Fixing A Mower That Won't Start

Links to products I have in my tool bag.
Carb Replacement amzn.to/4axt5dt
Air Filter. amzn.to/2SGOmyU
Compression tester. amzn.to/2NMgeze
Spark PLUG TESTER. amzn.to/3jEcZH3
Inline Spark Checker. amzn.to/3bnXjmA
Feeler Gauge set. amzn.to/3rTsZK6
Chemical bottle. amzn.to/3eWcGVs
Above are affiliate links which means we receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products via those links.
Thanks for watching. This mower was sold because it wouldn't start. But come to find out, the reason was quite simple. The fix was a bit more complicated.
This video is meant as entertainment, always practice safety.

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

I normally see old yard tools this time of the year but not this year!. I think you’re right. People are trying to fix there tools instead of buying new

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed and it's understandable

[@0852657luis]

I have the 2017 model and I'm amazed it's actually lasted me this long. It even survived hitting a metal pipe.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow that's amazing

[@Demoralized88]

Parent's house came with a 2012 TB110 (MTD 11a w/ Briggs 575ex) and thing is unstoppable after fixing some carb issues. Crank is badly bent and it shook so violently to the point of loosening bolts and finally the front axle adjuster fell off. It's even shaken out the handle bolts and has survived the bars being pushed below the deck into the blade a couple times. It's been my experience so far (last 2 years) that mower engines are very hard to kill and the problems come from a bunch of little stuff breaking. As long as they have some oil in them and can physically rotate, they just run. Also, all the OHV Briggs used for 15+ years now are very simple (carb being installed wrong the worst problem) and easy to work on. I bought an early 2000s Craftsman 22" self-propelled with a Tecumseh 6.75 flathead to replace the TB110 and the Tecumseh is more finnicky with more parts - it runs okay now but the oil tube seal was missing and leaks from the base and it's got a fuel leak (thinking bad needle/seat) that I'm pretty sure is putting gas in the oil. It runs fine but has quite heavy tapping that sounds like internal damage.

[@Shawnee.Hills.Small.Engine]

The marketplace listings used to read "It won't start, come get it" Now, many of them read "It won't start, and I want $50.00"

[@philliphall5198]

Yes and there usually not worth it 😢

[@christopherchang115]

Your sure right about that. Everyone always is trying to get the very last bit of cash for something that very well could be trash!

[@Autistic-Uhbuddy]

I totally understand people wanting to make some money off of it as they probably invested several hundred for it when it was new. However, $20 would be a more appropriate price. a couple of months ago I bought a trash Ryobi 6500 running watt generator for $50 that the man claimed that it worked, but it looked like it had fallen off of a truck, busted a small part of the control panel, the engine was missing the recoil, it was very dirty and part of the frame was broke at the gas tank mount and the main frame was warped some.. however, took it home, borrowed my dad’s recoil from his predator engine as both are Honda clones, got it started and it made power like it was new! Even the little onboard meter worked perfect. I removed engine and alternator from unit and my father welded the frame for me and we bent it back into shape. I re-installed the engine and alternator (after painting the frame), which despite what was a sad looking frame, the engine and alternator both looked remarkably in great shape. I brought the unit home, cleaned it up really well. My wife found a new recoil, carbon brush replacements for the alternator, “Ryobi” logo stickers on Amazon for this generator as it is still in production. What I have now is a very nice running five-year-old Ryobi 6500 running watt / 8125 surge watt generator that looks almost brand new! Also we bought new rubber outlet cover guards for it as well as new rubber feet. For a generator that retails for $900 at Home Depot, we were out maybe between $125-$175 total. That cost of course is including the purchase price. I am keeping this bad boy for myself, even though I do restore and sell them. This one is modern and has a voltage regulator and has plenty of power. The good thing about this one is that because it had been used quite a bit, the gas tank was in perfect condition on the inside and no ethanol rust was present whatsoever. It was very clean on the inside.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you've been looking at my FB marketplace history!

[@STho205]

That's because basic 20" push mowers were $99.99 for decades. 21" were $120 to $150. Now most of them are 260 to 400 because the basic EVs are that and the stores want you to make the swap. That's because the big box stores would rather sell electric tools than gasoline. Fewer returns by less than competent customers. So a carb flawed little push mower can be made to run with 10 minutes and an eBay new carb for $15....then sell the unit for $100 running. Rebuilding the carb by cleaning jets is better as eBay carbs are cheaply made...but a person that hasn't done it before is likely to make fewer mistakes swapping than cleaning or rebuilding.

[@AIainMConnachie]

What a great idea to use a paint sprayer as a cleaner. What kind do you use?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

since I like going to harbor freight I bought their $250 Avanti model

[@daphlavor]

Yes, great find, and quite simple and effective repair IHG! Have a great weekend everyone!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and you too!

[@mjg263]

Definitely worth fixing up, this type of mower is always good for at least $150 - 165 around here and sell quickly if it has the bag.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right and thank you!

[@YukiNeko-Neko]

I'm glad you're planning to check the valve clearance and spark plug and oil. Even if the valve cover seal is made of paper, it only costs pennies when bought in bulk. These three checks go a long way when selling a used lawn mower as there's less chance of it coming back right away due to failure. 👍👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true, I'll have to start buying them then so I can be prepared

[@4637bigred]

You are very skilled at fixing the equipment. Also interesting to listen to and talented in your presentation. I hope these are all successful endeavors for you. Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I really do appreciate that

[@gpecci2253]

Another great video. Love them. Keep them coming. Thanks!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks, will do!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

A good deal in ,my book and I've had a balancer like that for ages. Happy weekend!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks, you too!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel Trying my best!

[@Turningwrenches85]

You did nice work on this mower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks 👍 I appreciate that

[@williammcilrath9828]

another exellent and informatel vid thanks BROTHER BILL

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you very much and I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@deebee3901]

Great video - great result!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you!

[@liljoeii6091]

Thank you for the video that's awesome that you got to save another mower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

anytime!

[@Patrick4959]

for sure mate no worries and well inspecting the valves from time to time if needed are the key etc.

[@abitofeverything1234]

Great lectures for DIY people.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you I appreciate that

[@justinleffler2491]

was wonding if you ever did videos on riding mowers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I do sometimes. I have to film them on site

[@collectingonthecheap56353]

My mower still runs fine on its 4th season now. Late last season something got to my mower and chewed up the plastic housing (not too worried about that), and the important cable that goes to the handle to help start and stop the mower. It needs replacing, but of course they don't have any in stock and on back order. It still works, but takes a bit of pressure to hold down, and takes about 10 seconds to stop after releasing the handle. My question is if replacing it with a same length bicycle brake cable would be considered acceptable?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you mean replacing the entire cable with the bicycle one? Sure why not.

[@daviddavis981]

Great video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the visit

[@JosephCoates]

What cleaner do you use on your mowers?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm using the "super heavy duty degreaser" from Harbor Freight

[@DeadKoby]

As a youth, my dad and I picked dead mowers off the curb all the time. That doesn't happen much anymore.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hear that

[@Autistic-Uhbuddy]

Hello, Sir! I love your vids and watch them often. I am also a small agent repair mechanic and work on lawnmowers and generators. This is a long comment, but it is worth a read. I totally understand people wanting to make some money off of it as they probably invested several hundred for it when it was new. However, $20 would be a more appropriate price. a couple of months ago I bought a trash Ryobi 6500 running watt generator for $50 that the man claimed that it worked, but it looked like it had fallen off of a truck, busted a small part of the control panel, the engine was missing the recoil, it was very dirty and part of the frame was broke at the gas tank mount and the main frame was warped some.. However we took it back to my folk’s house, borrowed my parent’s recoil from their Predator 420cc generator engine as both are Honda clones. We got it started and it made power like it was new! Even the little onboard meter worked perfect. I was very pleasantly surprised! I removed engine and alternator from unit and my father welded the frame for me and we bent it back into shape. I re-installed the engine and alternator (after painting the frame), which despite what WAS a sad looking frame before welding and painting. Remarkably, the engine and alternator both looked in great shape after I power washed them. I brought the unit home, cleaned it up really well. I changed the spark plug and replaced old oil with fresh, clean synthetic oil. My wife found a new recoil, carbon brush replacements for the alternator, “Ryobi” logo stickers on Amazon for this generator as it is still in production. What I have now is a very nice running five-year-old Ryobi 6500 running watt / 8125 surge watt generator that looks almost brand new! Also we bought new rubber outlet cover guards for it as well as new rubber feet. For a generator that retails for $900 at Home Depot, we were out maybe between $125-$175 total. That cost of course is including the purchase price. My wife & I am keeping this bad boy for ourselves, even though I do restore and sell them. This one is modern and has a voltage regulator and has plenty of power at 14 hp and 420cc. The good thing about this one is that because it had been used quite a bit, the gas tank was in perfect condition on the inside and no ethanol rust was present whatsoever. It was very clean on the inside. As a closing comment, despite the generator looking like it was not treated well, it looked like it had hardly been left outside. I think it was used as a construction job site generator.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for sharing this with us.

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro what's up? I believe that you made a great investment into this mower. My question to you is have you ever checked the carburetor and fuel tank before cleaning the mower? Why I asked this question is because some people might be of the opinion that the water found in the carburetor and fuel tank might be there after cleaning rather than before cleaning the mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ah.. I see what you mean. The only issue is that for that much water to get into the bottom of the carb, it would have to come thru the tank and fuel Line. with this style of tank, spraying water on it, won't get water in the tank. Getting the carb wet will also not get the water to the bowl either.

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

@@HomeGaragechannel cool 👍👍

[@jcm9273]

Hey what are you using to spray and rinse in these videos with the spray bottle? It looks like it cleans really well. Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure thing, I'm using Super Heavy Duty Degreaser from Harbor Freight

[@jcm9273]

@@HomeGaragechannel thanks! Do you have any idea of what would cause a new Ryobi jet fan blower to not run at full power until warmed up? Meaning like 5 minutes later and Using premixed canned fuel. it has no carb adjustments. Thanks.

[@MurtazaShirzad-dw5ec]

My lawnmower has Briggs and Stratton 190cc quantum engine, I put new carburetor and spark plug fully serviced and still runs rough. I think the shaft is bend. What do you think?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

a bent shaft would cause the mower to shake.. if it was disturbing the fuel in the carb, that might be causing it to run rough. Have you tried inspecting the shaft to see if it is?

[@MurtazaShirzad-dw5ec]

@@HomeGaragechannel the shaft lokks ok but still don't know what to do?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you'll need to figure out if the engine is not getting enough or too much fuel. Both would cause the engine to run rough.

[@MixingGBP]

Off topic, but I was gifted a 2006 Toro SR 20055 from an older retiree. Owner says it’s been out of service for several years but ran perfectly for many years when he stopped using it due to the lawn service who now cuts his grass. Says it was serviced by the dealer its entire life. Oil looks good, I put ethanol free gas in it. Tried to start it several times but it doesn’t. It seems to have no spark. What are the likely causes? What should I look at first?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a very nice mower. I'd would remove the bowl nut, and look to see if the tiny openings in it are clear. IF not clean it, replace it and then add your fuel and try again

[@MixingGBP]

Thanks, I'll try that. The spark plug connector lead is very loose to the plug. Makes weak contact. I am wondering if the magneto is bad. I need to check for spark I suppose.

[@MixingGBP]

Hey there IHG. I cleaned out the bowl and the bowl bolt and to my surprise the fuel looked like orange juice coming from the bowl. There was lots of debris in the bowl and bolt like you said. After putting it back together, it started on the first pull!!! That was after being out of service for at least 3 to 5 years! Thanks for your help! IHG is the best, guys! Let’s support him!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and you did a great job fixing it!

[@richardmorse5307]

The project lawn mower I’m working on is a 21” Craftsman self propelled which to my surprise when I was checking the blade under the deck was turned or curled up about 1”from the end on one side. In your experience would you recommend that it should be replaced with a new one right away or could I put the old one back on and check to see if it will even run for 2-3 seconds. The mower blade hit the stump of a small tree about 2” in diameter. I’ve emptied all the old gas out and put in 2-3 ounces of fresh gas for testing. If it runs at all smoothly I’m planning to replace the old blade with a new one. Thank you for your assistance!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, I would recommend replacing the blade first

[@richardmorse5307]

@@HomeGaragechannel Thank you, yes I would agree with that.

[@garyrichards487]

We’re can I buy the cleaning rods that you use to clean the jets?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

on Amazn..amzn.to/3Xewif6

[@garyrichards487]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you. Have learned a lot from your channel.

[@adamkubasik8706]

Wasn’t sure how to message you so figured I’d leave a comment here , have you worked on a vintage Billy goat backpack blower/vaccuum/mulcher before? If so I have some questions as I was given one for free and would like to try and get it running as a little side project

[@HomeGaragechannel]

unfortunately no I've never had a chance to work on one yet

[@nixxonnor]

As good as new

[@HomeGaragechannel]

at least it runs!

[@sirrebral]

When it comes to "clean vs. replace", I find that those plastic Briggs carbs are a piece of cake to take apart and clear of dirt and debris, probably because there's no corrosion that can be a problem with metal carbs.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's what I thought to, but after years of doing, I'm beginning to find some that won't clean for some reason

[@Baltazar-qx5kj]

What fule and oil would you say is best for a sthil fs89

[@HomeGaragechannel]

High octane, 100% gasoline no ethanol, and Stihl 2 stroke Oil

[@Baltazar-qx5kj]

@@HomeGaragechannel okey thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@HSC570]

Hey I got an aftermarket carb for my Husqvarna 5521 BBC push mower with a Honda motor on it. How do I orient the carb

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Point the brass fuel port towards the fuel tank

[@HSC570]

@@HomeGaragechannel ok thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@JohnBassile]

Hello HG. Was wondering if you work on riders. I have yard works MTD 12.5 HP rider that a spring come off the deck and it's a very large in diameter and I have looked online to see if any diagrams could help me but none came close. So if you do work on riders how would I be able to get a diagram with spring location or would you be able to tell me. Thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I do work on them and I can help you, but I'll need to know the model and serial number from the ID plate first.

[@JohnBassile]

Ok.model number 13AH452F51660-1805-6 Serial number 1 L 038i3-0110

[@appelmac1]

I was a good investment!! I would have bought it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you !

[@dfields9511]

yep, I have only sold 7 mowers this year, ppl are keeping them and selling a broken one for 50 where as before they would be on the curb. sign of the economy

[@HomeGaragechannel]

totally agree

[@aaax9410]

Easy 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Very!

[@robstaffin2907]

What causes a plastic carve auto choke to cause the engine to run away how to fix it

[@Ozzie86852]

Hello there. I've experienced the same problem when I was putting back a plastic carburetor after cleaning. Before taking off the carb, try to push the choke flap to open fully. If it doesn't open all the way, then this is your fix. When installing the white jet back into position, there is a black sleeve that can move out of position where the air travels into the carburetor, thus causing the choke flap to not open entirely. The fix is to remove the carburetor once again, remove the white plastic jet, remove the choke flap, and if you do see the black sleeve come out, then that's the problem. The sleeve has a hole where the longer part of the white jet rests when installed. Hope this helps.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would have to know more information about it, otherwise the reasons would be too many

[@robstaffin2907]

I put a new carburetor on one of these like the mower on this video after I did it won't stop racing stuck on full throttle will not idle even with brand new carburetor will not idle

[@timtweet8149]

Yes. It's a service that should have been done by the previous owner.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@BP-rh8tl]

I have a question concerning your content and channel. Is Home Garage and INSIDE HOUSE GARAGE both your channels? I know it's the same voice and similar content on both but there's no indication that it's the same person. Just trying to see if maybe your content is being stolen or you just have two channels.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Both are my channels, I make the content and voice them

[@BP-rh8tl]

@@HomeGaragechannel ok awesome I'll subscribe to both then

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks!

[@TheMatt56]

If I find a small engine on the curb, I'll take it, at the very least I can use it for parts

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes sir

[@Toby-ln9dw]

How do i contact you?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

[e-mail]

[@DougHinVA]

Basic common sense is that owners will trty to sell an item they used to give away for free... Americans are headed toward being more poor and those near the bottom' will feel it more and faster.....

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I see what you mean

[@robertmailhos8159]

A blob of water is not a great thing to have in the gas tank 😔😔

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@HomeGaragechannel yeah buddy 😎

[@EdgarTobias-wu8rb]

Like Ross perot said one time it's a investmant at risk somentimes your gg oing to get the investmant back....

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@b286guy]

Can I send you a new gas can that doesn’t spill all over the place? What’s your address? 😂

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's just a seal, I'll get to fixing it someday .

[@richardboggs9428]

If I here it run I will go and spend the money to fix it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like that idea

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

Talk about dirt course it won't run

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yep