There Are So Many Problems With This Husqvarna Mower

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Thanks for watching. This mower was sold cheap, but I may end up having to put too much into it to fix all the problems it has.

[@WadeFree-h8l]

Ever since i started watching you i got into fixing things like mower weedeaters everthing thanks for the inspiration

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you . Great to hear it and that's how I started too!

[@pit4955]

Great dialogue, very on point. Love how you show your repairs on the lawn great message for beginners that you don’t need a shop full of tools. I take your videos as a presentation very well spoken and to the point. As for the orange machine millions have been sold at big box stores so I’m sure there are many that love em. Just a word on flywheel removal I usually screw a nut on the shaft and give it a dead blow with a 4 lb mallet that usually does it. Again thx for sharing 👍👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yep, you are correct about the flywheel as I ended up doing that later on. Thank you

[@christophermarshall5765]

I'm looking forward to the next one. My opinion is the oil ring might be stuck, thus the high blow by. I also suspect one or both rings may be worn. If these are not the issue, then I'd be looking at the valve stem to valve guide clearance, as these can allow oil to be drawn into the cylinder & burnt. To test this, you'll need a dial gauge. Remove the head & valve springs. Set up the dial gauge, & zero the pointer. Wobble the valve stem in the guide. Read the gauge whilst doing this, & compare readings against specs. If excessive, replace valves with ones that have thicker stems, & ream the guides.

[@tjclarke4604]

Back in the day we used to do valve guides too, ream and put the insert in. It was a lot of work, and now we don't bother, it more of a "when in doubt throw it out" sort of approach in the shop. But I agree, worn valve guides will lose oil, but the thing that makes me question that possibility is the high compression. Usually when valve guides are worn the valve doesn't seal well. Still worth checking if you feel you have the time and patience.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the information I appreciate it!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@Ralokan]

You are very dramatic about lawn mower maintenance! It’s awesome!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you !

[@crisprtalk6963]

drama king. I come here just for the drama.

[@jeffcox2446]

Great video son in law bought one had nothing but trouble with it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for sharing

[@jesterr7133]

I'm 4:22 in, and I think I know the answer. Someone tipped the engine on the carburetor side and left it that way for a significant period of time, and the oil leaked back through the carb. I have worked on one with that issue. It was a pain to get it going again.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hey that's a pretty good answer and I wish it was true.

[@mattwickert736]

if the oil is coming out the breather hose, try opening up the breather area itself. I've heard these can be prone to a clogged drain hole inside the reservoir, causing the oil to go through the hose into the air box. On the flywheel, try some penetrating spray right on the top several times for a couple days, and see if that helps. If not, with some pressure on the puller, heat up the center of the flywheel and it should pop off. if not, you can also try hitting the top of the puller after the heat and seeing if that extra force will knock it free. I've struggled lately with a few Tecumseh, Honda, and Kohler flywheels myself. I was trying to get to the flywheel brake to keep as spares on engines that were beyond fixing (bent crank, etc) but gave up as it was taking too much time for something that isn't a commonly replaced part lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the tips!

[@berardia4]

As long as the auto choke is working they seem to be nice running engines, smooth and good power.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@Shawnee.Hills.Small.Engine]

I've sold a few mowers with this engine, and I agree with you that they aren't very good. I haven't taken time to research, but these appear to simply be an engine manufactured in China for Kohler. Great video 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@mjg263]

They’re ok engines IMO depending on which version of carburetor you have (I don’t like this version with the choke pull-off unit). My big issue with them is that they the changed carb, air box and starter styles multiple times so you really need to be careful when ordering basic parts for them. I had one like this come in that had a mouse nest in it and the previous owner kept using it that way, it did not end well. Had a number of them with thrown rods too, so they definitely won’t take abuse like a Honda or an older Briggs. If properly maintained they’re alright.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

totally agree with you on that

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

Looking forward to the next video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you!

[@RexenPrime]

I picked up a free mower just like this last week except it had a honda engine on it. The front wheel and adjuster fell off because the deck cracked and broke. I happen to have a good deck lined up to take that engine too. The spare deck had an engine on it that had a lot of issues. I fixed most of them and got it running, but the engine smoked so bad that it was spitting oil out the exhaust. Long story short, I now have a good deck needing an engine and a honda engine needing a deck.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sounds like a predicament

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

Kohlers seem to have been getting harder to find on new equipment. The only things I can find them on now are wood chippers, log splitters, and some of the higher end riding mowers. You used to be able to get a Kohler on almost anything back then. Either they’ve been downsizing or companies are going with the cheaper Briggs engines instead

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I haven't done a comparison yet but I believe you on them getting scarce

[@DD-sh1vp]

Now I have to wait for the next one!! Love the channel!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank and it won't take long

[@JohnSmith-ti2kp]

On a past video you mentioned that it was difficult to find a good used transaxle for an older Honda self-propelled mover, well I have just that. Can you tell me how to find a buyer for this and how much I should ask for i?. I watched your repair video on replacing the belt on this mower, and you were 100 percent correct, for my tiny amount of grass I have the self-propelled feature is not worth the time and effort it takes to replace the belt.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I wish I could help you

[@MarkMeadows90]

I'm not familiar with Kohler engines much. Not sure how bad of an engine that one really is though. It almost seems like it could be a gasket issue? I don't know for sure, but I am looking forward to seeing what the real issue is in the future. Thanks for explaining.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes they seem to have a nasty issue about their sump gasket breaking for some reason.

[@jesterr7133]

I haven't come across a Kohler push mower yet, so I haven't had the pleasure of dealing with one of these yet.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You aren't missing much. That cub cadet engine is a loose copy of a kohler

[@jameshedrick605]

I had one like that. Never did like it and never leaked oil but always seemed to be low all the time

[@HomeGaragechannel]

seems to be their M.O., runs but low on oil

[@pillagergaming]

what happens if you put a mikuni cable slide carburetor on a push mower or a string trimmer

[@HomeGaragechannel]

is the Mikuni carb adjustable when I comes to fuel delivery? the reason I was is because, it'll need to be adjusted to work with the size of the engine and it's fuel demands.

[@deebee3901]

I think this one is going to be a parts machine or a boat anchor!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hear ya

[@robertmailhos8159]

All of that mold 😮

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right!

[@0852657luis]

It seems like one of those cases where are full-tear down will be needed to find the root of the problem which is unfortunate. Also the price of a new carburetor and governors.😢

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Totally agree

[@jesterr7133]

I am running into a similar issue on this Cub Cadet mower I am working on. Some parts are not as they should be, but I can't tell if it was done intentionally or accidentally, since I have never seen this particular machine run.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

have you compared what you're seeing to other videos on this platform?

[@carsandcoffee4546]

I have this exact same mower, even the same model number. Whoever had this before hand was just an over confident full of themselve mechanic. In the 20 years I've owned this mower, I have done nothing to it. Still starts first pull.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like the way you put that, thanks

[@jesterr7133]

I am having the stud issue with the GCV160 that I am working on. I can't break the nut loose on one of the studs. I need to change the pull rope, but I can't do anything with the recoil until I get that stupid stud out. It's really annoying.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, try using a vise grip in conjunction with the wrench, and also an impact

[@jesterr7133]

Is there a tab that you can use to adjust engine speed on a GCV160? I am still fighting this one. I even opened up the jets on the carb as a last result. It runs great fully choked or on high speed, runs but surges on the middle speed, but dies on immediately if you switch it to low speed. I have replaced the entire fuel system (except the tank) with OEM parts,so I am out of ideas on this. Nothing I do makes any difference on it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not really, are you wanting to lower or increase the engine speed?

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I had a chance to get oine of those 4-wheel drive for nothing and turned it down. I used it on this persons yard and they were moving. I would rather use my 85 Snapper than that rig. I pass. Happy weekend to you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

great choice!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel Those things are NOT what they're cracked up to be, for me, anyway. A rear drive Snapper with decent tires and the old drive system will just GO. That 4-wheel drive job was mostly a joke and trying to run it a steady speed was more of a joke. The old drive Snappers were IT as far as a hand mower. The Stihl is a good one as far as a battery job goes. Uses a midsize instead of a big one like yours does. For all I know the Craftsman as one the size of a small block.72% battery left today.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hear ya about the 4 wheel drive system

[@circlepfarm9729]

What kind of soap were you using to spray the mower? It looked like it worked really well.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm using Super Heavy Duty Degreaser from Harbor Freight. That and only with my water sprayer, it does a really good job of cleaning.

[@TheOnlyRealBoom]

amazing video! 😌

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you!!

[@tjclarke4604]

Those Kohler XT series engines are junk, I get so many that come into the shop and I just end up wasting my time. On this one, you can really tell some ham & egger went and worked on it without knowing anything about engines. Like, where the hell did the choke go? How does that even happen? The overspeeding would prompt me to reset the governor, I could see even when the governor spring was completely slack, it was still running fast. Someone might have messed with it too, considering they buggered up so many other things. It's weird that oil would be coming back through the breather tube, but I have seen it happen a lot on old Briggs classics, not usually on Kohlers. Looking forward to learning what you find.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are completely correct, the spring was slack and the tab was bent all the way down meaning something was going on there.

[@liljoeii6091]

No I don't have no opinion on that motor it's a shame they abused the mower like that thank you for the video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, thank you Lil Joe!

[@dennisfairlie7080]

What spray degreaser/cleaner do you use to clean your mowers?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I’m using Super Heavy Duty Degreaser from Harbor Freight.

[@I_Love_My_Fans.]

can you fix a zero turn mower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, it depends what wrong with it, but as far a filming and producing it, unfortunately, logistics say no .

[@I_Love_My_Fans.]

@@HomeGaragechannel ok!

[@crisprtalk6963]

8:30 this is just about impossible to do with HOnda engines. I can never get those nuts free after pulling the stud.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

depending on how tight they are, yes, they are almost impossible to free up.

[@MixingGBP]

That engine seems like 149cc of gutless of trashola, but it sounded healthy enough when you started it. The studs in the cover seem like a bad design choice.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

They are great when they work, it's just too bad it seems like they don't hold up over time.

[@MixingGBP]

Looking forward to seeing the next episode

[@charlesdemeary]

I’d say it’s worn, the fact it runs and sounds kind of okay to me says it’s probably rings

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's my thought too.

[@davezul4396]

I’m pretty much satisfied with my 1978 snapper. Why would you buy a lawnmower made with so much plastic?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right

[@999thenewman]

Might need to reset the governor position. Good luck correcting this Mickey Mouse Kohler engine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I think you're right about that

[@dangerousdeo5113]

I have the exact same engine in my Tesco's Mower which is a DAYE 350, I believe that is what its referred too. The engine sounds insanely loud, no knocking, clunkling etc, but sounds really awful, uncertain why though? Did a check down the spark plug hole and it even has its original honing marks, I am seriously concerned on what it might be? As it does not sound like 96 Decibels to me.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow that's loud. Have you checked and made sure the bolt for the blade was tight?

[@dangerousdeo5113]

@@HomeGaragechannel Ah! Now I remember that they swapped the blade over, wonder if that is the reason why its louder! I will have a look! Thanks so much for your help! Your truly a legend to the small engine community!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and I appreciate that

[@stuartbaumgardner597]

You should really do pressure washer videos

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I should, I have them in the warehouse but haven't gotten around to them yet.

[@Delerium22]

As from what I’ve seen it looks to be an engine, that coming from a company like Kohler, that was designed poorly with only a high price tag in mind

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@matthewwearsch242]

Worth exactly what you paid for it.What a P.O.S.But at least the deck is a pretty color GO BROWNS !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right

[@Redneckgarage13]

How much money do you make flipping

[@HomeGaragechannel]

considering the time I put into them, not much

[@jwayne777]

Well, I think the engine's good, but once you find that metal flap that's inside the combustion chamber you'll get a better idea.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@daboomer2277]

So many people just don't know how to care for a lawn mower 😂

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it seems that way

[@patrickpoulard24]

Kohler makes great plumbing supplies but they make terrible small engines. This Kohler Courage engine lost it's courage a long time ago. 🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️🤔🤦🏾‍♂️

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed