Toro Recycler Fixing Self Propel Transmission For $1.00

amzn.to/2R9ngOF Mechanics Wire Handy Stuff
amzn.to/2EET5Jd Recycler Transmission Replacement
amzn.to/2UWOozG Non Aerosol Spray Bottle Refillable
amzn.to/2SbTRR4 Tecumseh Primer
In this video, I show an easy fix for a transmission in a Toro personal pace mower that was not working. This fix is pretty much free and will work for a long time. Why not give it a shot.
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Doublewide6 Repairs LLC has a Master’s Degree in industrial technology with a specialization in Manufacturing, due to factors beyond the control of Doublewide6 Repairs LLC and anyone featured in his videos, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Doublewide6 Repairs LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video or any of Doublewide6’ Repairs LLC's videos. Use this information at your own risk. Doublewide6 Repairs LLC recommends safe practices when working on equipment, power tools, chemicals, electronics, electrical systems, vehicles, and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Doublewide6 Repairs LLC, 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 Doublewide6 Repairs LLC.

[@doublewide6]

amzn.to/2R9ngOF Mechanics Wire Handy Stuff amzn.to/2EET5Jd Recycler Transmission Replacement amzn.to/2UWOozG Non Aerosol Spray Bottle Refillable amzn.to/2SbTRR4 Tecumseh Primer

[@JayVeeDad]

doublewide6 Repairs LLC thank you! Self propel wired and working again!

[@richardschultz7788]

Dude my mower has that exact same drive problem and when I saw you messing with bailing wire I thought you were nuts - until I tried it and it freaking worked! Nice job and thanks!

[@joecoastie99]

i'm going through my 2007 22" self propelled right now. She's been neglected but she keeps on running. My wheels stopped late last summer. I noticed the bracket for the cable was broken so I replaced it. Still a no go with the trans. I just came across this today. I'll snag some bailing wire and give it a shot. However, I wonder if that part he linked will fit my old mower. It's 12 years old and still running strong.

[@rb-cs8qo]

Excellent video with equally excellent delivery. The video was longer than I would normally want to watch, but your training method was so methodical and practical that I couldn't stop watching. Great job! Thank you.

[@eric8326]

I actually did exactly what you instructed w the wire to hold the transmission and it worked. I ordered a new transmission for $55 but I plan on mowing tomorrow with the temp fix. Thanks for the video I really appreciate it.

[@lucido420]

Thanks for actually taking it apart, i wanted to see if you were having the same issue as mine. Get the bushing for 4 buck and eliminate the wire

[@JayVeeDad]

A title that turns out to be true! Less than $1.00 actually as I had a wire coat hanger on deck! Thank you!!

[@JayVeeDad]

Update: wire didn’t last very long:/ gears continue to grind. meh.. New mower on the horizon

[@pjones8202]

Well done. I can understand when parts aren't available to do it this way. You showed us the problem and a fixer. The fixings some of us can take it from there, our way. Thank you

[@irwanyap]

Wow 👍. Thanks for your solution on fixing the self propelled front wheel. Mine had the same issues, just simply follow your suggestion to tightened it with wire, the problem SOLVED! The repair shop asked $300 to fix this problem. What a rip-off if I accept their quote.

[@ronaldmathis7192]

I just bought one like that yesterday it needs a few things and I'm learning off of you what you got on yours is what I need on mine I love the video

[@NJrickmac]

Just did this. Although had to buy 16 gauge wire for $2.63! I wedged a piece of wood in addition while running the wire. Got a real tight mesh. The mower takes off like a bat outta hell now.

[@SLR-hn5yy]

Found the exact model today but it says GTS. Guaranteed to start. Thank you for the video and I will tackle the mower in the same way

[@mjg263]

That's a good temporary fix, but the problem is actually the two brass bushings where the shaft goes through the gear case. They are sacrificial bearings so they will wear instead of the driveshaft, they can be replaced for a few bucks. When the bearing holes get "egg shaped" the drive shaft gear moves down away from the pinion gear and the tranny slips. It's an easy fix, done tons of 'em over the years. Toro doesn't use that serviceable kind of gearbox anymore unfortunately, now they use a sealed throwaway unit.

[@mikehrdlicka8635]

I was going to say when he loosened bolt to put wire on bushings looked wore out.

[@philliphall5198]

They don’t want you fixing anything

[@lucido420]

You are correct, I just found one in the garbage and took it apart, bushing was worn thru.. 4 bucks each bushing, I'll sell this with the bag for an easy 150....😊

[@mjg263]

@@lucido420 back when these mowers were everywhere I used to order those bushings and the drive shaft bearings (for the HOC plate) by the 8 or 10 pack. Same setup as the rear wheel drive Personal Pace models and the LawnBoy Insight mowers, fixed a ton of them BITD. Great mowers, not like the tin cans they’re pushing today (except for the Super Recycler).

[@angelhdzdev]

Can you help me find it online? My mower is Recycler 22" Model 21378

[@2D8717]

This wiring solution fixed my gear box transmission that was slipping. Thanks for the great tip!

[@CyberviewU]

I have one that is 15 years old. I've replaced the trans but still had to get a belt that is 1/2 inch shorter. I believe that the pulley on the drive shaft has worn in the V groove. It's working fine now.

[@gregorypiercesr.794]

Great video to keep someone going for another couple seasons giving them time to save money for the purchase of a new mower. 👍

[@mikespain8655]

Had a Toro Recycler with similar problem this year. Installed a bolt as a "jack shaft" to get the self propel feature to work. Learned about the trick from Taryl on KZbin.

[@MrJeepsterman]

different issue

[@philcarr5754]

Great informative Video!! Thank you for the clear instructions how to fix my mower with the same exact problem. I used a coat hanger and it fixed my issue!! Thank you

[@terrihathaway7285]

This was exactly what was wrong with mine. Thanks for the video!

[@clauslundberg9224]

Nice fix. - my bet is that a spring is missing. Real DW6 quality video

[@mattyal9347]

Wow. I hope I can fix my transmission problem using your idea.

[@tonygarcia3749]

I like the way you fixed the gear box you did a Macgyver on it 🤣🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🌟😎

[@scottfirman]

I had one where the blade pulley was worn completely in two! Stens has solid replacements and cheaper price than factory. I ended up stealing the blade pulley off my own so I could get this one back to its owner. It was a month and still hadn't got the one I ordered from factory. When it comes, I will just put it in my parts bin, I have a feeling as cheaply made as they are, I will be replacing others. I have been replacing recoils a lot lately. I cannot risk having people comming back on me saying their rope starter is not working again.I found it easier just to order a few every year . Its better safe than sorry. Qell, back to work!

[@scottfirman]

When I strip out a blown up lawn mower I always save the gear system because they do go bad. I like to pick up dead mowers whenever possible and save any parts I can reuse.

[@cherokeefiddler]

Good repair and all it cost was your time and some wire (and primer bulb). This series of Tecumseh engines was about the last one that would run dependably. I have one of these that I thought the transmission was shot and so I planned to list as a good runner w/o self-propel. Now I will pull it back out and try this hack. Thanks!

[@Mike-ig2zq]

Same.

[@williambranham6249]

Great video: enjoyable, educational, quality video, good sound. Thanks

[@redbird1946]

Very easy to understand and good information.

[@rickg4802]

Merry Christmas to you and your family. Enjoy your videos.

[@ncrdisabled]

We out here in the country call it baling wire great stuff

[@JesuszillaCorp]

Man my self propelled wire broke off where it goes onto the handle so I tried it with a shoestring of course the wheels stopped spinning halfway through a 10 miles job. Hoping the fix is as easy as bailing wire

[@Pyridox]

Good video. I have the same Toro mower with the same 6.5 hp Tecumseh engine that someone gave me a few years ago, except mine is rear wheel drive. The sticker on the mower deck says 2007 (almost 12 years old). I had to replace the carburetor, I tried cleaning & rebuilding the old one but it still wouldn't run good. I replaced the carb with one of those cheap Chinese ones and it has been working great for the few years that I have it. I repacked the gearbox with some quality grease.

[@CaptTurbo]

Always remove, clean, and grease the pinion gears when you are servicing the self propel. Also, I would have used a hose clamp on that axel to position the gear box instead of the wire. That way you can still keep the pully guard in place. I have a 2004 rear wheel drive Toro 6.5 that is still hauling the freight with simple maintenance and replacement wear items like the wheels which wear out over time.

[@CaptTurbo]

@@beckymash12 I'm tickled to have been of help! ;)

[@Handd4u]

Thanks for sharing some excellent common & creative sense.

[@DougSivyer]

Here's the mystery of the day. My Toro 6.5 recycler has worked well for years. Now the front wheels lock up about half way thru the forward or backward. rotation. This is with the self propel engorged or without. Mower running or not. I can push it so far and then the front wheels lock up. I can pull it backwards about the same distance and they lock up again. Any thoughts? Thank you

[@EricBlairMRERICBLAIR]

The old TTORO TUGG TUGG TUGG & WARRANTEE SHRINKER! ⚙️

[@daffyduck6169]

Came to look at replacing a pull start cord for my mower and here I am watching more youtube videos...damn you youtube...

[@bobholst874]

This transmission is designed to wear out! The shaft bushings have no lubrication, they run dry. The shafts eat away the top of the bushings, causing the gears to disengage. I bought a new transmission and before I put it in, I pulled the cover and drilled a small hole thru the cover and bushing to the shaft. This allows me to use my nosebar grease gun from my chainsaw to inject a small amount of grease up to lubricate the shaft bushings. It will now outlive me I am sure!

[@jrsmowerrepairandlawncare4179]

I'm going to have to try that. I gotta toro recycler with pretty much the same issue

[@nurhaque2392]

Good explanation. Love it

[@BrucesShop]

Sometimes you just have to do it. Great repair Bob.

[@daviddelgadp1831]

I really enjoyed your video; thanks for putting it out; learned a lot. David.

[@billleemaster9603]

There are snap (tension) rings which hold the shaft tight against the adjustment bracket. They are easy to "misplace" once removed. Hillman fasteners offer a 1/2" replacement which works just fine.

[@raymondcampbell2346]

Hey Bob, I ran into a you tube channel, jakester 455 when I was looking at ways to fix these Toro drive units. He used a couple of the same washers that are in the assembly install of the trans that are the right size. Of the shaft shiming the large gear in the gearbox closer to the work gear that attaches to the drive pulley. Hope this helps. Ray.

[@helicopterjohns]

You are correct about the shim washers. The factory puts one shim washer behind the large ring gear to ad tension to the pinion gear. When I rebuild these i put an additional shim washer behind the ring gear to take up any additional slop developed over the years. 1: Usually, the cause for damage is the ball bearing located under the two piece drive belt pulley. The ball bearing fails causing side play which ruins the ring and pinion gears knocking the teeth edges which provide proper gear mesh. 2: The second item is the bushings on the end of the gear box. After the top bearing fails it allows side movement and wollers out the holes machined to accept the axle shaft which creates even more slop and adds to the ring and pinion gear damage. 3: Bailing wire may help for a while but once the proper mesh on the gears is destroyed the game is near the end and a new or rebuilt gearbox in is the future. I have rebuilt about a dozen of these using some old gearboxes that were removed from scrap Toro mowers. Usually, a new top ball bearing is required and then find some usable ring and pinion gears that still have some life in them. When assembled the gear box should not have any slop going in either direction. 4: You should take a look at the inner ball bearings on each wheel. The sand eats them up causing them to lock up and cause extensive wear on the axle. You can purchase just the bearings but they are pretty difficult to remove and most people purchase the whole bearing housing with the bearing. 5: New replacement gearboxes with shaft are available on 3-bay and other sources for about $65.00 to $100.00 depending on where you purchase them. I am fortunate the my buddy at a local lawn mower shop had a stash of old gearboxes removed from scrap Toro mowers. Some were trash and others had usable parts in them which resulted in properly repaired gearboxes that will add additional life to an otherwise scraped mower. Hope this information is of some help. John

[@aleblanc3547]

Sometimes a field repair is the only one you'll ever need. :>) Thanks Bob

[@andyklove]

the starter can be fixed if you use a big punch you can drive the pin in the center towards the bottom and get all the parts

[@scavengersgreen]

pawls too

[@avflyguy]

Yeah buddy! A coat hangar and lineman pliers. What other quality stuff in your tool box? Nylon string, JB weld, flashlight with dead batteries..... I like it. Looks like my toolbox

[@scottvan1898]

Hey, don’t forgot the duct tape hee !

[@ededmund5685]

hi i fixed one like this,,. i drilled the axel and put a washer and cotter pin ? good video thx ed

[@matthewsharp6597]

Is there going to be a part 2 on an actual fix? Nice rig job to keep you mowing but am curious about a dependable fix to make it a sellable mower without having to buy another transmission.

[@johnmanning1006]

I see the old wire around the nut an threw the hole trick, got it

[@Fakeus]

Happy holidays

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Great video. I had one just like it last summer but my tranny was grinding and completely blown out

[@larryjones6049]

Yes you can get to the recoil spring. Just drive out the pin.

[@nbpt1000]

You do not need a new transmission it just needs a thicker spacer washer on the shaft. If you look at the exploded parts diagram you will see the spacer washer. Your solution was a good intermediate fix to get it running but the wire will creep and the gears will start to slip again and may do damage. The thicker washer is a permanent solution. Well, As permanent as you can get.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

DW, I’m with you and Lost on this. Someone’s been in it before, the washer loose on top of the tyranny, and the shiny part of the billy holding the wheel adjuster on is a giveaway. I think the washer is supposed to go in the gear box. But at least it would get an owner out of a jam for a while.

[@chan108dra]

wow you are a pro excellent video ---been following you

[@marshallborder9089]

After working on these old Tecumseh motors , I'll past on getting one and working on them . Stinking replacement parts are hard to find and they are sure proud on the prices when to find them . No room for profit anymore , maybe if one had the replacement parts cheap and on hand .

[@danndyandy]

there's a snap ring missing. that's why it shifted. Also you should've shown the tiny hole in the main jet when you had it out. If its plugged, it won't run. I use a strand of wire off an old cable that I took apart. Its really small and can very easily go unnoticed unless you know where its at.

[@williamblack7268]

Wasn't there a groove on the outside of the tranny box for a E clip to hold it in place?

[@daviddodd6773]

Where did get that mower lift that's neat I still have to use 2 saw horses with a sheet of plywood?

[@Ferp50]

You probably can get that hydrolic from a barber chair.

[@wellsautodetail3864]

Awesome video, thank you so much

[@gilpicard6024]

After several attempts to repair just replace the axle gear and pinion and make sure the side bushings are in good shape. 80 dollars or 200 for complete trans.

[@gilpicard6024]

Hey DW did you check the key and spring assembly under the pinion gear , they rust and bind in position wont let wheel turn.

[@MJorgy5]

These mowers might be 6.5 hp, but they're like 9 lb-ft of torque. RIP Tecumseh. This is genius.

[@nbpt1000]

I question if they were really 6.5 HP. That was back in the day when Tecumseh and Briggs were caught fibbing about HP. A law suit ensued that ultimately prevented a HP rating to be put on equipment under 10 HP. Now they use Torque rating which is directly related to HP and RPM. Anyway they are a nice mower an powerful for a 22" walk behind. Heck 3 HO is enough to cut grass. The Extra hp allows you to go faster.

[@joesphbaumgardner4579]

The primer bulb on this, does it just pull out?Been attempting to figuar these out.Also in case of dry rot and one snaps off getting rest out.

[@paule.maurice1521]

Great Fix !

[@tedohio3038]

Looked a parts blow up of the trans. It shows a pin that goes thru the bevel gear and the shaft, wonder if it is missing on yours?

[@mfreund15448]

Ted Ohio I saw the same thing on another channel. Pin was out. Put it back and fixed the self propelled.

[@1juice8]

Thanks 🙏 that worked for me, now my girlfriends cutting the grass 😆👍💪👊

[@williambranham6249]

Yes my Troy Bilt is down because of transmission. I'm just learning. My wife is chomping at the bit to get back out to cutting.

[@BarDog57]

Doesn't hurt to remove the drive wheels to clean and lube the gears.

[@philfalz01]

thanks for the video nice fix

[@richardcole6566]

Could you please help me locate a air filter housing cover for the Tecumseh . Like what your doing . Keep up the good work.

[@redskool8498]

thanks for the fix dw ... you and the family have a good x-mas .. †

[@theeasybeats5913]

After they sit on their side takes a bit before they will start I'm going to try the wire approach

[@AlbertSilva-cl3se]

Thanks for sharing

[@danyo1972]

Great info. Thanks.

[@StanOnDemand]

On my MTD push mower, the starter motor won't turn with spark plug inserted. As soon as I remove it, it turns freely. What can cause that? I've removed the spark plug and pump out oil out of cylinder and piston wall. Have no idea what else to do.

[@bobbymakedonski9190]

Wrong size sparkplug.Too long.

[@salpellegrini4047]

Good rig job

[@goodkharma4866]

You are a diamond in the Google rough

[@jmj267]

A small engine guy for this long and you haven't seen one of these lawn mowers. I've seen hundreds of these lawn mowers. Did you try putting the cable and the other location on the bail bar adjustment. I can take you apart and put them back together in my sleep.

[@owenbarnhart5771]

Great ingenuity.

[@richardcole6566]

where do you recommend purchasing a replacement for the lawn mower trans.

[@mre3820]

My guess would be those drop in bearings on gearbox being worn. I just repaired mine and although full of grease they were worn out. Must be a bad design. Replaced with those top hat sintered bronze bushes and machined a flat on them to stop rotation. Then shimmed out the two shafts to get the correct clearance against the pinion gear. Load of thoughts to fix it but also a lot cheaper than a new box 😔

[@HiPerformancer]

Awesome vid! Just got one with almost all the same issues. Will check out the transmission soon. Makes some squeaking sound and barely rolling, I hope its just rusty tensioner. Thanks for the video!

[@totaldla]

Easier to just shim the driven gear to reduce sideplay. I made a shim out of roof flashing but i could've used a couple of chunks of beer can.

[@rogeroconnor5182]

its a common problem on them,the last one i had i ended up taking the transmission apart and shimming the gearbox. i suppose a 2 piece locking collar wouldve worked on that one though

[@doublewide6]

Locking collar would be a good permanent fix. I don't have one here though.

[@rogeroconnor5182]

@@doublewide6 ebay,lol.

[@jeremyanthony9300]

You ever used fluid film before

[@edriquez57]

Mine had a stripped wheel , all the gear teeth were warned down to nubs.

[@phill1074]

Can’t figure out why the starter dogs are slipping.

[@harrisonp3727]

Good job

[@uzi1951]

where did you get the lift to work on the mower?

[@Budro4764]

Harbor Freight ......... And he added the wooden top to it ..........

[@doublewide6]

It is the harbor freight one. Works great. But, it would be nice to have one that goes lower to the ground.

[@jmsmaxwell]

Appears that only one wheel was working. On my TORO both wheels drive /Pull the mower forward.

[@scottydonttttttttttt]

I picked up a self propel mower without a belt. I replaced the belt, and it works fine going forward, but the wheels lock up when I try to roll it backwards. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@doublewide6]

clean wheel ratchets and springs with lube. There is dirt in there.

[@scottydonttttttttttt]

@Jacko's Small Engine Repair When the self propel is not engaged, and the mower is not running, the wheels are still locked up when trying to pull it backwards. You're saying that is how they are designed to work?

[@danndyandy]

On the Honda mower, the axles and the drive gears are dirty. You need to disassemble the wheel assembly and clean the axles. I use carb cleaner and some emery cloth on the axles. This will enable the mower to roll backwards when the drive is not engaged.

[@scottfirman]

The correct repair is to replace the axle supports( thats what they are called) Its the actual part that holds the axle on to the body. There is a bushing in there that gets destroyed due to rust and dirt on the axle. It's not that hard to do. You can look up the video that days how to really fix a Honda mower thats wheels lock up when pulling it backwards. Honda knew about this and put out a bulletin reguarding it. The proper way to repair it is to replace both sides and use every cloth to clean up the axle. Cleaning it up is not enough eather. You must replace the parts too.

[@mowermankitty]

YOU MUST BE KIDDING HACK JOB FOR SURE

[@johnhightower8737]

Nice !

[@jonbarfield4915]

Those bushings are worn out. Replace them and it will be fine. I worked for Toro and that is common.

[@justin3441]

Explain

[@patmosher8884]

What are the bushings called transmission shaft bushings?

[@MrJeepsterman]

there are no bushings

[@JustFunGaming]

good job

[@eugenechambers3403]

breaking my heart

[@georgesimpson3113]

how about showing how you got the primer bulb out...? and what holds the new one in?

[@danndyandy]

Its called a push nut . Its a one time use. It will come with the new primer bulb. I use my pocket screwdriver to remove the old one. Just slide it in on the outer part of the primer bulb. You will see a couple of little slots just big enough for a pocket screwdriver to fit into. Insert and pry it out. Slide the new push nut over the new primer bulb and put it in the hole. Now grab a 1/4" drive 1/2" socket and give a couple of taps with a hammer.

[@williamdavis9943]

You should replace the Carb. bowl gasket.

[@boomerv7291]

I hate when they show you these videos, but skip past the reassembling of all the parts. What's the point of the video. Detail is what most of us want, not finished repair. No offense but Donyboy73 has the best videos out there, very detailed, step by step beginning to end with explanations thru out his videos. Not everyone is mechanically inclined. I get that he's only fixing these mowers long enough to sell them, but even I wouldn't buy something with a wire attached like that. RED FLAG.

[@williamdavis9943]

@@boomerv7291 That's the difference between between people who know what they are doing & talking about & people who know exactly what they are doing & saying. You have to research everything & take nothing for granted. Get as much info. on a product as you can before you try to fix it. Was it recalled at some point & time? Whenever I fix something I treat it like it's mine even if it isn't? I will fix it to last forever. Not servicing a unit & dirt is the worst things for anything.

[@boomerv7291]

@@williamdavis9943 I absolutely agree. I take lots of pix, so I know where & how things were before taking it apart 😅.

[@williamdavis9943]

I was told early in life that any job worth doing you should always give it your best shot & don't do anything halfway.

[@johnmanning1006]

yes its a shim washer in the box

[@jeffhunt]

WORKED - BUT WOULD NEVER CALL THAT A REPAIR - BARELY A FIX

[@holdemNE1]

22:38 Tighten the wire.....just like my kid's braces. LOLOLOLOLOL

[@derpherpp]

Never seen anyone user ear protection to use a mower before.