How To Restore A Junked Lawn Mower. For Cheap.

[@kdtrimble]

Hands up! Who would love to have Mustie as your next door neighbor?

[@richardmorse5307]

I’d love to have an easy going and knowledgeable fellow like Mustie as a neighbor!

[@chubbyjohnson5480]

This man continually puts out excellent videos. No crazy thumbnails, no mentions of subscribing and liking. All he does is ask how it's going and then commences to show us how to fix stuff.

[@NOOTSMAZDAS]

He is one of the greatest content creators he has taught me so much in the last two years

[@sthildas4857]

Good honest content will always attract those wanting to watch a nice learning experience.

[@brendasullivan901]

I just said.. to my daughter(with a broken lawnmower)... " My interwebs husband is a small engine guy!"

[@jackyou3145]

He should have millions of subscribers. The world works be a better place if he did.

[@larryelmore3438]

Memphis belle

[@baseball4697]

Thanks Mustie for continuing to offer these instructional small engine videos. I have learned so much over the years from you (and continue to). Not only have you’ve saved me money but have given me great satisfaction in fixing my equipment.

[@SkaterStimm]

Same, he has also given me confidence to tackle stuff myself. He is the dad or shop teacher we all wish we had.

[@marcryvon]

Same here. I was somewhat a good DIYer but he taught me so much more ! **Plus, he's the only man on earth I'd watch cutting his lawn ! 🤣

[@stevezozuk9622]

I also solved my most complicated issues with my truck , after watching the video of his Toyota truck had a sudden misfire code and as soon as he described the possibility of what it might be , instantly I knew that he had solved this for me . I'm still impressed .

[@deadsmooth419]

Me too

[@mannys9130]

@@marcryvon Say whaaaaaat? I love mowing grass because it's so satisfying! I built a striper roller for my mower so that it makes really strong, bold lines/stripes/rows when cutting. I just used a section of ABS (you can use PVC but I though black ABS was more handsome) with 2 "test plug" end caps to make the roller's cylinder. I bought about 50 pounds of lead bullet casting ingots and melted them down into cylindrical hockey pucks by melting them slowly with my acetylene TurboTorch and dripping them into old cat food/tuna cans which were just a bit smaller than the ID of the ABS pipe. I cut the pipe to be as wide as the width of the mower from the outer side of each wheel. The test plugs cap off the ends from inside and are flush with the end, so the roller sits flat and level from edge to edge of the mower flattening the entire patch of grass that the mower touches so it's a solid and uniform stripe. I used CA glue to put one cap on, then I put the new round lead ingots in one by one, filling the gap around them with sand and dimpling the center of the ingot deeply with a punch to expand it into place a bit before I put the next ingot on top. I should mention that I measured the length of the roller so that the last ingot was cast to size for a perfect fit as the last one. Then I put the other cap on with CA glue too. I fabbed up the roller's arms by cutting and bending a few thin pieces of flat galvanized steel stock so that they could be slipped onto the wheel axle behind the wheel and then reach backward and attach to the roller in the center of the cap. I drilled the first arm hole to match the axle diameter tightly but with clearance to let it rotate and swing freely up and down to match the grass height. To attach the arms' other end to the roller, I just found the center of the circle by measuring and then drilled a hole down into the first 1 or 2 pucks. Then I used a coarse thread lag bolt (which I had drilled the arm hole to fit tightly for clearance but not much slop) to hold the arm in place. I laminated 3-4 of the thin steel stock together to form one arm. It was easier doing it that way to make the precise bends necessary. I laminated the arms with JB Weld. Then I put it all together, and it works absolutely fantastic! I see many others use sand or water as their ballast, but my mower is pretty small so that wouldn't be hardly any weight at all and the grass wouldn't be flattened much. The lead is dense as hell and the little 2.5" ABS is like, 50 pounds. It works great on our thick, beefy Bermuda grass that is kept short. Striping works much better on cool season lawn like fescue and rye that can be cut longer like 3-4" and is a delicate blade. The stripes are so satisfying to see with my nice and healthy dark green lawn. It's the best on the street but I put a lot of work into it to maintain that. It's truly a labor of love and de-stresses me. I like it. Most could not care less about the lawn. 😸😸😸 If you have OCD about neatness and symmetry then bold, straight, and sharp lawn stripes are heavenly to create and look at later.

[@chrisrichard298]

A year ago I opened a small engine shop with a friend of mine. Learned a lot from you, Mustie, and you're a big part of why I opened my shop. I agree, most shops charge more than a push mower is worth for something like this. I don't. Not going to say the price, because I don't want this to be construed as an ad or a cheap plug. However, I've found I make more money charging cheap money for carburetor cleaning because people walk away when you tell them it's $100 and up but bite when it's a reasonable 2 digit number. Plus, I can clean that plastic carb and fuel tank in 15 minutes, so people are super happy when I can do it while they wait instead of having to come back. They tell their friends "This guy got my mower running in 15 minutes" and a bunch of people come out of the woodwork. It just makes sense to be reasonable and you'll make it up in volume.

[@katrich61]

I wonder how many homeowners have been inspired by your excellent videos, and saved themselves money by doing their own basic maintenance on their garden equipment. As always your videos are very entertaining and a joy to watch, thank you.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

People don't have much interest in fixing things. I shared this video to my Facebook wall. Will probably get one or two reactions.

[@rpm773]

I know of one homeowner, but I suspect there are others :)

[@TomAllenBird]

Ever since I started watching Mustie1 I have tried to maintain my own equipment. I religiously empty my chainsaw of non ethanol fuel after each use.

[@somedudeRyan]

So far it's helped me a lot!

[@greyone40]

The true indicator that there are a lot of viewers, will be when Mustie goes for a drive for miles and miles and finds no free stuff to pick up and fix.

[@TheToolmanTim]

You should put a hidden mark on it somewhere. Then in a couple years after the next owner has neglected it and put it on the curb with a free sign, you'll know it's the same one.

[@jezeski2011]

Sneaky - I love it

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Like they tag rehabilitated wild animals before they release them 😂

[@jeremyjohnson9163]

I’ve cleaned the carbs and repaired hundreds of mowers and small engines as a repair tech at Home Depot and I still enjoy watching Mustie work on mowers on Sunday morning. Learned a lot watching the channel.

[@justinstarnes81]

I literally found the same one the other day on the side of the road. All that was wrong was the recoil for the pull start. So I sprayed some penetrating oil, gave it a few rips and worked just fine. Cleaned the plug, carburetor and filter, changed the oil and it ran like a champ. Threw it back in the car and took it back to the guy and he was just shocked I fixed it. Told me to just keep it or sell it since he just bought a new one. My friend down the street needed a mower so I gave it to him. These videos always inspire me. Keep making them and I’ll keep learning from them 🤘🏼

[@navvet4518]

Morning gents! It’s amazing what’s on the side of the road there. That would be 50 bucks not running here. CUT THOSE DAMN TIE WRAPS! That is such a pet peeve of mine.

[@jacobg6528]

New England !!!

[@billmcdonald2436]

Same here

[@navvet4518]

@@billmcdonald2436 Non running generator $250. Running, full retail.

[@beakittelscherz5419]

Same in Germany...

[@357magdad]

I think the old reel mower would be an interesting episode!

[@daveporter7356]

Definitely agree!!

[@richardthomas1743]

HEY ! Good morning everybody! Another great Sunday with Mustie1

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

And yet another mower saved from the scrap heap. Well done Sir.

[@bnorris4368]

Love the sound of the old 2 cycle, smaller cc bikes. Has that nice crisp and snappy throttle response. Brings back memories.

[@RRRIBEYE]

Power band on a 2 cycle Yamahammer - especially a 175 - will take you by surprise if you're not ready for it!

[@marcryvon]

Reminds me of my own 175 Suzuki. It was already an old bike when I bought it in 1973. Took me through college and more. Should'nt have sold it... 🙄

[@zarathustra2k23]

@@RRRIBEYE RD LC for life! Power band IS life! :D

[@williamburdon6993]

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the lessons you have taught me , not only about small engines but the way to view problems. I used to be ok until something went wrong, then i would be ineffective because of anger, your videos calm me down and make me realize , there are going to be snafus, that's life, how you deal with them determine who you are. Not only with mowers, with life. Thanks !

[@alexboi32]

A good ol classic mower video, bringing it back to the original days. Good job as usual!

[@gertraba4484]

Now get to work on the double cab and bring a carcass bus over to gut the parts and wiring for. The cab....and take the white mopar out too......sheeesh. tooooo many toys, mustie!!!

[@williamramsey4431]

Another great mustie1 video. Your conversations are amusing and informative. All hail the mustie1.

[@martyjackson4806]

Worked in a small engine repair place in high school. I've never bought a lawnmower! Every one comes form the side of the road. I do exactly what you just did and they all run great. Deck rot is the same here in Ontario. That's what kills them.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Honda has a non-metal deck mower that's got a lifetime warranty (I think) which makes deck rot a thing of the past. Love mine.

[@josephdougherty2399]

I agree...same scenario in Michigan neighbor....I make a good bit of side money buying old mowers and getting them right for spring time sale

[@3800scgp]

@@monkeybarmonkeyman Huh, didn't know they had gone to a plastic (or plastic like) deck on some models. Think they used to have either aluminum or maybe even magnesium decks several years ago. Looks like their lower end stuff is still steel though.

[@ksavage681]

That's a northern thing. You never see any equipment on the side of the road in the southern US.

[@mannys9130]

I wonder if spraying the underside of the deck with Rhino Liner to seal it would prevent the paint from being removed and prevent the bare metal from rusting. Almost like a coat of armor. I know that as an auto tech, I've seen hard undercoating fail after a while and then it traps water beneath it making the rust even worse. However, truck bed liner is extraordinarily tough shit because of what it's designed to see daily. It's designed to have gravel dumped on it, furniture slid in and out against it, etc. Once it gets a thin coating of grass pulp, it would smooth out the pebbly surface. I wonder if putting a layer of sprayed polyurethane over the Rhino Liner would help smooth it out and add even another layer of durable protection to it. Or maybe go the other way around... Cerakote or polyurethane the underside and then put Rhino Liner on top of that. 🤔 Maybe Rhino Liner and a thick application of sprayed Plasti-Dip on top of it? I'm not sure. I'm in AZ. Most of us have no idea what a grass lawn even is. It's startling to native born people when they travel. 🙀 "WHAT IS THAT GREEN STUFF TAKING OVER THE YARD?!?!" Lol 😸 Some people do have Bermuda or St. Augustine grass lawns here though. The deck washer works pretty good most of the time and then one can just prop the mower up tilted over on a few bricks or 2x4s to dry out in the sun. Laying it over on the side and using a jet garden hose, or better yet a pressure washer, easily blows all the fresh grass off to keep the deck clean. Of course we have no salted roads here so our cars never rust either! My last car was a 1984 diesel Mercedes that had no rust on the underside whatsoever. The paint was gone, the suspension rubber was rock hard and split apart, and the interior plastics were brittle as glass, but the metal itself looked mint. 💪😸

[@handsonwithblg4949]

Next mower you do put hydraulics on the wheels to make it a low rider . Then you can be " Mowin' Dirty " . I know it's a bad pun but just smile already ! Have a great day everybody ! Thanks Mustie for the great work !

[@benkanobe7500]

I love it! After all these years of watching M1, I see now that it is almost like a medical show: The "patient" gets put on the table and the "Doctor" does an assessment prior to any (but most likely) surgery. Sometimes it turns into an autopsy, but we all learn as M1 sometimes does. I look forward to M1 all week to start my Sunday!

[@williambranham6249]

Mustie before you make a diagnosis on a "found" mower you should let your cat and dog look at them and do a "cat scan" and a few "lab Tests".

[@harveytr7106]

I first came to this channel because of a small engine problem right at the start of COVID lockdowns but I’ve been a regular viewer ever since. I like the fact that the videos aren’t topic-specific but rather discrete projects. That means that’s there’s lots of repetition- which is the best way to learn. But, actually, those channels that do topic by topic invariably run out of steam eventually. Whereas I can envisage me watching your channel every week for as long as you choose to do it. There’s plenty of variety. It’s really good to see one video that just pulls it all together on the mower front. As you say, it’s really only 35 minutes of work but having the whole thing laid out in a logical order by an accessible presenter is great. You really do have a gift for teaching.

[@bobstroud9118]

So glad I found an aluminum deck mulching mower about thirty years ago. No rust problems. I just bought four new steel wheels with ball bearings. I’ll get 20 more years out of it ! N.E.OH Bob

[@plexnoid]

Watching these videos is part education, part therapy ~

[@edwardmckenzie3402]

My Dad knew almost nothing about internal combustion engines. I have learned much on my own over the years, but have learned quite a bit from you in your approach to "Will it run " videos. Kudos and Cheers!

[@ZGGordan]

16:22 this is the story of every one of my lawn mowers, 10 years, zero service. but since I'm a Mustie fan now that has changed, all machines are neatly serviced in a diy way. lawn mower, trimmer, chainsaw, all have everything neatly lubricated and sharpened haha. thanks for the super informative videos!

[@richardmorse5307]

Very useful and practical video for recovering a neglected mower from the junk pile. I learned a lot about getting a mower to start with multiple causes. Please continue with these educational sessions!!

[@dougseaman8791]

One tip that I found somewhere else on KZbin, it's possible for the choke lever to touch the side plate that the carb mounts between and jam the choke in the open position. This will cause a no choke condition the next time you go to start the engine. Cure, form the side plate a little away from the choke lever or file or grind a little off of the end of the choke lever so that it doesn't touch the side plate. That tip solved my problem.

[@ohiofarmer5918]

The worst mower of all for jammed carb linkage and such has to be a Honda engine mower. Instead of studs to slip the carburetor over, you have to use bolts that traverse through all kinds of plates,and maybe 5 or six gaskets the carb,and even the fuel filter housing. Subsistute a stud for the 6mm bolt and it's way gooder. Don't know the length, but I suspect the horizontal Honda engines and clones have studs that will work. If you know which Mustie video dealt with a Honda engine, please link it

[@tommcguire5525]

Mega skillful, perfect presentation and even just the right amount of humour. You are a bloody Genius. From Biarritz France. Thanks.

[@DancerOfClouds]

Another Sunday morning with Mustie and Coffee. These videos are so educational and I too have learned so much from them. Thank you for your time and effort. Oh it was so good seeing your old VW Truck on the road agaon.

[@TimDyb]

Coffee is mandatory when watching Mustie1 videos. :^)

[@corysavage609]

I agree with you 100% it is great to see Crusty back on the road again.

[@boatbeard7767]

I was looking at the starter cord around the handle at 46.30... Easy enough to do.

[@zungruitelbitladnaternoche7305]

To test for a spark, use a neodynium magnet on an iron grounded part and stick the sparkplug on the magnet. It won't move and you'll have a great view for the camera. If it changes your life, say Pierre told you this trick. Please 🙏 I love your channel so much...

[@vinces8974]

What a great idea

[@metoon3092]

eh

[@carldelawter8900]

Only bought one new mower. A Sears 20" self-prepelled power reel mower. Changed the oil, cleaned the plug, & air cleaner, adjusted & sharpened the blade every year. Every 5 yrs new oil, air cleaner, plug, & drive belt. Stopped running 22yrs later. Original points & condenser finally wore out.I had moved to Florida & had a rock yard now. So I gave it to fix-it-up & resell guy. New parts & wheels & back in service. $100. Still works. 1980 - 2022 >>>.

[@flick22601]

I've found after a lot of testing that painting the bottom of the deck with a coat of aluminium paint does wonders. Just remove the loose rust and all the dirt and clippings. Then, just brush on a coat of paint and watch it soak into the rust and crevices. Spraying doesn't work very well. I have several mowers that I acquired used that had been rusted through in places. I never repaired the holes just painted the deck. I haven't had to buy a new one in over thirty years and seldom have to repaint them. It also seems to prevent grass from sticking to the bottom of the deck too.

[@blowupbob1]

what kind of aluminium paint? you don't mean the roofing stuff do you? maybe a stupid question but sounds like a good idea and i'd like to try it.

[@Dildo_Baggins.]

@@blowupbob1 +1

[@offshack]

I sanded (wire wheel) my deck down to bare metal about 7 years ago when it first started rusting - sprayed it with a nice thick coating of spray on flex-seal rubberized paint. 7 years later and it's still great - the only thing better might have been some actual bed-liner paint. Nothing sticks to it at all and i hose it off underneath every time I get it out to mow - might be another option for folks - I think it doubled the life of my mower (its almost 20 years now - Yardworks Model from Canadian Tire).

[@jimstark1887]

@@offshack Yes, I have bought the truck bed liner in a spray can from an auto store and did that. It works great! Nothing sticks to it.

[@robt2151]

@@blowupbob1 In the UK I have used a paint called 'Hammerite', originally available by mail order only. It seemed that the grass clippings didn't stick as much as with the original finish. There is a modern product with the same name but I cannot vouch for its performance.

[@brendaggiegigem6742]

Excellent video. It teaches all the main maintenance, how main parts function, troubleshooting ideas, and bonus how some problems sound vs no problem sound on that choke issue. Great job. I'm trying to teach my sons that most things aren't rocket science, and if you pay attention, you can head of issues before they become big problems. Thanks Mustie, I'm a new subscriber and will look forward to seeing all your videos with my sons. Happy Father's Day to all you Dads. 👍

[@richardstone5241]

I look forward to these shows and watch them every Sunday. Thank you for a great channel with useful information it has helped me on more than one occasion!

[@humor62]

I can't get enough of your cool videos Mustie1, wish you lived nextdoor to me, we'd be kicking gears, and wrenches all day!

[@awesomeguy8392]

Mustie, definitely would love to see you bring back or diagnose that older mower

[@chrismorrow3526]

Mustie is not the engine repair hero we deserve, but the hero we need! Thank you!

[@anthony1113]

I would absolutely love to see a Reel Mower restore. I just started cutting my lawn with a manual one…what a difference in cut quality. I really want to get a gas one.

[@peterreeve8663]

In the Uk we call them cylinder mowers. I love them!

[@notajp]

The cut is superior because a reel mower cuts the grass with a shearing action. Plus being on two wheels instead of four, it follows the contour of the ground better, so you get a more even cut.

[@anthony1113]

@@notajp NoNo I know the difference haha. I love the cut when I use my manual one. Could you try to get a “reel mower” to restore on the channel 👍

[@buster81365]

Yes Heck Yes Do a video on the 1950s style reel lawn mower

[@agtrestorer8438]

Another great Mustie1 repair video. Like so many others, I to have learned a lot from watching Mustie1 at work, the videos are fun and educational. (Nice catch on the plug wire).

[@mcjok88]

YES, YES, YES TO THE REEL MOWER! THIS IS MUSTY 1 DO!!! AREINS FINE! FULL MECHANICAL OVERVIEW, RUN AND REEL ADJUSTMENT! YEA! THANKS MUSTIE!

[@jimruddell3265]

It's not Sunday morning without a new Mustie1 vid!

[@davidfrank2824]

At the beginning when you were talking about what it would cost to get things fixed you are not kidding. My neighbor friends and family have all told me that if it wasn't for me fixing their equipment they would have just bought something new. We used to have a place that was around when I was a kid. My dad used to take care of stuff to this place. They did a good job and it did not cost an arm and a leg. As soon as the owner passed away his kids tried running it but none of them wanted to work so they closed up and sold everything off. After that they're really wasn't much around and the people that are are absolutely insane on their cost. I personally have been going back and forth on if I just wanted to do a business on the side. It's just hard for me to ask people for money especially if it does not cost me anything but kind to fix something. As always I enjoyed the video and of course I gave you a thumbs up and I've already been a subscriber for years so I got that covered also.

[@jamesrochester4111]

Steve’s Small Engine Saloon KZbin channel has a nice video on servicing these plastic carburetors. Common issue is main jet hole to small. Enlarging a bit really helps. Central white component does come out. Use small flat blade screwdriver in between cartridge and side wall and gently pry up. Be sure screwdriver in far enough not to damage o ring at top of cartridge. Also pay attention to orientation of cartridge as you remove it, for reinstalling after cleaning.

[@itsmephil2255]

Good to see a humble lawn mower getting some ❤️ Enjoyed watching that

[@woodytheskip1718]

Hi from the uk! Great video as always musty! The best thing I’ve found for protecting mower decks is fibreglass mould release wax. A good car polish wax will work as well if you can’t get hold of any, just requires a couple of extra layers and a bit more elbow grease.

[@lynnh7694]

Bummer, I bought a new mower, I watched this video and fixed my old mower. It was that dam cable. Mustie , you are the man.

[@johnwatkins6822]

Thanks Mustie, the 'teacher' in you certainly comes through clearly and makes your content both interesting and very informative. I especially support your continual emphasis on safety. With the current fuel prices is it worth discussing disposal procedures or whether it is feasible to reuse contaminated fuels? The reel mower would be an interesting presentation, I am of an age where that type of mower (the manual version) was the only option - one with a motor would have been a real prize. Please keep the content coming, I look forward to your next presentation.

[@joshuaharrison9331]

Man, I like hanging out with Mustie. Just a lovely attitude, compared to so much y.t its a very welcome calm, jovial space.

[@DeWittPotts]

That is a standard 'MTD' mower. MTD was acquired by Briggs & Stratton/Stanley a few years ago. I have the exact same mower under the Snapper brand that I bought from Walmart about 4 years ago. A bit off topic but I live fairly close to where TROY BILT started. The original factory was in Troy NY. They were noted for their rototillers which were very heavily made. Growing up we had the 8 horsepower 'Horse' model which was built like a tank.

[@cletusspucklerstablejeaniu1059]

I sure hope it wasn't a Russian tank, they don't seem to hold up very well.

[@DeWittPotts]

@@cletusspucklerstablejeaniu1059 Those old TROY BILT machines were built to last forever. There are some in this aera that are still running from thr 60's.

[@davidcoudriet8439]

B&S bought Snapper. MTD stands alone and makes most of the other brands, but not all.

[@davidcoudriet8439]

@@DeWittPotts 1990 TroyBilt mower here. Bought new. Aluminum deck, B&S Quantum flathead. It's still a beast.

[@j.w.3345]

I miss my 72 Yamaha CT-2 175. I got it in 74. I was 16 1/2 (because the 1/2 mattered at the time!) That was such a great trail bike! Never let me down.

[@docthebiker]

Yes, would love to see you restore and set up a cylinder cut mower. Much more engineering and precision than a spinny bladed grass chopper. If you don't want sharp edges on your cable ties cut a bit of the body off with the tab so it's flat and even. Nowt dickish about that.

[@robertheinkel6225]

You mean a reel type mower?

[@stubstoo6331]

@@robertheinkel6225 British refer to them as cylinder north America says reel.

[@pinwizz69]

Another excellent tutorial from Herr Doktor Professor Mustie1. To be honest, he's better than the instructor we had at the vocational school I attended my junior and senior year of high school. Give him a lab coat and he'd fit right in at Flint Michigan's Gennesse County Vocational school. His class would be overflowing with applicants.

[@erikzornes4183]

Good show as always, down here in the gulf coast, we have quite a few places to purchase non alcohol gas, my car gets better mileage it seems. there is a huge amount of boats here so i guess that explains the amount of stations that sell non alcohol gas. also a friend of mine was a motorcycle mechanic for many years specializing on HD's he said NEVER NEVER use unleaded low octane fuel in ANY motorcycle or Small engine.

[@davidcoudriet8439]

Depends on what it was designed to operate on..

[@jackhuddleston6830]

You are an excellent Teacher. Learn a lot every time I watch your videos.

[@paulmiller7276]

Love watching these. I feel like I could do one myself ! My neighbor is having a garage sale. About 4 old lawnmowers, an old roto tiller he wanted $40 for, some new and old tools. He had two air cleaners like you pulled off this lawnmower. Problem around here is most of the stuff is old. One lawnmower said “Bobcat” on it. He also had a gas weed whacker. He also had a bunch of rusted tool boxes. Question : what do you think of all the new electric stuff? Lots of zero turns and snow blowers are being added to the push mowers. Saxman

[@davidcoudriet8439]

GO GET THAT BOBCAT

[@paulmiller7276]

@@davidcoudriet8439 lol i stopped there to see if he had any musical instruments and it was just stuff he collected throughout the years. He had mobile 5w30 oil there at $4 a bottle. Mustie doesn’t pay anything close to that. It was a town wide garage sale.

[@davidcoudriet8439]

@@paulmiller7276 grab the bobcat quick. It's special; worth it, even if you just flip it.

[@jessesworld6400]

When I moved into the house i"m renting 3 years ago my old craftsman mower got stolen while I was in the process of moving. My new landlord gave me a non starting mower with the exact same carb. Its because of your videos that I was able to figure out what was wrong. First of all there was a tiny little piece of Styrofoam, no doubt from packaging or the factory that had clogged up the main jet hole, once I cleared that I was able to get it started, but it was backfiring so violently while trying to start it that it kept dislodging the blade from the bottom of the deck. I had to carry wrenches with me while I mowed because if I had to let it die for any reason the blade would come off. After watching some of your videos I realized that the timing key had become sheared in half and timing was off like 5 to 7 degrees. Got a new (used) key from another mower and the thing works great, it's been about 3 years now and it starts and runs the first time after winter on the 2nd pull. Thanks for the amazing explanations on how this stuff works and how to fix it when it doesn't work.

[@thomasjarosz7406]

Mustie, makes you wonder if that John deer dealership didn't put that there for a reason? God Bless

[@MrPhotodoc]

Perfect timing on this video with everybody trying to get their old mowers ready for the summer. Thanks!

[@RRRIBEYE]

Question for ya, Darren; I've always had issue with 'auto-throttles' because they cold start full throttle and then after you're done - and the engine's hot - BOOM - off. I like to start a cold engine and after choke, put that to idle asap and let 'warm up.' Likewise, after using and the engine's hot, I like to idle down to cool down, then kill it. Aren't these 'hard' on these small motors? Every Craftsman I have; tractors, tiller, push mower, power washer - all have throttles except my 2-stage walk behind blower. I would cringe on full throttle cold starts - especially when starting for the 1st time of the season - so I noticed there's actually a throttle slot - very similar to that of my tiller, so I looked up a throttle on Amazon and for $30, I bought one and it even had all the mounts for it. It now works as I wanted it. Your input is appreciated! Thanks!

[@guyeakin9479]

I fool around with pushers. I use an eyeglass size screwdriver to open carbs., & pop out inside jets. I put w.d.40 on jets to help slide together. Iv'e learned a lot from all you Guy's vids. Old Retired Guy.

[@mikespain8655]

The least expensive push mower at Walmart (Hyper Tough), that is MTD re-branded for Walmart, is $255 plus tax. The self a propelled mowers are about $100 bucks more. This Troy Bilt self-propelled mower tuned up and everything working 100% will sell for $120 and up all day.

[@mrc3584]

Agreed at $125 on marketplace I'd have it sold in two hours. That's a good mower and good price.

[@rauljr9869]

Thank you for another detailed video on how to troubleshoot so of the more common issues with todays mowers.

[@OSXMan]

You're mistaken on your ethanol in gas thing. E85 is 85% alcohol. What's been mandated is E15 which is 15% alcohol. We were using E10. IMO, most of the hysteria over alcohol in gas is way over stated. But, I know I'm in the minority. Great content, as always.

[@robertheinkel6225]

I have had to repair numerous small engines, due to alcohol. It deteriorates the fuel lines,until they just fall apart. I have worked on forty year old mowers, prior to the introduction of alcohol, and never saw a fuel line disintegrate once.

[@OSXMan]

@@robertheinkel6225 The rubber today is garbage. That's what deteriorates lines. The E10 or E15 is fine as long as it's fresh. Let it sit and it will clog carbs solid.

[@sonofedmund5004]

Nice to see Mustie Acres again, miss those rides around your garden on random mini bikes etc!

[@CTmoog]

Another one saved from the crusher! =)

[@applepoop10]

They are consider throw away mowers; they are so cheaply built that it’s not worth having someone to service it when it is more cost effective to just buy another one.

[@nowayout8773]

You make repairing stuff so interesting. Time goes by fast and it's enjoyable. My mother in law had a lawnmower with a white push button gas primer. I used to pull the plug and clean it. It was a cool LM. But once it died my sister in law talked her into trashing it and buying one with two batteries that have been a complete disaster. She has huge piece of property.

[@57Banjoman]

If I were a lawn mower that needed surgery, Mustie would be my guy!

[@brucemorton13]

Great presentation of, relatively, modern equipment maintenance. Thanks!

[@jamesrochester4111]

Just wondering what you do with the old, dirty, contaminated fuel you drain from equipment? Love your content. Thanks.

[@XxPhasemanxX]

He's mentioned before he keeps it in old tanks and his town will take everyone's old fuel once (Maybe twice) a year.

[@ericeverson5956]

Live free or die. Good motto to live by. Thanks Mustie. Peace.

[@JustinMonteagudo]

i wait all week for a pt 3 of the bat mobile and u pull a mower vid big yikes

[@RRRIBEYE]

He should put a 2 cycle motor - like his Yamaha 175 - in that thing!! I also wish he would have put that Gold Wing engine in that mini truck he (miraculously!) got running!

[@michaelgarcia1854]

Love watching your videos. Great know how. Id say yes to the reel mower. Bring that one next

[@peteacher52]

Americans mow lawns at a sensible height; many Kiwis like to scalp their grass patch - dust, small stones and powered dog turds flying! I like the relaxed, personable knack you have of making it seem as though you are addressing a gallery of onlookers in your shop. 🙂

[@lomni02]

upstate NY non-ethanal $5.20 gal I am glad I have some knowledge of small engine repair. I have found the bail cable broke or miss aligned many times... love all the vids!

[@RickHammondJr]

Thanks Mustie for these videos. Just picked up a Caftsman Mower to use for a homeschool assignment. Can't wait to see the kids get it going!

[@wayneraspberry4111]

Keep on making these interesting videos especially on uncommon equipment. Thanks.

[@ca.5172]

I have 2 push mowers. 1 I got from the dump and 1 I paused 20 bucks for. I also have a riding mower I played 200 for. All had issues and all are A ok now. I now have about 250 bucks in 2 good push mower and 1 good riding mower. Thankyou sir, you have taught me enough over the years to muddle by on a shoe string budget.

[@DanVanDelinder]

Always great to watch your videos, been a fan for years. I appreciate your straightforward and easy to understand commentary. Keep it up!

[@pegtooth2006]

gottt it.... & scene.... I'm pleased that I always watch your offerings to the end. Long time subscriber.... & long time meddler of horseless implements. Big thumbs up to all that you do for us slobs!! Thank you, Darren

[@garymarkham4167]

Mustie is the Man.....Cheers from Gulag Australia.

[@wheels711]

Thanks once again mustie. Always a pleasure to watch and learnn

[@72polara]

Good to see Crusty out prowling around for rusty junk after that long museum vacation.

[@wamaty]

I enjoy these small engine overviews as well. A reoccurring theme I see is dirty fuel, lack of any evidence of an oil change, and the grounding out by cables being out of whack. Also a lack of general cleaning maintenance below deck and above. Thanks Mustie, you’ve taught me a lot and as others said, saved me money. Including the sense of satisfaction that comes with fixing it myself.

[@KrisDouglas]

The comment about cutting the cable ties gave me a good chuckle!

[@dsicky]

Thanks for sharing the tid bit about values on used mowers. I typically pull them off the street, clean and tune, then find a neighbor or friend who could use a free mower.

[@mikep.5517]

I never cease to be amazed at the quality of stuff people in your area put to the curb. Such a waste. At least you're saving them from the scrap-metal vultures.

[@josephcormier5974]

Excellent video now I can work on the fifteen that I have thank you for sharing five stars sir

[@kevinberry7921]

you do inspire people to push aside their fear and try myself being one thank you

[@kenltron]

Replaced a head gasket (and tons more over the years) on my 21 year old Craftsman riding mower. Still running OK this year at 22. Thank you Mustie for taking all the mystery out of this.

[@sthavoc8]

I always cleaned under the deck of my mower, changed the oil and ran the fuel tank dry, checked and/or replaced the spark plug before putting it away for the winter, just replaced it in 2020. Same mower I used from the age of 9 for mowing lawns in the neighborhood. I'm 72 now so 60 years of service for half an hour each year to prep it for storage. My grandfather bought it for me because I was using a push mower before that (no motor) so the kid with the power mower got all the business. Used the money saved to buy my first car.

[@kcraig51]

I have NEVER...and I mean NEVER seen ANYTHING sitting out for free. You live in a magical place!

[@catfishgray3696]

HOPE THE DOGS ARE OK, JUST HAVE NOT HEARD YOU TALK ABOUT THEM, GREAT JOB, GREAT VIDEO...LET ME KNOW...

[@Remowylliams]

I come across water in fuel tanks for lawn mowers often. More often then not. that's the only problem since water is heavier than gas. I pour in isopropyl alcohol into the fuel tank and then wet the air filter with same, and start it up. The shaking of the engine mixes the water into the isopropyl, which the engine can burn and I'm off and mowing. This isn't a cure for a dirty carb or anything mechanical. But 95% of the time it gets the mower running. Thanks for the detailed lawn mower servicing video. Always enjoy seeing you have fun wrenching on a machine.

[@digdilem]

I fixed my westwood today and could hear you in my head talking me through the process of diagnosis and fixing it.

[@jimalexander1896]

Love watching you bringing stuff back to life!.....

[@NSEasternShoreChemist]

I have a 1981 Canadian Tire lawn mower. Found for free on the side of the road. Been my go-to machine for lawn mowing since 2011. My favourite feature? It doesn't have a deadman's switch that makes your wrist tired.

[@H0lyman01]

Gotta love a man who uses a literal museum piece for his daily driver.

[@michaelburns8279]

Another great video. I especially like the Yamaha 175 at the end, I had the same bike throughout High School, most reliable transportation I’ve ever had. Miles of trails and fun. Thanks again.

[@ajkundrath9661]

I subscribed to your channel. I enjoy your videos and nothing but positive feedback and people get to learn about things. Very interesting. Thanks and keep it up. A thumbs up for me!

[@bcmbdk]

Compelling - great stuff! Would LOVE to see you restore an old reel mower. Please make that your next project. Thanks!!