Proper Way To Tip A Lawnmower Over!

Correct Way To Tip A Lawnmower Over When Working On It! - Video
If you follow my advice you will avoid the problems I mention in this video when working on your lawnmower!
Watch my video on how to fix a hydro-locked lawnmower;
• How To Fix a Hydro-Loc...
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Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
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Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
#donyboy73 #db73 #smallenginerepair #howto

[@donz6901]

What are your views on Honda lawnmowers? The instructions on changing oil is turn on side with gas cap up in order to drain old oil.

[@donyboy73]

it's a pain, i have a video here on how I do it kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZism35mjZ6Bh7c

[@donyboy73]

@Truth Only yes absolutely

[@josem.2909]

Yeah, think a little common sense and make your estimates, if you plan on changing oil soon don't fill up the the gas tank, also could be a good idea to buy simple pump.

[@RichardFallstich]

Most Honda lawnmower engines have a fuel shut-off valve near the carb. At least most I ever saw do. I close the fuel shut-off and run it for about a minute, that's enough to drain the carb & fuel hose. This reduces fuel leaking out all over the work area when tipping on side.

[@donz6901]

@@RichardFallstich , Thanks, that's exactly what I do before changing oil on my Honda lawnmower.

[@billharris3049]

Love it when Alvin made his appearance 🤣🤣

[@fattireale75]

I had to replay that. I initially thought it was a rat. 😮

[@TheReal1953]

Take the spark plug lead off.....pull the starter cord until it gets tight. This puts the mower in TDC on the compression stroke. This only allows a small space in the cylinder that the engine oil can leak into past the rings.....valves are closed, carb up, muffler down.

[@chickadeeacres3864]

Why are these small engine mechanics not on the same page ?

[@TheReal1953]

@@chickadeeacres3864 You as a reader, have to suss out the BS from the facts.

[@beastmodegaming6754]

At 3:04 their was I think a squirrel passing in background of the camera

[@remushaynes2693]

chipmonk with his racing stripe. they are so cute!

[@bevis226]

@@remushaynes2693 They are nasty little critters. I had 1 chase me out of my shop.

[@remushaynes2693]

@@bevis226 that is hard for me to believe! we are to have dominion over the soulless.

[@donyboy73]

yes a chipmunk lol

[@Tommyr]

@@bevis226 They are nasty little beggers, I've trapped 19 of them so far this year. They'll jump up into your car engine compartment to try to build a nest. If you see a lot of maple seeds in your engine compartment it's chipmunks. They chew wires etc. in there too.

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

I bought our mower 6 years ago, don't recall the owners handbook giving this important information. Now I will tip it your way, thanks for sharing.

[@electroddxful]

At 3:06 you had a chipmunk in the video. 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂. Thanks for the information and the chipmunk was a bonus

[@HBK69JB]

Look it is new shop pet. Love it lol.

[@2pugman]

That "squirrel" didn't have a fluffy tail !

[@psychiatry-is-eugenics]

3:08

[@psychiatry-is-eugenics]

Playback at 0.25x at 3:08 , can see a white stripe

[@Canosa612]

That was a mouse

[@logman6656]

Good video but that rat running across towards the end made me laugh

[@SerbanCMusca-ut8ny]

Ain't a rat, though. A chubby chipmunk maybe?

[@bevis226]

Yep Chipmunk. Them darn things chew on everything. They are mean little buggers,they will attack you if you get to close.

[@donyboy73]

chipmunk

[@donyboy73]

@@SerbanCMusca-ut8ny yes a chubby chipmunk, i feed him

[@JimFixIt74]

Chipmunk. My place has them everywhere too. lol

[@Rayvane55]

Im a 63 year old widow and I have to maintain my mower myself. Watching this video answered my question on tipping the mower to clean under deck. My late husband had taken care of this. I appreciate the info.

[@dontswin]

Did you find another soul mate yet, we about the same age. I wish you well young lady. I always do all this stuff myself, no one in my house comes out for 10 seconds worth of help.

[@Rayvane55]

In reply, no I have not met another man close to my age who share most of my values. At nearly 64, I haven't been in the social scene. If I should meet someone it is because God him in my path. I've learned to live alone, me and my cat. Still learning things about home maintenance. Im waching videos on changing shower fixtures. Life is all about change and my life has had many drastic changes.

[@jamesshivers8213]

Really enjoy watching and learning from your videos. You always have the tips and info I need to keep my small engines maintained and running at their dest, Thanks!!

[@lalajohnson7194]

Thank you for your video. This helps to resolve a long standing argument. I'm saving it for supporting documentation!

[@TexasAmericaUSA]

Love 💕 this! I just worked all morning and tipped up exactly with a large boulder on handle!!!

[@jameskrivitsky9715]

Hey Don, your viewers like your TWO new helpers.....CHIP & DALE ! Good info for servicing. Thanks J K

[@truth0149]

Remember to pull spark plug & pull on cord till piston is at top of cylinder. This will help stop oil in carb & muffler. When tipping on side , tip with carburator pointing up .

[@kulucriss1]

Agree, this video does not help

[@craigvale7972]

Great video and I love the little squirrel guy that runs across in the background at around 3 Minutes!! Cheers😃

[@mjg263]

Chipmunk photo-bomb! I always tip it carburetor side up after pinching off the fuel line and letting it run out of gas. Also pull the engine over until it’s on the compression stroke so both valves are closed before tipping it. That’s a SmartStow mower, you can actually fold the handle down and sit it upright!

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

2:12 , when I installed a Predator 5.5 hp engine on a OLD Snapper cast aluminum deck I turned the engine where the spark plug / OHV >> would

[@johnmckenzie8522]

This video is amazing and I have problems with my troy bilt walk behind lawnmower now this video make sense thank you Don for this video

[@butler386]

Once again great tips for us. Thank you.

[@Silversmith925]

At 3:07 a chippy runs along the overhead door, LOL. Thanks Don for more great information.

[@CardiganBear]

He appears first at 2:18!

[@condor5635]

I recently put a 4 to1 block and tackle in my garage mounted through the attic access hole. I can raise my mower and generator very easily to work on them at eye level. Works great

[@simplelifewithlyn]

thank you for this video. really need to learn how to maintain our lawn mowers. I would love to be able to maintain ours by myself and I know it's a lot lot of learning that I need to do. I guess one thing to learn at a time. Hopefully I get to learn things smoothly and not the hard way. Thanks again. New subscriber here. Will definitely be watching more of your videos.

[@adblommestein]

Great tip, thank you Dony.

[@johnny1556]

Hey Donyboy73 thank you for that information once again great video. I've been doing mines like the way you said not to do it. I sure will change my habits no wonder there's some smoke that comes out of it after I have done it. You might want to set out some traps I think I saw a critter crawl on your garage floor and this video. 03:08

[@BartMeersschaert]

Thanks for that tip dude. Priceless!

[@mikejones6974]

Great video Dony!

[@paullemay3218]

Great tip. Thank you for sharing. 🇨🇦😎

[@nashguy207]

Great advice donyboy!!!

[@hunter7476]

Hi Donny how are you doing I really enjoy your videos I am 14 and I have a small engine repair hobby I keep a lot of common parts in my shop for my riding mowers and I fix for freinds and family or local people I like stens after market parts and Oregon but I only use oem engine parts except I use after market stens air filters thanks have a good weekend

[@TDom-in2if]

Thanks so much, Dony.

[@jayobrien9363]

Thanks for the tips and thanks for the videos

[@pauldowding8185]

I always pull the plug wire when tipping a mower, may not be necessary but it's fast and gives me peace of mind when working on blades.

[@bertram_oredrock]

I learned something today. I've been doing it wrong for 20 years, although I've never had a problem.

[@wetblacklab7174]

me too, though i dont see a problem with oil in the muffler.... a little smoke ...meh.

[@mattwaters6987]

Great info. Thanks for sharing!👍😃

[@harrygrimley4352]

Thank you sir. Very informative

[@kjell-richardlvdal373]

great tip, on how to access underside

[@pirihern9329]

I have a stowaway toro self propelled 21" lawnmower. So far I am satisfied with the reliability. Thanks paz y salud

[@jamestyrer6067]

Thanks for this information

[@diannesweeney3841]

Thanks for the video and I loved the MOUSE! haha

[@jamesmullins3219]

great tips, thanks

[@kimfronczak6671]

Thank You!

[@thomaskittsii1008]

Nice... sweet and short... thanks 👍

[@YukonHawk1]

Looks like you had a little critter join you.😁😁 Great video. Continued thanks for your advice.

[@josegomez-fj3be]

THANK YOU FOR THAT TIP

[@Jake-jw3sk]

This is so great! I bet this has helped so many people, like me! When you get some oil in the air filter should your replace it? I am so happy I watched this, just like every video.

[@leeharris3061]

Yes replace if oil soaked...airflow will be restricted 👍

[@Jake-jw3sk]

@@leeharris3061 Thanks!

[@annierenard5954]

thank you for this video

[@hughbrackett343]

Carb up has always worked for me. Figured it out after I tried carb down and got oil all over the place. I just got back a pressure washer I'd loaned out. I could see oil had leaked out so I carefully and slowly pulled it over a few times. I expect a nice cloud of blue smoke when I fire it up.

[@manw3bttcks]

Lots of mowers have a 'handle bar pinch' feature so you can hinge the bar from 45 to 90. On mine I can push the two bars together a bit so they get out of the U brackets on the deck, then the bar will hinge straight up. Just make sure you prevent the pull rope from getting pulled too far into the engine. This way you can point the mower straight up

[@paulmorrey733]

Thanks Don

[@1966garyh]

Pet chipmunks are fun to have around...Great video!

[@999thenewman]

I always service mowers with the intake up and a plastic bag or glove under the fuel cap. Never had an issue. You get an oil change and blade sharpen in one go.

[@schmidtydog]

I do the same. Gas tank and carb on top side, exhaust on bottom side. Never had an issue that way.

[@vetterfellow]

Good morning DB73, I see you share your work with a little furry woodland creature. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Cheers !!***

[@colleenbrewer3129]

very informative video and the baby squirrel is cute. :) :)

[@coalitionofrob436]

I always love that intro

[@gasperajdnik5627]

I hear ya 👍

[@themowerman]

Yeah it's the best way to do it and always remove the plug lead.. good video

[@robertgwalsh5878]

Thank you

[@jackleonard8660]

Thank You

[@danielesilvaggi]

CHIPMUNK!!! 2:18 look for it. Thanks for the great videos.

[@texmex658]

Thanks... I had no idea 👍

[@m3rdpwr]

Or if you have one of the newer Toro stow and go's, You can flip a write-up on it's back. Before my father passed away this year, he had given me his brand new, never used, newer version of the Toro personal Pace. I have still yet to use it. I doubt it'll last as long as my older mower, but being able to store it straight up will be a welcome storage edition in my small shed.

[@mlmiks]

Funny everybody noticed your little pet. Whats his name? Anyway great video. I learned something new. I tought the airfilter side was where to lift. Again thanks and have a great weekend.

[@dudewest9847]

Good tip love the Chipmunk in the background

[@Imsaved777]

I’ve had my Toro self propelled mower now for 7 years. If you tilt the mower opposite the air filter you won’t have any problems changing the blade or draining the oil.

[@leedanielson7452]

Exactly! Changing the oil is not what I would consider rocket science.... Quite simple lol

[@dinarsaurus5406]

Did you see that mouse run along the garage door toward the end of the video? Classic!

[@robertmailhos8159]

Great tip on how to work on your mower the question of the day is will over Head valve engine get hydro locked if it's tip up with the spark plugs is facing down . later lawnmower onwer,s best friend ✌️✌️

[@barbzingz]

Thank you !!!

[@philliphall5198]

Thanks 🙏

[@HumanBeansy]

A mouse video bombed you! 🤣🤣 Thanks for the info!!

[@KIMMIEnFLORIDA]

Video bombing Chipmunk!! AND great advice!

[@MrCoontastic]

I've seen many with bent or broken rods because people seem to prefer to lift them with the spark plug on the low side.

[@milfordcivic6755]

I've always tipped it up (the "wrong way" in the video) to wash underneath the deck each time I mow. I never let the clippings build up and dry between mowings. Been doing this since 1985 when I first learned to mow my parents lawn. Never had a lick of trouble with any of the mowers I've used or owned over the years, nor ever getting hydro locked.

[@MikeDGuitar]

Was yours a 4-stroke or a 2-stroke?

[@cathyprice1785]

Very helpful, thanks. Did you know you have rodents? One ran by towards the end of the video, in the background, I watched.

[@arnettaburton7429]

@@cathyprice1785 I Hate those things😒I thoughts that's what I saw😳😌

[@ADarklore]

@@arnettaburton7429 It was just a chipmunk... at least it wasn't a rat! ;)

[@xmanb8193]

Solid advice,love your channel,how bout cow tipping

[@alholdsworth4968]

Great tip Don. I live in chipmunk country too. (Muskoka)

[@JohnBortins]

Enjoyed the chipmunk at 3:07!

[@tigalbaby]

Advice much appreciated. When I pull the starter chord until it tightens to prevent hydro lock … do I tie the cord at this point or is the cord released ?

[@mdsoto3893]

I love you 💕 thank you very much

[@monkeyboy563]

I see you've hired some extra help at 3:07 🐿 Always great videos Donyboy73!

[@donyboy73]

yes he's not lazy lol

[@jimmysapien9961]

Thanks Don , very interesting. It’s time to adopt some Cats 🐱

[@ulrikekrekeler287]

Informative, thanks. Also: Hello @ 3:07 🤫🐭

[@Danroxye01]

3:08,chipmunk runs by the mower . Thanks for video

[@stephenmorris6127]

Paused at 3:08, I think it is a squirrel. Also made me laugh. Thanks man !

[@janinep9272]

Lol, anyone see the rat run past? 😆 Great video. I had no idea the mower must be tipped this way. Very helpful to know! Thanks!

[@user-fw2dd2cy3c]

It was a chipmunk. Cracked my up more than it really should have.

[@enufots4621]

It made it's 1st appearance at 2:18 when the chipmunk poked it's head out from the green side gate in the upper right corner of the screen! 🤣

[@scottfirman]

Hey Donny, Been replacing rear bushings on so many Honda mowers this year, its not even funny any more. Its hard not to turn the mower over to get at the circle clips and remove the rear wheel brackets. I found I can hang the mower off the end of my mower lift then brace the frame behind each wheel. Then I can reach up under the rear of the mower to pull the clips. I had one stuck so bad I stretched the clip. Its best to keep a supply of them on hand. I lost one axle clip on a Toro last week, it flew off into space. I have gotten good at Honda and Toro drive systems this year.

[@donyboy73]

in certain cases we have no choice but to flip it on it's side in a repair shop

[@rutbuster1]

You can also put the engine on top dead center on the compression stroke and tip it on the muffler side and it won't leak any oil. But make sure it's on the compression stroke.

[@henerker]

Another great video and tip, and now, there's the "apprentice chipmunk" in your shop! Awesome!!! Don't worry...I won't say anything to Dave!

[@donyboy73]

Good call! lol

[@marknye51.thefixitguy]

Hello Dony. When I tip my mower fuel leaks from the back of the carburetor. It's an mtd with those new Chinese motors. It runs great and does not leak when running. Thanks for any help

[@volvo245]

I flipped my engine every goddamn way when trying to remove it from the deck (totally corrosion welded bolt that had also corroded 1/3rd way through so it ended snapping even after huge amount of work doing every trick in the book.) But I also set it up in normal position and did a basic overhaul of the externals before trying to start it up again. Still working just fine(5hp quantum).

[@volvo245]

In case anyone responds wondering what happened after the stubborn bolt sheared: Well I drilled and grinded out the remains and used slightly larger metric m8 bolt and a nylock nut. The flange "ear" has enough meat to even use a m10 with no worries.

[@michaelzoran]

QUESTION: I recently tilted my Cub Cadet mower on its side in order to use a garden tool to scrape out some grass that had built up inside the mower. The moment I tilted the mower on its side with the air filter pointing up, I heard "HISSS!!!... HISSSS!!!" It was as if a drop of something spilled and was becoming HOTT and flammable. After I was done cleaning out the interior of the mower, I waited 15 minutes for the oil to go back down. I then started the mower. There was a large cloud of grey smoke. This smoke got worse. It was obvious the mower was not going to run properly. I then grabbed the weed wacker and did that chore instead. This took about a half hour, which allowed the mower to sit there and become calm and settle down again. There was another cloud of grey smoke, but not as bad this time. The smoke then disappeared for several seconds. I then started to move the lawn mower. But then the grey smoke came back. it was obvious the mower wasn't going to work anymore. Do you know what happened? I have tilted the mower on its side in the past to clean it, but there were no problems like this.

[@gregolson7499]

Also always a good idea to run your mower dry of gas before tipping it. Then at least you don't have to worry about gas leaking

[@johnlibonati7807]

I got my almost brand new Toro Personal Pace with Smart Stow for $15 because someone tipped it the wrong way forward. They must have thought it was seized, because you couldn’t pull the cord. I let out the oil, wiped off the spark plug and the mower started on the first pull. I mowed my lawn with the gas that was in it. Lol

[@scottfirman]

I tend to forget that Honda mowers leak like a broken faucet. The manual recommends tipping on the exaust side on some models after draining the gas and oil. Really? Who does that? Yesterday I almost ruined the air filter on a Honda. I usually let a mower sit for an hour after doing work on it. I see some mowers( Toro) have the EZ store where its designed to be tipped on end. You always have great tips! I was able to order a new Magnito, points and Condenser for that Snow blower I mentioned. Its a Techumseh HM80. The really old version. The blower is in great shape, the magneto failed and points were pitted.

[@2Blueberries]

Like others have said, TDC (determined by rope pulling, the spot with the most tension) carb side up. Valves are closed, least room in cylinder. I just do as donyboy73 said, never a problem, I just don't tip 90 degrees.

[@RiffRaffMama.]

Everybody else saw that chipmunk run across the room at 3:04 too, right?

[@gasperajdnik5627]

Thanks mate 👍. Keep Up The good work 👍. Have a great Day and a great weekent. My Kids like watching your videos 😉🤠. Cheers 🍻🛠️🔧🔩⚙️😺

[@berardia4]

🐿 photo bombed 3:07 😂

[@herchelleonwood7463]

MIAB RULES !!

[@jburghau]

thank you for this. I also used your hydrolock video to correct my mistake. Would you consider a video on removing stripped mower blade bolts? Thank you.

[@donyboy73]

yes I will when one comes in the shop

[@jburghau]

Thank you, that would be helpful, you are excellent in your advice and demonstrations.

[@randallsaunders8927]

Was wondering about bringing the piston up to TDC with the spark plug wire removed. Will that stop engine oil from going into the piston there by avoiding hydrolock as well as closing the valves so that it doesn't leak through the muffler if it is tipped over on its side with the air filter up and the muffler down?

[@reccocon3442]

Imo, believe you're right on. Definitely NOT the opposite.

[@bozmerz4358]

Is that your pet ground squirrel at 3:07? ....Lol

[@MrBadbob4]

The Mouse running across the floor steals the show at 3:29

[@SuperElectronixxx]

Honda recommend flip it up to 90 degrees to the side where's the muffler... at gcv160. I also use the front wheel up method bc it's easiest way...