This Husqvarna Mower Was Stored The Wrong Way

[@collectingonthecheap56353]

Minnesotan here. I definitely run the gas empty before storing for winter, along with other winter storage prep. Whether stored outdoors wrapped in a tarp, or just inside an outbuilding, never really had issues getting them going again in spring.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks Collecting on the Cheap, I think it's the best way too.

[@lindaosborne1107]

Thank God I live in the south where the winters are short. I crank my small engines every month and run them a little. I know most people will not do this but I don't have problems by doing this.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, I know this works but it's takes devotion

[@24space310]

i just run em bone dry since stuffing with gas will f up the carb and thats a problem that is gonna be a headache.

[@dm7097]

I have found some of time, when people throw away a machine, they will “sabotage” it in some way. Like pulling the plug, or cut the cables on it. Maybe they think if they couldn’t fix it, they don’t want anyone else to fix it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

really? I'll have to watch for that in the future, thanks

[@24space310]

or there might be a nasty surprise waitng for someone to pick it up to realize it.

[@danwake4431]

That makes sense. They don't want to see it running perfectly fine in some neighbors yard a week later and feel stupid lol. Although when my Craftsman single stage snow thrower wouldn't start I wanted to upgrade to a 2 stage so I put it on the curb. Someone took it to fix up and resell. Good for them, I had no interest in it anymore.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point.

[@therandomman6647]

Gasoline engine aren't going anywhere, at least for the next 20-30 years. Small engines strike a nice balance between price, reliability, and quality. I was extremely relieved to learn that, because small engines, and especially your videos on them (that document if you have to disassemble further than the carburetor) are how I survive winter without extreme boredom. I appreciate your content and I'm excited for part two!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I partially agree with you. I don't they're going to anywhere but if the manufactures and users, Deem them to be a menace, then they'll stop producing them to appeal to the "Folks" who also don't like ICE. You can want all you want, but if the people making them, see more money, going the other direction, that's the way, they'll go.

[@testtesting2868]

@@HomeGaragechannel I find battery mowers to be a menace. They lack power, have limited run time and very expensive to replace the batteries every few years. (My father-in-law has one that I use at his home.) I am fortunate and E-0 fuel is available at the pump. Run E-0, change the oil every 25 hours, change the spark plug every three years and a gas mower will last trouble free for 20 years. My 2004 Husqvarna mower is running strong!

[@robwebnoid5763]

@@testtesting2868 ... I'd like to see hybrid gas+battery mowers eventually, if that would ever become a thing. Of course, batteries & gas do not live as long as the rest of the parts of the mower, which is mostly metal. Batteries do have that aforementioned shorter lifespan & gasoline shelf life tends to decay within 6 months, or perhaps twice as long with fuel treatment. I think we just have to wait for future power sources to come. Micro-fusion/fission reactor mowers? Or just better & better battery technology. And we can always go back to manual reel lawn mowers, heh, as I think muscle power will probably never go away for as long as homo sapiens is around. And it would help burn even more calories when you have to push even harder to cut grass!

[@danwake4431]

@@testtesting2868 I was lucky. I came across a Greenworks Pro 80V battery mower complete with two batteries and fast charger for a little over $300. That was a one day sale on Father's Day. ( Normally over $600). That's more than a cheap push mower but less than Honda mowers. I can do my lawn 6 times before I have to charge. I also let the batteries cool before I put them on the charger. This mower came with a side discharge, mulch, and bagging option. It has a high power button on it for lifting stubborn grass and leaves but I found I didn't need it. I believe people who tried an older battery mower would be surprised what they can do today. And I definitely wouldn't compare a $170 Ryobi 40V to a 60 or 80V mower. Also the easy folding and being able to store it anyway I want with nothing spilling out is nice. Don't take this to mean I am against gas engines. I just bought an Ariens Deluxe snow thrower. I drained the tank before storage, changed the oil, etc. I don't mind it. But the battery stuff is improving greatly. I've replaced my leaf blower, edger/ trimmer, drills, saws, all that stuff with battery. By the way, the reason I bought the GW mower is because that stubborn Craftsman I have just wouldn't die and I was wanting something new. I inherited my old Craftsman with Kohler engine about 10 years ago. The person before me used it for many years and she had bought it at a garage sale for $50. Neither of us have done anything to it. The oil hasn't been changed in almost 20 years, the spark plug gets cleaned and put back in, the filter gets knocked on the ground, that's it. That darn thing refuses to die. Can you imagine anything running on 20 year old oil and not only does it start and run full power, it doesn't even smoke! It has oil in it, it's blacker than molasses but it must have been high quality oil for the engine to not have seized by now. The deck is rusted through and the handle is bent all the way down but that Kohler engine is a beast. I don't know what to do with it though lol.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I feel the same way, I think they have their place but it's not there just yet.

[@alexandercosta1777]

Another fantastic mower, and a great video my friend, husqurvrna mkes great equipment, both gas and electric

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You got that right!

[@1903bretep]

An ultrasonic cleaner would be a good buy if you repair small engine equipment for a living and anticipate seeing a few carburetors like this one or have other uses for it but if you just need to clean the one carb then the cost is going to be far more than a new carburetor so forget it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are absolutely right!

[@nelsonbrum8496]

An ultrasonic cleaner is great for more than just carbs. I just cleaned every part of a spare SRM-225 powerhead (not including drive shaft) with mine. The main engine cover I had to do by hand, everything else fit in the tank. Stocking up on spares for Commiefornia's upcoming ban on small I.C.E.s.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice!

[@aaronpowell4885]

Personally, I'd rather clean/rebuild the oem carb, as the cheap aftermarket ones used to be hit or miss. But I hear they're getting better! I've been thinking about getting an ultrasonic cleaner for years. Even a cheap one! And I clean around 30-50 carbs a year😂🤦‍♂️

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nothing wrong with that.

[@JasonW.]

I picked up a 3 speaker ultrasonic cleaner, but I use it for maybe 1 to 2 carbs a year. It has many other used though.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I am glad I am not the only one that looks at a mower and wonders where it came from. You left out cleaning it first also makes it a lot nicer to work on, you don't end up covered in lawnmower poo. Oh, and..."Oil is over rated as a lubricant for moving parts... 🤣"

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh yes, I would normally mention that part, but sometimes I get comments about how I'm less of a person for wanting to work on a clean mower.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@HomeGaragechannel If "less of a person:" means "I will clean it anyway, so why work on a dirty mower?" Then I agree. People buy shiny, not functionality. Plus, it makes it a little easier to find bits and pieces that always fall if you aren't slogging through 10 years of muck

[@allegory7638]

I run the carb dry on my Honda every time I mow, even if I'll be mowing again in four days, which happens a lot here south of Houston. I also use Ethanol treatment in my gas can, and keep about 10 gallons on hand for the car during Hurricane season.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too! I thought I as being to stubborn about the fuel but I'm glad to see someone else feels the same way.

[@rbarr775]

I've had really bad luck with aftermarket carbs for Hondas. It's worth it for me to spend the extra ten bucks and get the OEM. I don't have the patience anymore to buy a replacement twice. That idle passage cleaned up nicely for you -- that's where I have most of my difficulty.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you rbarr775 for sharing your experience, sorry to hear the problems you had with them.

[@StanleyNakasone-ss1le]

My rear wheels can't come off. I have the same mower like the one in the video. Do I have to cut ✂️ the tires to the axle and put a Puller on it?

[@johnwalker6121]

Always add stabilizer to fuel, it's cheap insurance. If your machine has a fuel shutoff you can run it dry but unless the carb bowl has a drain there is always a small amount of fuel left behind when it runs dry. Without stabilizer, that fuel can evaporate over the winter leaving a residue in the carb bowl. I've never had a problem with using fresh stabilized fuel and filling the tank so there is no room for condensation. Only exception is the snow blower, where I live it can sit for 10 months before getting used and occasionally the storms are not large enough to use the machine during a winter season. In this case even though the fuel is stabilized, I always run the tank dry, drain the the bowl and store without any fuel.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely right, thank you John Walker.

[@1995dresser]

I live in the north east and things like my leaf blower and mower are and have never been winterized or stored I use them sometimes up until late November and they always fired up in the spring I believe that Gasoline degrades very fast in warmer weather but is fine for a couple of months in cold or cool weather as for my Generators and Chainsaws I store them using Tru Fuel and have never had a problem with starting them if your not going to use a piece of equipment for more then 6 months you need to store it fuel wise

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, thanks for the information

[@Trades46]

My Husqvavarna is relatively new (I do regular annual maintenance like air filter + oil every year) but that damn Briggs & Stratton 625ex with its plastic carb needs a through cleaning even if I run it bone dry the year before. At least is usually fires up the 2nd pull after that with fresh fuel for 6+ years running so I just chalk it up to being normal.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it happens.

[@EzRay11]

I just picked up a mower very similar to this one. Poor storage, a carb cleaning, a couple of new gaskets and it’s alive again. I bought an ultrasonic cleaner but don’t use it very often. I’m usually only doing one carb at a time so I can take it apart and clean it by hand faster than the ultrasonic cleaner. I also have not figured out the best cleaning solution yet. Cheers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, and yes, there are lots of solutions to go thru, to find the best.

[@paule.maurice1521]

Experiment with various household cleaners Dish Liquid DOES NOT foam Fuel varnish = Soak carb in Vinegar for aprox 3 hours Fill ultrasonic with plain water Water = looks like coffee Carb = sparkles

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice thanks.

[@denisconor648]

Great stuff.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks!

[@mattwickert736]

I try to clean carbs anytime I can. However, if you have to replace them, the Honda OEM carbs are very reasonable compared to aftermarket. Sucks that they are going to stop making push mowers after 2023, though. I mostly use my ultrasonic for 2 cycle carbs or very varnished mower carbs. Harbor Freight has them at $90 now (ridiculous) for a 2.5L, but you can get 6L ones on ebay for around $110. I started with the HF model, but switched to the larger one the following year. I think I threw out my HF one, or I'd offer to send it your way. I am in the process of converting to battery powered equipment for myself. I am in a neighborhood, and know that it will manage just fine for my yard. Really, only need a gas backpack blower for the leaves in the fall - that's one main area that I don't think battery will quite keep up yet.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the tips Matt Wickert and you are right about the gas blower.

[@watermanone7567]

I constantly use ultra sonic cleaners and they pay for themself fairly fast. I have two, one smaller one and a large one. They are great, but also wear out. Thanks for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh how quickly do they wear out?

[@raymondcampbell2346]

@@HomeGaragechannel They need to be maintained. Clean the tank regularly. I usually use distilled water. I got useful information from Steve's Small Engine Saloon and the Lawnmower Lady. They use a jar with the cleaning solution and put the parts in the jar and put the jar in the water in the ultrasonic in the water. That keeps the cleaner clean. Also I remove the water from the tank and heat it on the stove so the heater on the machine doesn't have to work as hard. It will take awhile to heat up the unit if you don't. Steve even will clean parts using gasoline in the separate container. I also will clean the wife's jewelry, comes out like new. Helped justifying the purchase with her. If Mama ain't happy no one is happy!

[@joeknowz4898]

yeah..I got about 11 years on my first Toro with the Bragg/ Straton engine.. after the front drive gear wore out...I pushed it for one more reason.My second one with the OHV auto choke and non-primer ... failed the second season..

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow that sucks.

[@jonserkspawn7776]

What's that cleaner you use?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's a degreaser from Harbor Freight

[@diverdave4056]

spray all of the plastic parts with Armor All to make it look shiny !

[@robvannNS]

I had this mower in the front wheel drive only version. Great engine, it started on the first pull for four years straight but the Husky part was nothing special.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Rob Vann.

[@mlxx4612]

What kind of spray cleaner do you use again?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

For the oily parts, I use a degreaser from Harbor Freight, they only have the one. And for other parts, I use LA Awesome cleaner.

[@mlxx4612]

We don’t have harbor freight

[@mlxx4612]

In Quebec

[@mlxx4612]

Can I get them at Amazon

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Oh I see.

[@andrewreddick]

What cleaner are you spraying on the outside?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm using a degreaser from Harbor Freight

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Hi fella. An ultra sonic cleaner would be a good addition to your tool kit. They aren’t that expensive either. Also a new workbench board for filming your repairs lol. Cheers 🇦🇺

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct, I've been told they're on sale right now, so I might have to try. thank you Tyrone Clarke.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

As far as an ultrasonic for me; no. I use gas and lacquer thinner and compressed air which cuts anything and will have it on the tailgate anyway and with no heat it'd just be another thing I'd have to tote inside or look after. As for OEM I'd get jugs and pistons but could order a knockoff carb, no problem. Thanks and Blessings!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes those work as well.

[@mikespain8655]

The internal combustion engine isn't going anywhere anytime soon. There will always be a large segment of people who prefer gas over batteries. I clean lots of carburetors and can usually (9 out of ten times) save the OEM carburetor. I have also had really good results with cheap Chinese aftermarket carburetors, and parts in general. Just like everything else, parts costs have increased dramatically. So buying genuine OEM is not always cost effective.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct, the only thing that might go away, is gasoline, I'm very worried about it.

[@collectingonthecheap56353]

For you, or a small engine shop, sure it would be a good investment. For the average person only using it for one's own equipment, not likely a good investment. In the long run, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct.

[@rickthelian2215]

Nice cleaning of carburettor p, lucky it was hard gelled on gunk, but the cost of carburettor cleaner vs new carburettor. Ultrasonic Cleaner good I don’t have either but haven’t repaired much due to time.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that makes sense

[@therandomman6647]

Buy a set of electric guitar strings, if I have to clean a carburetor I always find myself using the B or high E string. Saved me from the trouble of removing carburetor studs. Edit: especially for pilot jets

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I need to get those.

[@therandomman6647]

@@HomeGaragechannel they're around $7, I would recommend a set of 7 and 10 gauge to fit a variety of jets, you can cut the strings you need down to the ball end so it's harder to lose and easier to store. Hope this helps!

[@donvoll2580]

Good day Nice video. Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Don Voll.

[@NotALot-xm6gz]

What cleaning spray do you use? Looks like it does a great job.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's the degreaser, from Harbor Freight, and yes it's the best stuff, I've used, so far and I've tried a lot.

[@jameshedrick605]

What size fuel lines do the Honda gcv160 take ? I have on on my weed eater push mower that needs new fuel lines but not sure what size i need

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hmm.. it's either 1/4" or 3/16". I haven't measured it in a while.

[@jimtwisted1984]

Premium fuel at least in canada is ethanol free.Check out on the net which gasoline in your neighborhood is ethanol free.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you jim twisted

[@Dave-ld3dr]

I have the same Honda motor in my mower.I noticed you changed the plug.I don’t have the owners manual so can you tell me what plug you put in & what the gap is? Thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I used an NGK BPR6ES and I like to gap it between .025"-.030"

[@Dave-ld3dr]

The plug that is in mine is a BPR5ES is there much of a difference?I’m not even sure it was the correct plug.Thanks for the reply I couldn’t find anywhere the proper gap size.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

the difference in the 5 and 6 has to do with the operating heat range. Nah, I'm not concerned

[@Dave-ld3dr]

Thanks I thought that probably was the answer but I thought I would ask seeing that I’m not 100%.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@rccars6214]

love the vids keep it up you are so nice .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks, will do!

[@chubbyjohnson5480]

That carb looks new compared to most I find

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it does, but it cleaned it after taking it off the carb.

[@raresr4092]

See that one has a good engine. It's a shame Honda wont be making anymore push mowers after next year :( Really love them. he Deere dealership I go to told me 4 days ago they got a letter from Honda. Least well still be able to get the parts for a long time im sure. Anyhow love watching your videos and thought id let you know. Keeping mine as long as i can.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, but I'm sure they've got a good reason.

[@KuntalGhosh]

Buying an aftermarket carb is rarely a good idea. Those cheap ones do not run as good as the oem ones. , I bought a almost brand new very low hours eu30i for 200$. The owner left the gas tank full and fuel valve open for 7years and u can imagine the carnige inside. The fuel had turned into tar. Not even varnish. The carb boul was filled with black gue to top and impossible to remove. I gave up and bought an aftermarket carb for the gx200 engine. Transferred the stepper motor & replaced fuel cock,filter and cleaned the tank. The engine starts fine but when loaded it would bog down. And even stall sometimes. I saw on KZbin that those carbs can be cleaned with paint thinner. So i bought a whole jar of the best paint thinner i could find. & Put all the parts in it & let it soak for 2 days. Then replaced the liquid & took off as much crud i could. Finally passed the carb through an ultrasonic cleaner for few hours & it was cleaner than new . The difference was day night. I removed the aftermarket carb & put the original one in & boom the generator worked like brand new. Ieft it running at 3kw (which is the maximum it can give) & it ran for 3 hours without any issue. Before it would slow down at more than 2.5-2.7kw . The generator has served me well. I have converted it to run on propane. Last year it ran for 3 days non stop at varying loads. All from propane. Hondas are work horse..

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the information

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

I just found out that Honda is discontinuing their entire mower lineup in 2023. They’ll still be making tillers, pumps, generators, and GX engines, but all their mowers and GCV series engines are no longer going to be in production. It absolutely sucks because no other mower company has their quality.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's true, but something "good" will still be around.

[@lukaskazis9032]

You should try spraying down the outside of each machine with wd40 (after cleaning) and letting it sit for a minute. Then use a rag to wipe it off. It really makes it pop and look brand new.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that works, but it won't stay like that for long.

[@user-yp7be3vz2e]

I got so pissed off at my last power mower I bought an old school one without a motor. I'm happy

[@HomeGaragechannel]

so you got a "Reel" mower then?

[@user-yp7be3vz2e]

@@HomeGaragechannel yep. I don't use any gas and canceled my gym membership

[@PoulLausen]

I don't understand why more people don't use alkylate gasoline for their 2 and 4 stroke engines. Everyone talks about how bad today's gasoline is, so why not pay a little more and get a fuel that can be stored for 2 years without deterioration? It's definitely cheaper than buying new.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right!

[@PoulLausen]

@@mc2whls I used to follow Chickanic and that video was one of the reasons I unfollowed her. Despite Chickanic saying it is a scientific study, it is not, and no one should believe these results. So despite Chickanic's findings, I would still recommend using alkylat fuel for all small engines.

[@24space310]

going througj the carb is just looking for more trouble later down the road. so i would go hg s idea to get a cheap cheap carb to just wash the problems with the og carb.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

makes sense to me.

[@sticustom]

I bought a small ultra sonic cleaner. Cost $40 but that was years ago.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice price

[@bottledclouds3131]

storage after use turn off fuel an let it run dry works every time you need it in future be it short time or long time been doing it for 12 Years on my current mower ( cheep Chinese made model from ebay )

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you bottled clouds.

[@joesphbaumgardner4579]

I may be wrong here myself. So I will just put that out there. But a shut off and running gas out is not good. Same more for 2 stroke. Gas will still remain some in carb. Rest will dry and swell like gasket, rubber etc. I myself still have not found best way. All I can do is cap my tanks in winter with 90 oct no eth. Start each month. Now that gets old with few riders, 8 so push mowers dozen blowers and trimmers + saws but... That and price filling up big tanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@williamsnow1531]

It’s very sad how some people treat their equipment. I would buy a ultra sonic cleaner in a heart beat. You can clean almost anything in them. Well worth the money.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right.

[@deebee3901]

Ultrasonic cleaner ('USC') for an average person = NO. For you mate, a very good investment, that will save you heaps of time and money.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Dee Bee.

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro what's up? I really think that servicing your carburetor at least twice a year according to how often you use your mower should be sufficient and effective in keep your mower as healthy as possible. In your situation bro I strongly believe that you should invest in an ultrasonic cleaner once you can afford it since you're doing a lot of repairs on different types of machines. In my opinion bro, who can afford it, purchase it and if not do whatever is convenient for you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like that idea.

[@brianking1138]

I think an ultrasonic cleaner would pay for itself but I have been getting along with out one for years .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too

[@Jim-ie6uf]

I have one from HF, it comes in handy. About $65.00 with a coupon, which is out today.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

i'l have to take a look, thank you Jim.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ah nice tip

[@l.b.7543]

I knew the person stored it poorly. I did the same thing twice. Once on my lawnmower and the other on my snow blower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it happens

[@wapd205]

If you’re a small engine repair guy then an ultrasonic cleaner will help and save time cleaning carbs.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct!

[@keegandaniels6951]

what kind of spray is used at 3:40 ?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's a degreaser from Harbor Freight

[@keegandaniels6951]

@@HomeGaragechannel thanks!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@Turningwrenches85]

I run my equipment out of fuel . But at least the carb wasn't to bad there

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks Turningwrenches85

[@24space310]

well the thing is that honda engines are not compareable to the cheapsmart lawnmower that you repaired 2times. the cheapsmart is just a mower thats meant for nothing more then a small yard.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's what it would seem like

[@christophermarshall5765]

I would buy an ultrasonic cleaner, but they are out of my price range for the size I'd buy, & I don't have room for one. I'd sooner replace the carb.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point, the I want is also expensive for the size I want.

[@24space310]

the honda engines are built to last 10 seasons while the crapsmart is lasting 1 season. but storeing the lawnmower wrong thats a whole lof of hassle to go through.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it is.

[@paule.maurice1521]

Start out with a cheap ultrasonic denture cleaner, when it wears out, buy a bigger / better one

[@HomeGaragechannel]

why not just buy the bigger one instead of paying for the cheap?

[@24space310]

i really dont habe the patience to clean that carb so grab a new one from cheap cheap.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you can me both.

[@atulshinde5212]

you sound like jerryrigeverything

[@HomeGaragechannel]

is that good?

[@atulshinde5212]

@@HomeGaragechannel its his KZbin channel name, you can check it out.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I did, and I appreciate it.

[@nicolashosein]

Can I have the Stihl FS 250 I am a fan of your video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm sorry when did I make a video about an FS 250? you must be thinking about someone else.

[@noahgamingvideos1584]

Crabs not going off market sikill making them and electric not good yet for everyday mowing

[@24space310]

turned out to be a curse... so there is a problem besides the carb yes? now thats a thing that is gonna be a hot mess on hands.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct.