Reviving a Free Weedeater Mower

Had all the parts on hand
Airfilter Foam
amzn.to/2TYrh8Z
Diaphragm Gasket Set
amzn.to/2zENlP7
Airbox comes with filter too
amzn.to/3eE25w6
OEM Carburetor
amzn.to/36L9ffs
Aftermarket Gas Tank and Carb Assembly
I’ve had good luck with these
amzn.to/2AliYgp
SparkPlug
amzn.to/3chSA4s
Governor Idle Spring
amzn.to/2XljGDr
Governor Spring Standard
amzn.to/36NaB9v
I am a participant in the amazon affiliate program.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Hank's Garage, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Hank's Garage assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Hank's Garage recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Hank's Garage, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed 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 from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Hank's Garage.

[@davidcooper6786]

You're a great teacher and mentor to those who need instruction like myself. I would encourage you as you've encouraged me to continue sharing your lawn mower repair experiences. Great videos; great job! Thank you!

[@chrisssmallengines7163]

I love these mowers , they put up with so much abuse and neglect and still are repairable and run great after being tuned up .

[@bakerboy8910]

I love those little 300 series engines. Easy to fix up, usually dirt cheap if not free to come across, and they always sell well.

[@dougtuber]

THANK YOU!! Used this to remove/clean my carb as the mower was running rough/rich and this seems to have fixed it right up. Very nice detail in your video ... much appreciated!

[@bonnie448]

Thanks I see how to fix mine now, great videography, clear images so I could see what I needed to.

[@GospelTruth37059]

Wonderful video , thank you so much! From a woman who has to do a lot of the fixing around here thank you!!!!!

[@hanksgarage_]

+Prophetic End Times Thanks glad it helped you!

[@sonnyc3826]

tehse mowers are pretty easy to fix if theyre in semi decent shape.. the gastanks are expensive though .but a thing i like about tehse that every enthusiast in the comments will reem me out about is these plastic carberators when i get lazy or dont feel like taking much time cleaning a mower or carb i just blast this one wiht water...it gets it really clean and all the dirt off ..then i let it dry or go over it with gumout carb cleaner so tehres no wate rin it:) it works pretty good. makes cleaning the carb easier...as long as you get all teh water out afterwards.

[@kellys.1971]

had the same issue with my gas tank breaking at the bolt that you mentioned you never seen before, lol, got some gas resistant sealer and strapped it on with a strap around the tank.

[@bg147]

I just bought one of these with the big rear wheels for $27.50 at a country auction. It had fresh oil and a new air filter. There is a large chip in the blade but it seems to run without any significant vibration.

[@j.j.veebee1656]

Bro, I thought I was the only one that dragged home mowers in my four door sedan. 🤣

[@ChicagoSirens]

I have one of these Weedeaters in my collection except it's a bagging model and has a 4HP OVH RATO engine. Not a bad mower. Looks identical to the deck Craftsman used to use.

[@hanksgarage_]

Ya all those brands were pretty much the same craftsman used a lot of the mtd decks which so did yard machines, yard man, bolens, Murray, and etc. they aren't bad. I like how easy they are to find. It's very easy to find bags for them if they are not included. I always pick up bags when I find them trash picking.

[@frankgutierrez7263]

Great video and great instructor...thanks!

[@kaiooowwweee4927]

Just bought a used weed eater briggs & stratton 550 series 158cc 5.50 that needed a tune-up + minor repairs. This video helped a lot. Thank you! Great video.

[@foxmulder216]

I figured out why I loved this video, aside from the spot on work, is the fact that you sound EXACTLY like Tom Green, or he sounds like you, either way, good on ya bud.

[@usmcpokemon]

What would you recommend for after market parts regarding wheels and wheel mounting things. By things I mean the pegs that adjust the height

[@foxmulder216]

The black widow part is TOO TRUE! Great demeanor btw.

[@samneiley710]

Is that a 22inch

[@gwinndontrell]

What size nut is on the blade and what size blade does this mower have ?

[@jaydenbutler2116]

How do you buy carburetor rebuild kits? How do you know it's the right one for the right carb

[@TheIronDuke502]

I was given a Weedeater mower that is identical to the one in the video. The mower decks are paper thin at best. The area around the rear wheel adjuster brackets were in bad shape - So I cut a C channel and made like an axle by welding two 1/2 bolts for the wheels and used the three holes for the rubber debris shield on the rear of the mower.for bolt holes for the fabricated axle. Although you no longer have height adjustment at the rear of the mower, the mower deck is slightly higher than before. My sister named this mower "Putt Putt" , Go figure.

[@warrenpeas]

it is very light though compared to other mowers. i actually love this mower. did you see how simple that carb was?

[@lisafalleroni1012]

thx for this informative vid. my Lawn Boy with B&S engine just crapped out mid cut yesterday so I have been trying to source a used B&S engine on whatever mower brand that is light and capable. found one of these is for sale on CL close by and am tempted to get it but they're asking $100. i may offer $70 but it's pretty old, has no bag, and was "reconditioned" last season, which makes me wonder. anyway, thanks again. made the carb clean look super easy.

[@unisol2287]

Excellent tutorial!(especially dude) from A to Z this the only way to make it profitable when you salvage parts from other broken mowers. My advice is, when is posible, try to make those videos between 3 to 5 min, like Donny boy told me once "Sometimes is not going to be posible" if they are short we're going to be able to watch it completely or we can watch more videos. Congrats and keep on that way ....

[@GoodOlBoy1976]

I have one and it will turn over but will not stay running. I will try what you did in the video and see if it helps me.

[@christinehill55]

Wow I'm so glad I found your video I'm a 69 year old female just trying to hang on to my yard that's turned into a jungle and I hope this video helps whoever I can find to help me fix the same problem you just did that bulb however I'm having a hard time finding Parts my nephew said to also replace the gas tank and like I said I'm having hard time finding Parts if you could give me any suggestions I would be greatly thankful😅❤

[@hanksgarage_]

Links in description

[@christinehill55]

You have no idea I'm so grateful I believe I can do this LOL God bless you and yours thank you thank you thank you❤

[@hanksgarage_]

@@christinehill55 it’s not hard to do just take your time take pictures before so you can see how it will all go back together

[@christinehill55]

Yes sir I ordered all the parts through your Amazon😅 thank you again so much❤

[@N0NE47]

Great video. I used it to fix my own mower

[@markpaezjr1318]

Good video I like it I clean the carb on the mower to see if it would start and still can't get it to start new oil fresh gas I still can't get it to go I don't know what els to do your fan and friend mark

[@jessepremo7398]

Are you sure you can work on small engines?

[@neftalirosado6167]

Thanks for your attention!!!

[@palangnar3588]

Good video thanks, but can you tell me what kind of oil did you used just car oil?

[@hanksgarage_]

SAE 30 or 10w30. I’ve used car oil as well. As long as it meets the API ratings it’s fine

[@matthewzucco2516]

What’s the actual name of the “linkage” piece that you used on the carburetor (not the spring)? I need to order one but am having a hard time finding it on its own

[@littlebrudda954]

It’s a fly wait govner

[@MrAwad05]

Do you know where to find the fuel tube ?

[@toonybrain]

Thanks for this video. My spark plug socket is rusted out and I'm not sure how to Google this particular part. Suggestions?

[@hanksgarage_]

Your spark plug socket, if its a craftsman or name brand socket you should be able to warranty it out at the store it came from. The PN for the spark plug is, 5435K

[@hershelswint4097]

Great video thanks that will help me a lot.

[@reneelong8167]

But the fact is

[@jackw3235]

thank you for your help

[@hanksgarage_]

+THOMAS G your welcome bud

[@jpbanks2383]

I was given a Weed Eater 22 just like the one you restored. Mine will start up and run fine for about 10 to 15 seconds and then start to load up or just act like its going to quit but never does. I replaced the gaskets filter spark plug and it still does it. What could be the problem.

[@johns3655]

Dirty carb, old gas, worn carb springs

[@stephenjones579]

I have the same mower with the bagger and it surges when I try to run it I cleaned the air cleaner I'm wondering if it's the diaphragm gasket great video also by the way

[@hanksgarage_]

+Stephen Jones that's more than likely what it is. See my latest video same motor. You may just want to replace the carb is about the same price all in.

[@user-vq7ip6qe9r]

I love my B&D trimmer

[@Natoliskatesalot]

The choke springs on mine broke. Will it damage the mower if push choke all the way forward and use it as so?

[@hanksgarage_]

you will need to replace the spring, assuming yours is the same motor as this one that spring helps regulate the engine speed, the motor will run way too fast without it. this will cause it to wear out very quickly

[@KingalaBing]

What size is the o ring?? Great video thank you.

[@gruffmadness]

Great video man! Thanks!

[@hanksgarage_]

right on man glad it helped ya!

[@gruffmadness]

Well, it did help break down what was what on the mower. It was having a rough idle, so I replaced the spark and air filter/ Air hat and added oil. Considering it had never been done, it fired up well. The idle is still a little rough, and moving the mower quickly causes the motor to bog, almost die. I'm thinking maybe a clogged line or the carb needs a good cleaning since I'm thinking it's related to the sloshing of fuel and inadequate air or fuel flow? Or maybe it's something like a seal?

[@hanksgarage_]

Id bet that the gas tank needs a good cleaning as well. Could be the carb needs to be cleaned for sure

[@andybub45]

Where did you get the consumable parts box from?

[@dogsareawomansbestfriend]

How do you set the thing that does the speed in order to start?

[@MegaFlaxman]

I have a mower with the same set up, runs pretty bad. I've cleaned the carb a couple of times and replaced the gasket and diaphragm and primer bulb. It starts easy and runs smoothly for about 10 seconds then starts surging, bogging down huffing black smoke then quits. I'm about to order a new carb and gas tank thinking that maybe the aluminum is warped on the tank. Any suggestions would be great, thank you

[@voteclassicprogressivelibe2726]

try to see if the muffler is clogged

[@mikehenderson1268]

I have an older mower similar to this one. Why does my mower when tilted to the left while mowing an inclined sputter and die? Tilting to the right is no problem. Thanks Mike

[@codykamminga9667]

Mike Henderson is the fuel full?

[@codykamminga9667]

Because the fuel pickup is on the left, and it could be sucking in air

[@JoseGarcia-bu1dr]

What would you recommend change spark at beginning of the season or after a year

[@hanksgarage_]

once a year should be fine

[@JoseGarcia-bu1dr]

hanksranger thx man

[@alssmallengines]

Love those easy fixes! I probably have 5 or 6 of those carb on tank assemblies in my parts hoard. & getting about time for me to start loading up on parts from eBay, also I've bought diaphragm & gasket kits 4 of them for 10 bucks on eBay.

[@hanksgarage_]

+Alan Marshall yup ebay is best for consumables hands down, I dont really like spending 7 bucks for an airfilter at lowes or 5 on a primer bulb haha especially when I replace so many of them

[@norge696]

I call those "beater" mowers for a reason.

[@christinehill55]

How much am I looking at paying for this work to be done thank you in advance for all your help this was a fantastic video

[@Idkwhyimstillawakeatthistime]

Soooo quick question what if i have changed the spark plug in about 5 years?

[@hanksgarage_]

As long as it is still firing its fine, you can replace the spark plug though anyways if you care enough to do so, they are cheap anyways

[@mattgehrke]

How much oil and what weight does this lawnmower take? I just acquired this same mower and I'm pretty sure it's been neglected

[@hanksgarage_]

about a half a quart, at most.

[@olddays2253]

Was the blade adapter stuck

[@jimmymartin2542]

How did you titen the bulb

[@VIBRATO1]

Great video...What size socket do I need to take off my old mulching blade?....

[@hanksgarage_]

usually 5/8 or 9/16

[@VIBRATO1]

Thank you..

[@CeLeb144]

Nice, I have the same model, pulled it out of the garbage, I'm still not sure why it was tossed out, the air filter was clean, the blade was sharp, and not a single scratch, just filthy. The only thing missing is a guard flap on the back to keep rocks and sticks from flying into my shin. I've had it for about 3-4 years and it's still running great. My only concern is when to replace the blade, the one on it is the same one as when I got it out of the trash, it's been bent to hell and sharpened and bent back into shape, but I'm not sure how many more revives I can put on it, only flaws besides that were the red primer bulb falling apart on the finger, the pull string being worn out, and a cracked wheel which I replaced with the same one same model, this will definitely help for future reference. How many times should I resharpen and repair the blade though? I've done it about 6 or less times.

[@hanksgarage_]

you can do it as many times as you feel good with to be honest, as long as it doesnt get too bent up thats the main thing, ive seen blades sharpened 1-2 inches IN to the outside portions of them just from being sharpened so many times, that said blades arent expensive and can be had anywhere from 10-20 bucks depending on what brand you go with.

[@hanksgarage_]

no problem, and im surprised you were able to bend it back at all! they're all made of spring steel, harder than hell to bend by hand tools

[@housestohomesteads]

Hey there; First timer...I appear to have the same gas tank/governor linkage as your replacement, but not the same (metal) cover, which allows for access and linkage to the governor vane and the new set up you showed. It's a "found" mower so I'm not sure what has been done to it or it's been jury-rigged. The lawn mower is a 21" Weed Eater 550 158cc. Every video I've watched has the same set up as yours. As I've stated, my cover doesn't allow for this. The governor vane appears to be buried inside. I'm not sure why that part would have been replaced. Can you shed some light on this conundrum? Gary.

[@MykeyOudshoff]

Thx

[@muhammadsaqib5585]

U r good good work thanks so much

[@ddakota05]

i found a heat gun works well too!

[@Ellenslife851]

Were I live I used to get $75 for thoughs newer ones the older vintage stuff usaully $50 if it was Antique depending on brand and rarety sometimes $100 that was when I had my business

[@jpit07llc]

thank you thank you thank you God Bless

[@willietucker3031]

Im having problems with the spring

[@pumpzalpha8225]

I have a weedeater push mower and my spark plugs last awhile

[@DriveShaftDrew]

good job

[@hanksgarage_]

+DriveShaft Drew thanks drew, im sure enjoyin the weather here!

[@terrybaptist795]

How much money is a push mower worth with the grass catch bag? Because a friend of Mine gave me one for free.

[@misterrightfix4129]

I can't believe, your are amazing small engine mechanic👌

[@doglegjake6788]

i may be wrong but i think that carb uses 2 governor springs or it will bog down in high grass

[@hanksgarage_]

www.partstree.com/parts/briggs-and-stratton/engines-090000-xxxx-xx-to-09z999-xxxx-xx/09l602-1611-f1-briggs-stratton-vertical-engine/brake-controls-covers-governor-spring-ignition/

[@mekishalemke8873]

It does have a Governor Spring and a Governor Idel Spring. Two different part #s.

[@shawn180]

I have this same mower that needs a new carburetor and air hat. Can u tell me the parts number so I can get the correct one

[@hanksgarage_]

Description

[@Frenchempire]

I have the same as well it starts and works well

[@DaCoder]

On my Accord, someone told me my Honda lawnmower would fit PERFECTLY into the trunk. I tried: if you take off the gas cap to install, and put it back on before you close the trunk, its literally a press fit into the trunk.

[@DaCoder]

+Sean “S3EN” Slater Also, i saw a guy rebuilding his 280z, he found a HUGE black widow, and flame thrower-ed it.

[@hanksgarage_]

+Sean “S3EN” Slater lol done that before, it was in one of my past mower vids, wasnt too huge though. Thats pretty interesting how it would fit like that eh

[@DaCoder]

+hanksranger Yeah I think after watching this video I found out why my carb rebuild leaks on that tiller, I thought they just gave you extra gaskets, but you are supposed to double layer them xP

[@hanksgarage_]

lololz yea I assumed you did that haha, hopefully its that better that its installed incorrectly than it fucked up and you having to spend more money. Ive done stuff like that before it happens. Also Im still looking for a good van, looking at quests, astros, siennas, caravans, not wanting to spend alot of money as im going to be hauling shit with it lol but what would you recommend i know you guys have caravans

[@DaCoder]

+hanksranger I remember you asking me this before lol, right now the 2001-2007 Caravans/Voyagers/Town and Country's are the cheapest way to get a reliable van. The 90's caravans are all just POS. Look up EricTheCarGuy's fixing it forward series on one of those bad boys (we owned two of those, traded them for the 2002 / 2006) The engines leak oil but it looks like a cam sensor seal every time. The BIGGEST issue these vans have is a vacuum leak caused by the evap / fuel emissions systems. You need to have a smoke machine to find the cause. Honestly I would recommend just buying a junk Datsun wagon for the cool factor. Datsun 810/Maxima Wagons i think they were called, come in diesel form too.

[@josecampos6685]

The best part

[@abilewis9924]

Do you know anything about a cylinder and if you can buy a replacement part?

[@hanksgarage_]

like what a replacement cylinder? You can buy a whole new short block which is not worth it, easier to just replace the motor with a good used one, its really easy to do so and a lot cheaper.

[@abilewis9924]

THANKS!!

[@thecanadiengamereh4022]

you should see the find I got an old yard machine yea a bit rusty but 2 pulls and fires up and repainting damn it will look good needs one wheel and its golden

[@hanksgarage_]

not bad

[@user_vwtx]

Please tell me the part numbers ..engine. Model number

[@g..._anthony27]

Hey, got a question

[@MaxMax-fb5dv]

Where is the engine serial number located on that mower?

[@hanksgarage_]

You may have to remvoe the pastic beauty cover if it has one but it will be stamped on the left side, just to the left of the cylinder near the exhaust

[@joshflesher879]

I have a weedeater mower as well mine says Sq 4.5 briggs and stratton engine on the cover but it looks identical to yours..wonder if the governer springs are the same even tho there is a small difference in the engine

[@codykamminga9667]

What kind of oil do the filters need?

[@hanksgarage_]

Any kind. Use about a teaspoon

[@codykamminga9667]

Hank's Small Engine Repair can I just use Some 5w 30

[@hanksgarage_]

Yes as I said. Any kind.

[@andybub45]

I buy those carb gaskets on Amazon in 5 packs.

[@JoaquinChea]

Good video Thanks , do you recommend getting Mower repair parts from eBay ?

[@hanksgarage_]

If you have an amazon primer member ship you can do that as well but I've bought from eBay with no problems before usually bulk stuff

[@JoaquinChea]

Thanks Hank look forward to checking out more of your videos.

[@thelawnmowerboy9646]

Cheap, but solid mower, Hank! But one question, how do u not half a million subs?!

[@hanksgarage_]

Eh who knows, donyboy probably has the most I would guess but compared to other channels small engine repair is a niche class of videos.

[@andrewlozinak273]

Why did you only use one spring mine had 2 springs on it

[@hanksgarage_]

Some models have one spring

[@andrewlozinak273]

@hanksgarage_ ok I think mine is the 500 series because it's got the big back wheels

[@Maq_Man]

Do you sell parts?

[@tibbletz157]

Where is the fuel filter

[@danielthomas3127]

All it takes is a little patience

[@FireAlarmTech7.]

Looks like Angry Grandpa’s lawnmower

[@Frenchempire]

It’s the weed eater 22 the angry grandpa have the weed eater 20

[@neftalirosado6167]

Hello!! Weed Eater is good brand ?

[@hanksgarage_]

not really, its a cheaper brand

[@warrenpeas]

this mower has been bullet proof for me. have had mine over 10 years.

[@ericcuellar5243]

You all stay classy..nice lol

[@Crivas420]

😊

[@tbonelawson594]

do you know the governor springs part number?

[@LivingFree365]

It depends on your engine model number. Three of the common part numbers are 691859, 698719 & 691297 . Again it will depend on your model. Most weed eater models have a vane governor. Whats the engine model number of yours?

[@nicholasabraham9011]

I have a mower just like this one and it makes a terrible sounds. I have a video. Could I send you an email?

[@lumbeewarrior5664]

Lawnmower rev problem

[@terrellstewart1532]

Now that's a real Briggs & Stratton engine not this crap they make today👍

[@TheSiameseRat]

I see a HONDA! do u still have it?

[@hanksgarage_]

+boneheadmoth as hezy which one? Ive had several

[@TheSiameseRat]

+hanksranger u have a gvc160

[@hanksgarage_]

+boneheadmoth as hezy Yea that was swapped onto a craftsman deck and sold.

[@TheSiameseRat]

do you have anymore hondas?

[@hanksgarage_]

One pressure washer GCV190 soon to be 2 once I buy the replacement, however one is my dads, I have an old vintage Honda mower that I use

[@thegrandman2535]

Wash the whole mower

[@hanksgarage_]

It's done before they are sold dude.

[@danielc.1227]

just sold two that blade is crap

[@johnbilbrey4106]

The l

[@thehotrodguyskai2377]

you should not put them on thair side the oil will run out

[@hanksgarage_]

how do you think you are supposed to change the blade out and do other stuff underneath the deck? Either way you tip it oil will leak out of the mower or into the valve spring cover. Its really not a big deal especially if you are going to change the oil afterwards anyways

[@warrenpeas]

you are right. i put mine on the side to sharpen the blade and the oil ran out and into the air filter. then from the air filter into the carb and all the way to the tank. once i cleaned it all out everything was fine except i swear mine did not have the spring on the carb you showed.