Troubleshooting A Craftsman Lawn Tractor That Won't Start And Keeps Popping

[@donyboy73]

Watch the follow-up to this video; kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6HZanyrr6iro8U

[@shabadoo24]

This channel, Chickanic and Steve's Small Engine Saloon are the 3 small engine channels I watch.

[@philliphall5198]

I watch a few more just to see what there up to 😮 They are the top 3 for sure 😊

[@randyrejer4219]

Don’t forget Tarly.

[@sylkelster]

Taryl Dactyl may not be for everybody due to the long running teeth gag. But if you can get past that, the guy has some great in-depth small engine and hydrostatic transmission teardowns, and gives good descriptions all the way.

[@urbanitesgarage3299]

​@@sylkelster taryl is my favorite

[@michaelotoole1807]

@@randyrejer4219 taryl is great.

[@tedneill1246]

Another clear, concise and focused repair video....as always WELL DONE DONYBOY!!!

[@wansolve289]

Can’t believe the condition of that engine, looks like no regular maintenance was ever performed on it. Even the air filter chamber was filthy yet had what looked like a new filter. Kudos to you!

[@barbeonline351]

The fact that you didn't edit out the spark plug brain cramp is part of what makes this channel so helpful. But it is the camera work (awesome closeups and clarity) that puts this channel on the top of the heap. I assume you often have to wrench using the camera screen as your guide because the camera is so close in on the work. And you are still doing it after more than a decade. Thanks

[@donyboy73]

Yes sir and thank you!

[@wyliecoyote1]

Good write up, agreed. Also adding Don's clear speaking, pausing to explain at critical junctures and not assuming everyone knows what is being discussed.Well done.

[@aussiehardwood6196]

This video is more about fast accurate diagnosis, high quality parts replacement, correct toole & no time or parts wasted chasing wrong guesses than it is a Briggs & Stratton with a broken push rod. And that's why this small engine channel is worth subscribing to.

[@alang.4570]

To be honest, this is probably one of your best diy videos that you've made. Easy to follow and to understand. You've taken a bit of the mystery out of adjusting valve lash. Thanks!! I'd also like to see the PTO fix.

[@PaulSteinberg-il4tw]

I've now learned the proper way to check/adjust the valves after watching many on youtube. Thanks Don for that. Your short concise explanations are always spot on.

[@kcstereo]

An excellent lesson on how to adjust the valve lash! Thanks!!

[@marcmyers1465]

I'm Really picky about valve adjustment, "Because" of things like this... 🤨

[@kcstereo]

@@marcmyers1465 I'm thinking the bolt came loose enough and the rocker arm bent and kicked out the rod...

[@marcmyers1465]

​​@@kcstereoSpot On ! 😉👍 Wasn't properly locked down on assembly, or last adjustment... 🤷🏼‍♂️ They could have been bouncing back and forth on the adjustment, and simply forgot to lock it down ? 🤔

[@byronwoolfrey1039]

Must be difficult sometimes dealing with customers. They treat their machine so poorly then wonder why they have problems. Video is a good idea. Nice job Don

[@donyboy73]

It's not the repairs that are the hardest to deal with, it's the people!

[@byronwoolfrey1039]

​@@donyboy73 Been in business off and on for years, i know how you feel. I find there so many garages now that are dishonest that people are being overly cautious. My neighbor has a 9/28 Honda snowblower. Had trouble, took it to Honda, i told him to make sure he got his old parts. The soaked him for a new cylinder, piston and more. There was absolutely nothing wrong with what they took off. So you are smart, video tape everything. Before i sell a refurbished blower i tape it being used then i have the customer use it . One customer bought one that worked perfectly and had something go wrong and he took it to a repair shop who replaced new parts i had i had put on. I sent him the videos and told him he used it and it worked perfectly. So you are right, we need to be careful, but at the same time understanding.

[@marcmyers1465]

​​@@donyboy73Sorta like watching an Adolescent with their 1st. car. 😉 They get in and turn the key, and just keep driving it until it just won't go anymore... 🥴 Then they stand their scratching their head and run straight to Dad ! 😕 My Dad handed me the tools, grabbed a lawn chair, and Iced down a cooler full of beer, and sat through the entire process in Pure Amusement ! 😂 ALL Instruction was strictly Verbal... ☝️🤨 I DID learn about Coil Charge that day, though... 😏

[@SpruceGoose-qx8zj]

Doctor Don to the rescue once again! Don thanks so much for creating some of the best content on youtube! Always great camera work and closeups, great explanations so that many of us can learn from and duplicate your procedures. Thanks for being a great guy brother!

[@rcytb]

I always learn something from every one of your videos; in this one, I learned a lot! Thanks as always.

[@holeshot406]

Yes, honest is one of the words I’d use to describe Dony, and down to earth. Doesn’t surprise me one bit that he’s a fellow Canadian. Appreciate your efforts and help.

[@TOWNCARBUBBA87]

it’s always professionalism at its finest with Donyboy. good job man 👍

[@tomnekuda3818]

Don - I very much respect the was you do business. When I was running my own businesses, I worked with the same ethic. Great troubleshooting.

[@Don-pq5gg]

Good job. Very well explained. Yes let's see the PTO fix.

[@dragon81heart]

Definitely not the only one that’s forgotten to put the plugs back in lol I’ve done it a time or twelve 😂

[@judih.8754]

Great fix. Yes please follow up with the next repair.

[@dank5432]

I thought for sure it dropped a valve seat out of the head... good to see you solved the issue

[@donyboy73]

Close!

[@arthurthrasher1580]

You always make it look sooo simple! Thanks😊😊

[@DavidBall-v5i]

Very common to leave plugs out to build up oil pressure before start up. Love the transparency. 😊❤

[@DS-ss396]

This is my go to channel for mower repair. Excellent.

[@PatriciaRollins-h1d]

Would really like to see video on the PTO. Thanks Dony

[@chadfield376]

Good instructional video on this procedure. Something caused that valve to bend; I wished you would have shown what the valve guide position was on that bent pushrod side as a check to make sure that valve guide had not walked out..

[@LGHNurse]

I have the same machine, for over 20 years, and had same issues. My PTO issue was the switch. I only use it for winter with snow thrower now. Need to rebuild carb this summer. Great videos.

[@johnc7512]

Great video! This is one of the best channels for small engine repair on youtube.

[@donyboy73]

Thanks 👍

[@jerrys1426]

Wow! Almost exactly what I did! Thank you for confirming what I did to my machine. Thank you!!!

[@brucenicov1224]

Had this happen 2 years ago to my MTD single cylinder. Thankfully, the pushrod didn’t bend. Great job Don!!

[@SK-qc6fb]

My 24hp briggs had the bronze/brass valve guide bushings 'walk' out of position, so the rocker arm hit a hard stop, the push rod ended up in the crankcase. Backyard repair: I drilled (half in bushing, half in head) in 3places, 1/16" .5" Dp and installed 1/16" split pins, a radial spring. As the engine heated up, it locked these radial springs to the head and bushing. I also swage locked these bushings, by peening around the circumference. Been going close ten yrs with this "fix". Still going.

[@JHruby]

Another fine example of excellence in owner maintenance.

[@korhing1066]

Thank You for Shearing your Knowledge on Small Engines

[@secu2023]

Great job as always!

[@kcstereo]

What a great video. It gives me the confidence to mess around with my small engine equipment. I recently changed my valve cover gasket and used some RTV sealer. It worked out great. I attribute my success to videos like these. Thanks again!

[@kcstereo]

I did have a new gasket as well...

[@maitajack]

Bravo Dony. C'est toujours payant de bien nettoyer et entretenir nos machines. Cette machine a vraiment manquée d'amour.

[@mikegalvin4655]

Oui je te seconde il travaille bien honnete .🙂

[@ivanconnors4857]

Thanks 👍

[@badiyan]

I like your videos because first of all I believe you are honest and you explaining every detail and causes, I'm sure I'll learn a lot from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with people.🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂. I pray GOD to bright your days with happiness and success .

[@trcass1]

great video. I'll never do this repair but it was great to watch how its done. thanks for sharing.

[@jimsvo4486]

Hi Donyboy. I would love to see a video by you showing various new and older engines and what you think about each and common problems and fixes for each. I have a 2004 Kohler Command single in a Craftsman and a 1998 Briggs 18.5HP opposed twin flathead in a Murray. I hear these two are some of the better engines compared to newer engines.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Thanks Don, excellent video, Cheers

[@donyboy73]

➡How many of you guessed it right?

[@deanmoore420]

@@donyboy73 I knew it was that because I worked on enough of them great video👍

[@donyboy73]

@@deanmoore420 It's like when a Dr. gets patients in his office, he almost always knows what is wrong immediately!

[@deanmoore420]

@@donyboy73 you are exactly right 👍

[@marcmyers1465]

Got it ! and yes please on the PTO Clutch. 😉👍

[@DeanLangley]

I knew it was the exhaust valve not functioning. I didn’t expect that it would be only a bent push rod.

[@darwindropmazda]

Great video! Definitely want to see more about the pro clutch issue!

[@gregfisher216]

Great video Dony ! a common sense methodical system with integrity. This one of the best channels out there when it comes to any small engine repair!

[@ganeshnarayan5505]

great video thanks for sharing lot of good information.

[@mikegalvin4655]

Good Work Don I had purchase my lawn tractor Huskyverna I want stay away from BS motor I had buy a 20 hp with a Kolher motor then I was able to switch the same tractor with a Kawasaki motor 18 hp so far am very happy with my pics I do air blower after each use and change the oil + filter after the end of the summer .I also use super unleaded without ethanol .I guess any motor will last longer if well maintained

[@deanmoore420]

No great job great video. I know you could figure it out. You’re the pro.👍

[@ScottMiller-tu3gg]

I just had a similar issue with mine. I replaced the bent pushrod and the new one bent as soon as I started it. It ended up being a broken connecting rod and I suspect that it bent / destroyed the cam. It`s best to do a compression test before doing any work on it - I learned the hard way!

[@yoyomamamma2260]

I really enjoy your vids and how you explain things

[@waynestefinashen239]

Always worth fixing it if it is FREE and will not cost more to repair than what it is worth. At Eliminator Performance we have customers that want a riding mower but just cannot afford a new one or a high priced refurbished one so we take this type of Freebie and get it going then sell them to these customers for a slight profit for the Company. Keeping them going and out of the scrap yard is important but so is helping out less fortunate customers. In a couple of cases these riders actually started a few landscaping operations that have grown pretty big and guess who gets the maintenance and repair work?

[@JoeyOneill-vn9zi]

Good video the unexpected always happens hope the customer was greatful to you an he appreciates all your hard work

[@WJCTechyman]

I would love to see a part 3 on this machine regarding the faults with the blade brake clutch.

[@Maximus43968]

I once had a spark plug in my while turning a mower over and yes same hand as l was turninf the key with. Just adjusted the valves after cam change. Good times great video

[@fastbusiness]

I think that, over time, the valve lash became excessive on that one valve. It let the push rod slip out of place and was bent. For a long time I didn't know that the valve lash should be periodically checked and adjusted on these engines. Now I try to remember to check it once a year so I won't have the problem that you show here.

[@barrypettit3668]

Excellent video.

[@charleseddy9903]

Thank you for being you, God bless you and yours.

[@emilioolivarez3973]

I've run into this problem before, and repaired it like you did, the only thing different is that I will pour some mystery oil in the fuel to lubricate the valves.

[@michaelotoole1807]

i always use high octane fuel with some marvel mystery oil and seafoam. never had any issues with carb or starting. i dont bother to drain fuel from tank in the off season and never fails to start.

[@paulhalman3420]

Thats service above and beyond ,going and pickimg up a mower and taking back to youre shop.👍

[@jamiecraswell9368]

Great video and yes I’d love to see a video on the transmission issue

[@brucekivi]

Good job, thanks for the video. I recently bought a new Westinghouse generator which recommends adjusting the valve lash after the first 25 hours. Your video will be helpful in making me more comfortable when it's time to do that. Thanks, your help is invaluable.

[@brianmcconnell7988]

another great video Dony i would never let my mower get that dirty ! 👍

[@richardkenworthy9312]

Your videos are so easy to understand, what's a good way to know if its a valve problem.?

[@DonnaMSchmid]

Whew! Glad it was a minor issue! (Yes, both for you and for the customer!) Great work as always, Don!

[@mrclaus859]

Thanks for posting Dony

[@ManicMechanic007]

Nice work, thanks.

[@markfolino6976]

Great video Donyboy

[@Leggeddude]

Always love your videos I have champion generator 9375 and tge carburetor is clogged with old fuel won't stay running when I move through chok we over is that an easy fix where I can do it or send it out

[@Flammable281]

Yes please do a video on the PTO on this machine. Thank you!

[@thomasroche164]

Would like to see the clutch repair also. Thanks for the video

[@guitarchitect66]

Please I'd like to also see the PTO diagnosis and repair. Thanks for sharing your great work!

[@tosher1000]

Yes. love to see a video on the pto.

[@davidfinn3771]

Great stuff and it didn't cost you for the repair 😊

[@mikejerrett7354]

Awesome, it runs beautifully, great video. 😊

[@frankzemberi4322]

You are number one always.

[@paulmysliborski4832]

Very good stuff, Don!!

[@chrissmith513]

WoW I use to have lots of fun with all kinds of motors at the Golf Course 😊😊😊

[@paulchinn5981]

Great job Dony. Happy it worked out for you. Everyone forgets things every now and then...lol

[@joe-fix-it9046]

Would definitely like to see the issue with the PTO. Thanks

[@donyboy73]

Check my recent videos, it is posted!

[@WJCTechyman]

I had a similar issue last year with my Kohler Command Pro V twin-powered Walker. It wasn't a bent push rod but one of the rocker arms came loose causing some similar but weird issues for the engine. Actually, both cylinders one after the other. It runs well enough now but the oil keeps disappearing after a few hours and I even tried 10w50. Probably issues with the rings because it produces a hazy exhaust while using it.

[@zaineridling]

That's what you're the pro!

[@williamwelch7]

Thanks. Would love to see the pto clutch video as well.

[@williamwilliams7706]

Nice video Dony. That top rod might be slightly bent as well explaining the excessive lash. They both might have been bent and the bottom one finally popped out. Someone might have adjusted the lash to bending rods.

[@richardwernst]

Yes, please do video on the PTO issue.

[@kenk3102]

...excellent repair video Don.....the bent push rod begs the question "why"?...maybe too much valve lash?... 🙂

[@ChristopheBeauregard]

I bet the rocker was so loose that the rod popped out from the trailer vibration. Probably didn't happen before that because the mower only ever moved under its own power, with the engine running.

[@BigbearSM-IL]

Yes on a PTO diagnostic video.

[@johnw1178]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What an impressive diagnosis. Having worked on many of the B&S engines I would welcome your insight on what might have bent the push rod? I’ve seen way too many single cylinder ones that have the known compression release issue, but few 2 cylinder ones with this issue. As always I support and recommend your channel to many just to make them aware of things like this that are unforeseen. I’ve actually started to video the disassembly to document and avoid any potential for a finger pointing contest. I well done repair and great advise for anyone doing repairs.

[@robcole332]

I was thinking. My guess about the valve guide happens on single cylinders I think. Great video brother

[@stephenturgeon7196]

Awesome video 😊what’s the lash for the intake and exhaust clearance on the valves

[@boilerhand1]

Good job and explanation. Thanks

[@warrenvalentino5763]

Great video. i love watching your videos. i love the way that you make your videos explaining and showing in detail how you do everything. i had the same problem with a Craftsman LT1000 that a friend of mine gave to me and it has a single cylinder. when i took the valve cover off the steel rod was bent and both valves needed to be adjusted a Lot. i put i new rod in and adjust the valves and now i have a Realy good machine. :)

[@mrobi5797]

Yes for the PTO video.

[@LewisMowersandBoats]

Don is the godfather of small engines 😊

[@thomask4836]

Thank You Sir! I learned a lot today!

[@jimeckenrode1271]

Donny, I have to say I would never have touched a screw on that engine without cleaning it first.

[@ridingmowerking]

Great video, but I think the valve with excessive lash would be a condition where that pushrod should be checked for being bent. Excess lash is usually caused by something. Maybe I missed it in the video.

[@Chucky-b7v]

Great fix Dony 👍🏼

[@NoName-yr1jv]

Well done 👍

[@LLStacheLarry]

Great job.

[@mscir]

Well done.

[@andrewdickson9964]

Good job that mower looks like its had a hard life

[@Sophie-go3ql]

Perfect!!! Good diagnosis and good repair. I'm curious though, what would cause the push rod to bend?

[@donyboy73]

I believe it is because of lack of maintenance.

[@Sophie-go3ql]

@@donyboy73 Thanks, I suspect that "lack of maintenance" in this case, means inadequate oil change and or periodic valve adjustment. Thank you for the reply.

[@jon592xp]

I am thinking that Tractor should be serviced also. Good show, thanks.