Things Don't Always Go To Plan When Picking Up A Free Mower

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Thanks for watching. This mower was left with gasoline in it. Not it won't start.

[@Turningwrenches85]

Sometimes, i get a story about what is going on, and sometimes, i don't get the person reason for giving it away, but the reasons help to know what route i want to go with it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're right about that, sometimes it helps.

[@jwayne777]

Great video Mr. Hg awesome yeah you got it right on this one definitely the small talk I found to be nothing but cover For the guilt they share of having neglected that mower for so long mostly they're just trying to come up with some excuse as to why it isn't running.😂

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ah I see what you're getting at

[@sarnold1277]

Love Kohler engines. Hate the autochoke. Great video. Thanks for making it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@scottdunn4506]

That lawnmower looks almost brand new

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right!

[@kencurtis228]

TY for Sharing

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for watching

[@zefautino]

If you don't talk to people, you don't know if they have more items that may interest you, or if you have something they want to get from you. They got you a free mower, if they talk, listen to them, they'll remember you next time. To send more things your way, or to make sure you don't get anything else.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ah you bring up a great point

[@brianandrews7099]

I hate to say it, but if the mower was mine and I wanted to keep and use it for my own needs, I would be on the lookout for a good Briggs and swap motors on it. I agree, those Kohler Courage engines are simply too much potential problems to keep around. Very sad; especially considering how great the old Command engines were.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@mattwickert736]

Those Kohler auto-choke linkages are awful. They changed to the newer design setup, but I find removing the auto-choke mounted to the muffler is usually easier than removing the carb studs on the ones I get. They got away from that vacuum setup - I think I heard or read that it was designed to make for a smoother choke opening process, and while they look a little different the newer style carbs will mount up just fine. Their newer setup is similar to the newer Briggs style. I also notice that the Kohler choke opens MUCH slower than others usually do.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for letting me know, I might have to try that

[@bruceriddle4368]

What are you spraying on the mower to clean it seems like it works great

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, I'm using the gallon degreaser from Harbor Freight.

[@bruceriddle4368]

Thanks

[@kencurtis228]

Use UV Dye & UV light to find oil leaks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that works too.

[@christophermarshall5765]

I’m a chatterbox myself and love talking about mowers and other stuff. This method used can get lots of information on the mowers given away.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct about that

[@jefferylennerth9908]

5 or 10 minutes of conversation is about right then go to your exit strategy. ;-).

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@richardboggs9428]

You were talking about oil leaks I have a hustler - riding zero turn mower with a 10.5 Briggs on it and I have noticed that during the off-season it is leaking oil and I’ve got a spot on a piece of cardboard under the engine now where would the leak be coming fromin your input would be very helpful

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, I would look at the crankshaft seal right about the drive pulley. If not there, then there could be leak at the gasket for the oil sump. you might have to power washer it first to track down where it's leaking from

[@shig357]

What apps do you use to find free stuff?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I use Craigslist and FB marketplace

[@kencurtis228]

What kind of Ad should I post for Free Mowers??

[@HomeGaragechannel]

are you giving mowers away or are you asking for people to respond with free mowers to give to you?

[@Shawnee.Hills.Small.Engine]

I prefer to skip the chit chat, and get on with fixing the mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too

[@covishen]

Getting a little info on the mower is worth some conversation. When they start acting like you're their counselor, it's time to beat a hasty retreat.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@DaBossk]

aryans mower huh? it is the master race of all mowers? haha. Its pronounced Aarons, like a guys name

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Really? Huh

[@electroddxful]

Most of the free stuff are usually a little more hard to fix🙏👍🙏👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right

[@johndenver8574]

What brand of cleaner for small lawnmower engines from harbor freight do you recommend?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's the one in the clear gallon jug with the yellow solution

[@johndenver8574]

Thank you.

[@benjaminlatora6607]

Britain Stratton engines are the easiest engine to work on. That’s why I only work on Brooks and trap and engine.

[@0852657luis]

I almost never get opportunity to get free lawn equipment. Even the broken stuff with missing parts they would rather junk it than give it away.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

man that's a real shame. maybe you can find some this year

[@berardia4]

Most usually dont want any questions as its free but occasionally some chaty people are out there.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@billwilliams1369]

I'm not very chatty. Usually if people want to talk to me, they are the ones doing all the talking. I'm usually hoping they have something better to do than stand here talking to me. But, I'll listen, up to a point.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

same here

[@stevepelino5986]

I’m fine with having a conversation with the owner but most of the time they don’t know what the exact issue is. They just know it doesn’t work. Lol My question to you is after replacing the carb on a toro mower. Still has a warm start issue. Quick spray of ether to start when warm. Any suggestions how to fix this issue. Thank you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Not knowing the model number to your Toro makes this a tough one to answer as I don't know what kind of engine is on it. Have you checked the valve lash? And the other would be have you done a compression test?

[@curiosity2314]

Yeah, I think if you are getting something for free as this mower a bit of patients on your part is due; listening to the rap. I would not be into it either but some people like to talk. 😀

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hear what you're saying

[@murtazasherzad6241]

Hey my mover lost power, I did oil change after that it lost power when I use it in overgrown grass it stops.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

check your air filter

[@Vipex_134]

Alright i finally got a compression tester. It said 70psi... Should i be worried ot terrified

[@HomeGaragechannel]

terrified

[@Vipex_134]

A whole engine rebuild later, 170 psi. (i hope the flywheel doesnt fly off to the moon)

[@ottodydaktyk]

If they are giving you a free mower that you are going to use or sell, let them bend your ear. Especially if they are older.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true and this couple was younger than me.

[@snoopysrc]

Conversation is nice but not to long

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@st6795]

Just bought a new StiHL mower with the Kohler engine, will this engine leak?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not sure, I don't have much experience with the newer versions of this engine.

[@Vipex_134]

Hey, for about a year ive seen as i pull on the rope on my saw that the chain would loosen up and then tension. Today i checked and saw how my crank shaft is bent somewhere. I cant explain it very well but its bent and i want to ask if i should replace it on a saw that is from 2006.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

tough question. Does the saw mean anything to you personally? Or is it worth a lot of money? If the answer is no for both, I'd say leave it the way it is.

[@Vipex_134]

Well its 300$, it means quite a lot to me tho. I spent some money on it, time and it was my gradpa's. But i mean that doesnt mean i cant just retire it on a shelf and use it for something smaller, right?

[@liljoeii6091]

AWESOME VIDEO THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks again and anytime!

[@kieranknapp7366]

What’s the app you use for geting these mowers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I use Craigslist and FB marketplace

[@mr1pearl]

You'll no more once you get into it than them I mean they are getting rid of it after all 🤷

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're right about that

[@EastinColl]

What cleaning spray/degreaser do you use? It looks like it works great. I’ve always used Super Clean, but willing to try other products. Thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

super clean works but it takes time. I'm using the gallon jug of the yellow degreaser from Harbor Freight

[@EastinColl]

@@HomeGaragechannelThank you!

[@extrarockersworld8271]

Have you ever seen these mowers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hardly, only online. They are not very common in my area.

[@robcole332]

What did you find wrong on the hot no start

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes I end up finding it, and fixing it in the next video on this mower.

[@jesterr7133]

Speaking of leaky Kohler engines, I am having an issue with the 26hp one I am working on. It is leaking oil from the tube that you use to drain the oil out for an oil change. Do you know of any way to stop it from doing that?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, I'd use tread sealing tape, like you do for plumbing.

[@jesterr7133]

@@HomeGaragechannel Good idea. I would have never thought of that.

[@FZ52023]

hey, my old trimmer i think has had enough, i put in into storage for 3-4 months and tried to get it running today and the carb wouldn't go into full, and i snapped the little plastic lever as it wouldn't burdge, and also the rope wouldn't go back down smoothly anymore, think it's done, but it has been running for 13 years so it's very good, if there are any solutions to this, let me know

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sounds like it has multiple issues. I'd get a new "primary" trimmer and fix this on good time to be used as a back up.

[@FZ52023]

@@HomeGaragechannel yes I have the STIHL KM94RC it’s amazing to use, I have the time to repair it later, what would be the first few things to do? I find it so strange how this happened in storage

[@jesterr7133]

I'm on the Spectrum, and I think you dislike making small talk with people just as much as I do, lol.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

IF.. I can avoid it yes. However, when I do talk, I end up talking too much .

[@jesterr7133]

@@HomeGaragechannel Me too. Then it becomes this awkward conversation that you really want to end, but you don't want to offend them, so it ends up lasting forever, lol.

[@jesterr7133]

I've never worked on a push mower with a Kohler before. That's an interesting machine. I have never even seen one before.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's interesting for about 2 minutes and then it's not. I'd rather not mess with them because they seem to be more problematic than most engines

[@jesterr7133]

@@HomeGaragechannel Lol. They are definitely more complicated and tempremental, but they are pretty reliable in my experience.

[@appelmac1]

TMI ! Bummer

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it worked out in the end

[@Idkx2ummm]

4:26 Oh geez it was missing a nut the pool start I had one of those lawnmowers that had one bolt missing for the pool start and it would slip often that hurt😂 4:26

[@HomeGaragechannel]

actually it was missing 2 of them and yes it was just barely holding on

[@Idkx2ummm]

@@HomeGaragechannel Oh geez

[@Idkx2ummm]

7:43 And one more thing you don’t actually need to take those studs out I fixed one of those and I didn’t need it😅 7:43

[@HomeGaragechannel]

really? I'll have to try

[@Idkx2ummm]

@@HomeGaragechannel Do you know what I did was I just pulled the Carburetter off

[@Idkx2ummm]

4:18 One question what happens if you get water in the exhaust will it just blowed out?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

once the engine's started yes any water will blow out.

[@Idkx2ummm]

@@HomeGaragechannelOK thanks😊

[@zinnstigertownmowers780]

I have one of those right now. It's interesting that for a push mower that has a 7/8" crankshaft. Bout to pull the motor off of mine to use on a self-propelled Ariens

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I always thought 7/8" was standard for push mowers, while most self propelled engines have at least a 1" shaft.

[@anthonypatt179]

My mower leaks oil but it's not worthy fixing it because it's old so I just drain the oil every time I finish mowing

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow.. you must be spending a lot on oil every summer. Are you sure you wouldn't want a friend or someone to at least look at it and see what all it would cost to fix the leak?

[@anthonypatt179]

@@HomeGaragechannel here the grass takes more than one month to grow so it doesn't cost me it's like 2 months since I last mowed the grass. For my opinion it's not worthy fixing the mower because it's old it has other problems and it's not like affecting me with the mowing it doesn't leak so badly only some drops but if I leave it in the mower by the time I use it again it will have drained a great portion of oil

[@anthonypatt179]

@@HomeGaragechannel I don't really need someone to check the mower because I know wats the problem

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ok if you're fine with it I guess.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I see.

[@patrickpoulard24]

It all depends on the type of people who are giving the lawnmower away are. If they are polite and kind hearted, I won't mind having a conversation with them. Especially if they can give me intel on the lawnmower. Keep up the good work. 😊👍🏿 #stihlpower #stihlisyourdaddy #stihlrunstheyard

[@HomeGaragechannel]

well said and thank you very much!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I don't mind talking but I always started at square one with anything I had to work on anyway and as far as the Craftsman battery zero turn-- SAME answers. NOTHING about it on the Craftsman website BUT got referred to Craftsman Support at MTD and talked to the same guy I talked to awhile back about trying to keep the battery from freezing. SAME answers now as then. NO BOOKS. IF anything happens to the mower they will TALK you through the fixing process (try) and the WILL have trained people (maybe by then) to work on them and it is the owners responsibility to transport the mower to where it can be fixed IF the need arises. Same stuff. I like that mower so far BUT if Stihl made one when we got that one, I'd have 2 STIHL's instead of just one. As things are greening up here, we will see how it goes. Thanks and a Happy Weekend!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, things are looking a bit greener here as well, some weeds though

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Lots of people don't realize there's weeds on BOTH sides of the fence and the grass is just as green there too.@@HomeGaragechannel

[@nickflopper]

Glad to see you back with new content again, looking forward to the double uploads on Friday and double uploads on Monday between both your channels again for the upcoming spring and summer

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, not sure how the rest of the seasons going to go. Finding stuff to work on is getting a bit harder with the way the market is.

[@Idkx2ummm]

8:13 Crusty musty dusty when you said crusty or rusty that just reminded me of crusty musty dusty

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice

[@Willy7212]

Another great video. I have not worked on a Kohler before, so good information. Thank you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertmailhos8159]

You definitely got that right about that matter of free stuff especially when it comes to lawn care equipment

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you!

[@snoopysrc]

​@HomeGaragechannel say I'm very sorry to here about that and I gotta go

[@pleaseadoptus]

I guess the repair was good, but you basically wasted the first two minutes with pointless back story and small talk about how you like neither back stories nor small talk.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hey thanks for noticing

[@ztaylor350]

I'm guessing you haven't seen any of his videos before this one. Everyone of his videos starts with an intro like that