are some good deals on them and if you repair a lot it may be worth getting a quantity discount.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I agree

[@wapd205]

Replace the wheels and send it. I usually keep spare wheels around from donor mowers for situations like this.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hey that's a good idea.

[@MixingGBP]

That’s gotta be the slickest drive wheel I’ve ever seen. Why is just the one wheel worn?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that I can't say, guessing would be that one wheel makes more contact on concrete because of how they mow their yard.

[@cameroncassel994]

Great video as always. I have a mower I working for a nice young lady and I had to call her to ask if she wanted the air filter replaced and the cover. Well she said no and I was very surprised, so I explained to her the importance of the air filter and cover. In the end she agreed to me replacing it. I am so surprised how dumb people are, if it runs is ok. That's not always the case.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it's always amazing to hear their answers

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

These engines do have carburetor inlet pipes on them just like the Tecumseh, its just hidden under the blower housing and runs right above the cylinder of the engine. The only problem with this design is that it causes the fuel mixture to enter the combustion chamber at a higher temperature, and high temperatures don’t combust as good compared to colder intake temperatures. The Tecumseh on the other hand has its inlet pipe laid out so it isn’t up against those parts as long and because of this they have a lower intake temperature compared to the Briggs and Stratton. Now sure, it is only a minor difference in performance, but it will have some affect on the engines efficiency.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the information

[@Turningwrenches85]

Finding a good deal or if u had wheels from other machines that were still good to put on there is worth it especially if the trans works on it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good idea

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro what's up? I believe that where ever you reside in the world there is always a problem on getting replacement parts for your equipment however in my opinion the mower looks and sounds great so getting the replacement drive wheels would certainly improve the sale on said mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's what I was thinking too.

[@Shawnee.Hills.Small.Engine]

It's worth replacing the drive wheels, since they're almost always slick anyway. Look alike copies from China are available from many online sources. It just takes some time to find the best price. It's the shipping cost that's annoying.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and you are correct about them

[@randyc2525]

Another great video. Where are you buying your wheels?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm getting them from Ebay but they're on amazon too.

[@randyc2525]

@@HomeGaragechannel any certain seller?

[@matthewwearsch242]

It's worth it but first I would take belt cover off and inspect the belt and traction cable a lot of times you can adjust the traction or drive cable also check transmission and be sure it still turns the pulley

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very good advice

[@Patrick4959]

yes for sure plus even i could do it dead easy and way cheaper than sending into a professional plus the labor cost add ups too etc.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's unfortunate most people don't see it that way.

[@Patrick4959]

@@HomeGaragechannel yep too right mate.

[@liljoeii6091]

Thank you for the video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for watching

[@TYLERizzILL]

A video on how you clean equipment would be awesome!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

the link near the beginning of the video will show you

[@paulburns3788]

I think you should change the traction Wheels the one in the video looks bad

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@tdumford1]

I have the exact mower with the exact issues with the wheels.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hopefully you can get a set of wheels for it then

[@CasualDeveloper]

whats the cleaner and lubercant you used for the back wheels?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

the cleaner I'm using for the machine is a degreaser from harbor freight, and I'm using lithium grease for the wheels.

[@CasualDeveloper]

@@HomeGaragechannel sweet thank you

[@christophermarshall5765]

I would fix the self drive system. One big improvement I think they should do with all mowers is to put bearings in the wheels that can be replaced.

[@davidcoudriet8439]

Drive them out, put new ones in. All bearings have a number on them. Or, I drill out the plastic ones with no bearing, and press in bronze oilite bushings from the hardware store.

[@christophermarshall5765]

@@davidcoudriet8439 you completely missed the mark of my comment. For mower wheels to have bearings, they need metal inserts into which to press the bearings. Simply drilling out the plastic & fitting oilite bushes is not enough. You'll have the same problem. I'm talking about fitting proper wheels that have replaceable bearings like those used in mobility scooter front wheels, & yard cart wheels, along with those found on some hand trolleys used for moving heavy objects. The type of bearing I'm on about are those found in car alternators.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes that would be a great idea

[@christophermarshall5765]

@@mc2whls I have the tools to make such wheels if I need to. Not only this, we have trolleys that are fitted with wheels that have bearings in them and I can make them fit on a mower if needed, by making sleeves that increase the axle thickness.

[@christophermarshall5765]

@@mc2whls I have the tools to make such wheels if I need to. Not only this, we have trolleys that are fitted with wheels that have bearings in them and I can make them fit on a mower if needed, by making sleeves that increase the axle thickness.

[@etronix4922]

Ok so i gave in my lawn mower to get serviced because it would never start and when it did start, it would turn off after 2 seconds. The person who serviced my mower told me that the pistons are worn off and the lawn mower's life is practically done. Considering the lawn mower being 21 years old, did it break done itself by time or did it break done due to things I did wrong while maintaining it?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

if you changed your oil once a year, then it's natural and there was nothing else you could have done about. But if your oil changes were infrequent then its wear is due to lack of sufficient maintenance

[@etronix4922]

@@HomeGaragechannel Oh ok thank you. I think it was due to me not maintaining it well. Anyways, is it worth for me to pay around $600 to get new pistons in the mower or is it not worth it because of its age? And if it is not worth it, what mower do you recommend?

[@rickthelian2215]

If you where to pay $10 for a cheap mower to use to mow garden then you only remove the gearing and you have a great push mower. Yes for resale purposes if you can get the parts for a good price well it’s worth it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's what I'm hoping for.

[@covishen]

Around here I can get what is called a universal replacement for the front drive wheels for $35 a pair. For that price it's worth replacing them.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

can you send me a link

[@HSC570]

I am working on a 1980s 5HP Briggs and Stratton motor and the gas tank has old gas in the tank. Do you have any suggestions on how to clean the gas tank without damaging the tank more

[@HomeGaragechannel]

unfortunately no. the damage that's there will only be revealed after cleaning.

[@HSC570]

@@HomeGaragechannel ok thank you

[@brianking1138]

Where did you end up buying the wheels and how much did they cost? My stash of used wheels has run out.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

got them from amazon for $19 before tax. it was a great value for new wheels

[@ackack1]

Those plastic cog wheels (AYP/Husqvarna) are particularly prone to being chewed down by user behavior. They work fine when going on a straight row but when the user gets to the end of a row & turns to go back, he often either doesn't release the drive bail or fails to lift the front wheels when making his turn.. Thus, the gears are still trying to go forward while he is impeding their progress by dragging them in the process of making the turn. That's why I prefer rear wheel drive, among other reasons.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I've seen this first hand... so it makes sense they get chewed up.

[@jonasdahlquist6766]

i have a problem with a weedeater that does not want to suck any fuel do you know any potential problems? it has no primer bulb only a choke

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure the pumping portion of the carb has an issue. you can either clean and service the carb, or you can get a replacement carb

[@jonasdahlquist6766]

the poblem is that i just bought and put in a new carb yet is still wont suck any fuel although i did buy a really cheap carb i should problaby have bought a more expensive one

[@deebee3901]

Yep, change all the wheels if you can get them for the right price. Plus, that mower will be worth a premium when battery mowers become the standard.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right

[@Goldenwoodz]

What kind of grease do you use for the wheels??

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm using lithium grease only because it's easy to use.

[@Goldenwoodz]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you I will be getting some for my wheels for this spring.

[@warpig372]

Definitely worth replacing the wheels with broken teeth. My first lawn mower was a craftsman and I had the same issue by replacing the wheels. It turned out to be the oldest working lawn mower I ever owned.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I agree that it's worth it. thank you!

[@haneyoakie14]

My reputation tells me not to sell anything that isn’t 100%, even if getting it to 100% is not a financial winner on that particular transaction.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like that, however I also believe in full disclosure. So I'll get it as close to 100% as possible because let's face it, I'm selling a used machine. after that, I'll let them know what's not working at 100%

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

I would definitely fix the front wheels and maybe charge enough to cover the price

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes that's that plan right now, but it depends where it ends up at.

[@berardia4]

$10 purchase price definity allows for purchasing new wheels and sell for a nice profit, especially if you have the bag.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I did get a bag but I don't recall If it was for this mower or the other one they sold me.

[@berardia4]

@@HomeGaragechannel I find it easier to sell, and higher prices, with the bag. Even if I ask and they say they don't use the bag🤔

[@robertmailhos8159]

The truth will set you Free

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes sir

[@rockevronv11]

so i have a chainsaw with a rebuilt carb and it starts and dies on the choke and i take it off the choke and starts and dies im so confused

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I can see why you're confused, have you done a compression test on it?

[@Supernoma]

New drive wheels are almost always justified. Those wheels shouldn't cost more than $30, you'll easily cover your cost and then some with a higher sale price.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct, they are going to be worth it.

[@thewolfman61]

Myself, if i had doner wheels i would swap them, if not i would just convert it to non drive and eliminate all the extra weight. Save the drive system for another project.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the advice!

[@petefroud5308]

They are a good machine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely agree with you

[@peters2620]

should put grease rather than wd40 on those axles

[@HomeGaragechannel]

probably and I'm using lithium grease

[@NOsubscribers184]

It’s Kind of annoying to me when people say, “oh, my mower’s engine is not getting up to speed, probably just needs a spark plug”😅 most people think replacing the spark plug will magically fix ALL of the issues. Am I right

[@HomeGaragechannel]

in about 1 case out of 100 has that worked. So I can see why people try it.

[@NOsubscribers184]

@@HomeGaragechannel I didn’t know that. thank you

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Between the air filter and oil, you may have saved it from its owner. Drive wheels are always worth it! 🙂

[@lewiemcneely9143]

And will have to look at the ratchets in the drive cogs themselves and belt before it's all over. Stay cool, Pal!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@lewiemcneely9143 It's a good bet they are all original.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's what I thought too.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I've gotten into stuff like that and I'd lay heavy odds you're right!@@GuysPlayingWithTools

[@aaax9410]

People don't wanna buy problems 🌵:)

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true

[@Northernbrent]

Ya I would replace the wheels

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good choice

[@DonatellaBensi]

How much gasoline cost of you? Here in Italy prices are so high that using my mower is too expensive

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow here where I live gasoline with 10% ethanol is about $3.50 a gallon

[@DonatellaBensi]

@@HomeGaragechannel here gasoline with ethanol "does not exist", you can only do it yourself (that's why I didn't want a 2 stroke scooter, it's boriiing to always mix fuel)

[@paulburns3788]

Anyway hello Home garage how are you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good how about you

[@paulburns3788]

@@HomeGaragechannel I'm good also

[@davidcoudriet8439]

Wow. Classic lazy owner. Gives it no more thought than toilet paper. Few want the involvement with their machinery anymore, and quickly 'cry the blues' when it breaks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

so very true