Trying To Save A John Deere Mower From The Scrapyard

Links to products I have in my tool bag.
Air Filter. amzn.to/3sZIcGM
Compression tester. amzn.to/2NMgeze
Spark PLUG TESTER. amzn.to/3jEcZH3
Inline Spark Checker. amzn.to/3bnXjmA
Feeler Gauge set. amzn.to/3rTsZK6
Chemical bottle. amzn.to/3eWcGVs
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Thanks for watching. I finally got a better look at the mower and it's about the worst thing you can imagine.
This video is meant as entertainment, always practice safety.

[@trsworldofvacuums]

Rebuild the engine. I've only seen you rebuild one engine and this one deserves a come back because of what it has been through.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I've rebuilt a couple and thanks!

[@SHOINOFF]

You can pick up a bore scope for i think like $15 to $20 so you can hook it to your phone and look at the inside of the cylinders walls without having to take the head off. I would also recomend a heavy duty degreaser for the ultrasonic. Gel paint remover works very well to get rid of old gas varnish.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you for the information

[@SHOINOFF]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE your welcome. I watched james condon on youtube his latest video of him fixing a generator from the 50's and he used the gel paint stripper to get rid of super old gas varnish and it worked better than everything else he used. So i figured ide share the knowledge i learned from watching that video.

[@barbeonline351]

FWIW, I ended up with a $60 scope after starting with a lower end model. The difference was that at the higher price point the unit has two cameras on the end--one that looks forward and one that shoots to the side. Maneuvering the camera is near impossible once inside. Two cameras means you can see the piston head and also the cylinder walls.

[@inkster2586]

Not every small engine can be saved, but thanks to your videos I have saved a nearly 30 year old Super Recycler and a little 19 year old Generac power washer from meeting a sad fate. I drove by them in my subdivision and decided to take both machines home to inspect them as the scrappers drive down the streets when it gets dark out. They would have been long gone if I went back the next morning. I was able to revive the lawnmower with a cleaned carburetor, new oil and a new air filter. The power washer is almost fixed. I cut my grass with the lawnmower and was surprised and happy that it ran just like new despite it being left outside for about 5-10 years. It appeared to have a similar backstory in that it wasn’t treated very well. I know they are just machines, but I felt pain when I saw them sitting there in the condition they were in. The power washer hurt the most because it looked like it was never brought inside its whole life. I’m glad I came across this channel (and your other channel) by accident and learned a lot from both. Thank you for providing these repair videos. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

no problem and thank you for your time

[@kencurtis228]

Check the valves

[@garyhockensmith2471]

I use sonic cleaners on every carb overhaul, however I use Dawn dish soap and it cleans the varnish very well! I turn it on about 145 degrees and when it is up to temp I set the carb disassembled into it and run 15 minutes, no more it then starts to discolor the carb. Works perfect😊

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Thanks for sharing! I appreciate it.

[@tnrodgers]

I do recommend getting an inspection scope. Harbor Freight has them as low as $20 bucks, but there are better ones. I do recommend checking the valves to be sure before parting it out.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you!

[@noelpeterson5591]

Just try a bit of oil in the bore. If the valves are damaged the compression will not increase.

[@doctorromex7804]

I try and keep a few good long crank Quantum engines on hand because around my area (central ohio) there's a lot of rust bucket mowers that will run but have rusted decks. The John Deere name sells better than others here but the shiny is worn off that one. I would still put another engine on it if I had it. BTW, long crank refers to the fact that it came from a self propelled or deep deck mower.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice I like that idea.

[@kencurtis228]

TY for Sharing

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Thanks for watching!

[@rogermason5833]

That looks like an organized pile of valuable John Deere mower deck parts to me. I would be interested to see your investigation of what went bad inside this engine.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you that's the plan.

[@GemmaLB]

If you get a good engine on a ruined mower that would work well, like that rusted out one with the engine that wouldn't quit. I'd like to see the autopsy on that engine, it must be full of junk! Also Mustie1 uses the carb cleaner you get in a pail in his ultrasonic and that works great for him.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yep that's the plan. thank you!

[@berardia4]

I rebuilt an identical one this year (bent shaft) doing an engine swap. Nice machine when fully restored.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes they can be very good mowers when running

[@bobcook8576]

Found an older toro sr4 with battery start last week at the curb. Engine was trash. Repowerd it with a briggs from a trashed deck murray I recently found. I'd hold onto that jd till the right engine comes along.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice work

[@jesusdrummer21]

Parts deep fryer.....love that!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you

[@timasling8711]

Hi mate. Here in Australia john deere sell their green and yellow paint in aerosol cans and it sticks really well. I have resprayed tractor bonnets chassis and wheels with it and its come up great. Full shine and all. Would work great on the wheels of this mower and other john deere stuff that your sure to come across. Awesome video as always . Looking forward to more🙂

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you for the information!

[@Patrick4959]

i,d attempt to rebuild the engine as it sounds healthy on rotation and that,s a good part and to me the piston rings might be worn out and maybe the valve might stuck and restriction compression pumping etc.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you are correct, it did sound good. hopefully the crankshaft isn't bent.

[@danielpadgett2831]

I have some rust on my magnets the mower runs great I was just wondering do I need to remove the rust

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nah, I never do.

[@covishen]

There are good reasons to part it out or replace the engine. On the used market that machine is probably worth about $300. But if it costs $150-200 to do so, is it worth it? Personally, it would be a wonderful winter project for me when the snow is 4 feet deep and it's -40F outside. I'd love to take it apart and try to fix something without the pressure of it having to work. Maybe swap it out with another Briggs engine?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yep that's the plan

[@MikeJones-jr5hb]

Tear it down & check for stuck rings. Judging the dirt that went through the carb. Good luck!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

good choice

[@craftbrewer5401]

Is there a valve stuck open? How else can they have been using it until that low compression?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

ah.. you are very logical!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

How about a leak down test? Maybe just a stuck valve?

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yep that'll be in the next video

[@JCT442]

Whoever did that to a Quantum needs to be arrested...

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

LOL!!!!

[@scottbentley7920]

20w 50 oil and it'll probably still run but I'm sure it'll smoke

[@curtite]

Try a cylinder leak down test. Maybe worth the investment for quickly troubleshooting future mowers because time is money🤔😀😉

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

oh I have one, I just forget to bring it out of the garage, most of the time.

[@RussellBooth1977]

Check the valves first,I know ever since re ringing my 3 horsepower Briggs and Stratton powered Supa swift lawnmower engine I don't regret spending $50 AUD on new piston rings & a new crankcase gasket, it's still a ripper of a lawnmower almost 4 years after rebuilding it !

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

good choice!

[@999thenewman]

2:18 just when you think idiocy has reached its peak, life shows you the next level

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right

[@liljoeii6091]

Thank you for the video

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

You're welcome

[@tomlewis3658]

If there's a chance you might get either a B&S Quantum engine or a basket mower with a decent B&S Quantum engine, then it could possibly be repowered, and the Deere-specific engine cover could be kept with the mower. If not, maybe parting it out would be good. That might keep some other of these JD's out of the landfill for some more years.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

that's a great possibility

[@AveragePootis]

Interesting, that engine seems to be the same as in my Mower (it's a 5hp) but it dies after running a couple minutes, or atleast did when i tried to use it. It might have been overheating as it was a very hot day because it would run fine for a minute or so, then start running rough and then eventually stop. Also i know this is a complete shot in the dark, but the piston rings could have binded to the piston, robbing the engine of compression, they could be released with just getting the engine warm somehow and spinning it. But the more probable option is that the rings have destroyed themselves with the lack of oil, and hopefully the engine can be saved with just a piston ring swap

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

yes you might be right about the piston rings

[@macknumber9]

Could be a valve stuck open...carb cleaner on the valve and manually working it back and forth until it clears could be all it needs

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

Thanks for the info

[@electroddxful]

I would part it out. Great video 👍🙏👍🙏

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you !

[@johndenver8574]

"I'm gonna put the carb parts in a chemical I can't say what it is" DUDE I pray for your lungs and your safety my friend. Be careful. I've worked in a dealership before and seen some pretty bad burns and other injuries over the years. So plz be safe with it. Otherwise 👍👍

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you are correct and thanks

[@der_pinguin44]

Deep fryer. I love it.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

LOL!!!

[@andyhamilton8940]

Nothing runs like an MTD with green paint and yellow deer stickers😅

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

LOL!!!

[@eddietigue547]

That's more like a Briggs and Stratton brand than a mtd

[@danielpeters3764]

Any reason you haven't checked the valves at all

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

that's the next video, reason

[@mjg263]

I always try to save a useable mower but even I would say strip it for parts and leave the carcass for the scrappers. I don’t think anyone will want a mower with a half rotted out Murray deck even if it has the JD logo on it, worth more in parts for future projects IMO.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you make a good point

[@BADD400]

I would sell as parts. Good luck with what you choose

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you !

[@bandbsblastersandoutdoors2426]

We need another video on the John Deere string trimmer

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I can do that.

[@josephmeadows8521]

Can you rebuild the engine because I don't like small engines getting thrown away

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

it depends on the damage but I can sure try.

[@josephmeadows8521]

Okay, I'll see you in the next video😇

[@lewiemcneely9143]

IF I had it I'd pull the head and check for a stuck valve. If so I squirted engine oil down the valve stem and used my soft faced hammer to peck the valve head back down till it started going back in on it's own. I've done several like that and always works fine afterwards if a good grade of oil is used. BUT that's the way I've always done it because it is a flathead and it will run again, even with a lot of abuse. Blessings

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

very nice way of doing that!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

That's worked on an old 2.5K Onan and a couple of Briggs engines. Didn't feel like getting plumb energetic and pulling the valve out so just lubed the stem good and spun the crank and tapped the head back down till it started going back down by itself. I don't think the Briggs ever had an oil change and ther Onan had een sitting forever. It's the one that needs the new needle valve seat. I now have TDC marked and the valves stay closed when stored.@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE

[@axial1015]

I wonder if converting it to an electric mower may be an option, have it run off the mains, there are quite a few people here in the UK that have those kind of mowers though im unsure about the US it would seem less so but its up to you

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

that would be interesting but getting the parts to convert would be tough

[@axial1015]

@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Cant deny you there sadly it would be tricky and pricy for the amount your looking at, unless you can find a mower that has a strong engine but the rest of it is shot, its difficult. Maybe even sourcing the engine from something else most of these mowers use similar to moped engines im pretty sure though getting the blades on might be tricky as well, the layout of the engine and especially the carburetor looks familiar on the 2 stroke outboard engine I use on the water sometimes, though gotta make sure its air cooled

[@barbeonline351]

Cadavers are a very important part of medical school. Same with engines. Where I am at, a Free listing for a known bad mower will be snatched up within hours. And I don't see anyone marketing used parts.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

ah now someone who knows what to do with a dead mower! thank you

[@trentcrawford8745]

Hey if there is a mechanic in the coment section i know a lot about lawnmowers but my pushmower us leeking oil out the carb please help

[@Shawnee.Hills.Small.Engine]

I would find another Quantum. I think it's worthwhile since most any John Deere mower will sell.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

very true!

[@robertmailhos8159]

Nothing runs like a John Deere as long it's been taken care of

[@frankbill9172]

Only the old ones but some new lawn tractors have an ugly plastic transmission which has problems over time.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@frankbill9172 plastic transmission 🤬😡😡🤬 plus the 💵🤑💵 to get those things back in running condition is not a great thing 😔😭

[@frankbill9172]

@@robertmailhos8159 Yep exactly that's why you should pay a little more to get something better so you can't be dealing with costly repairs in the future. 👍

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@frankbill9172 you got that right young man 👍😎 that is why I keep the older ones up and running

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

very true

[@mychromebook9935]

Buy some used wheelchair motors, a motor driver, and a flysky rc transmitter. Now you have a remote control push mower

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

i'ver certainly thought about it.

[@anthonyhawkins3576]

I notice that you didn't check the valve lash. Doing so might have identified the low compression. Seems you gave up on it too soon.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

not can be done after checking the valve lash on a flathead

[@WillsSmallEngines]

great video!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you

[@gearhead366]

I would do an autopsy. If the problem is valves, and you have the means to fix it, the cost wouldn't be bad. Valves and valve guides aren't expensive. If the crank and/or rod and/or piston are toast, then I wouldn't fix it. I would keep the mower, and hold onto it until I found a suitable engine for it. That green paint brings money. Then I would harvest the engine parts since they're getting hard to find.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice idea! thank you

[@theteamtodd]

since JD stopped making walk behind mowers, the used parts are $$$

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

agreed

[@kirbyyasha]

I would just be curious why the engine is dead. Also, I love engine rebuilding. Way more satisfying than a swap. While labor is intensive, could be something that is shelved for another day. That is how a lot of my projects end up that are going to be multi-day/week/month projects. But once it is done and fixed that satisfaction and pride of a job well done, and letting it see another day is great. However, with all that said. I am betting that engine is beyond repair with that carb running that way. That Briggs may have to die so that others can live.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

You might be right and we'll find out later one, thank you

[@AdmiralDG]

Im the same, rebuilt my riders briggs twin opposed cyliner over winter and starting it up after was so satisfying!

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Hey bro what's up? Seeing the low compression reading on this mower, it seems a little too far gone to save but knowing how persistent your are bro, I'm sure that you'll find a way to rebuild the engine for small money but lose a lot of time doing so.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

LOL!!! you know I'm going to take a swing at it!

[@rickthelian2215]

Oh Deere me, parts or engine replacement 😊

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you!

[@chriseisele9969]

If not usable SAVE THEM PARTS. Chris from OHIO gooooooo Buckeyes

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you!

[@trsworldofvacuums]

I would try to invest in a 3D printer because some plastic parts on mowers aren't available anymore.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

good idea.

[@billsmith1770]

if the aspca ever branches out to include mowers , they're gonna want the name and address of the previous owner .

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right

[@marcslafter5814]

rebuild it and keep it

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you

[@charlescho]

U have the biggest buyer’s remorse on that deep fryer. 🤦‍♂️ Helps me on my decision not to get one.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you are correct, it was expensive and for what I'm using for, was not worth it.

[@ethanmiller3935]

I would try to keep it original and save that engine if it were my project. I also would keep it because of the work to fix it and it is a John Deere.

[@timewa851]

that screen as a filter is idiotic. Use it as parts machine. Quantums are the best. One $7 air filter & this would not have happened. Gee just clean the old one get another cut or two, buy a fresh element. Those Qs do not stop if you actually run them by B&S's service book. Sad stuff.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you bring up a lot of good points

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I know right!

[@alext8828]

That's it? Check things out.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

this video pretty much let me know I need to consider my time because this mower is so far gone that fixing it will cost me more money than it will ever be worth .

[@christophermarshall5765]

I'd pull it down, & rebuild it.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

nice!

[@tempusveritas8901]

Save the good parts. Scrap the bad parts. If you have room. No doubt they will be valuable when the 18650's true nature is unveiled.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right

[@auskip07]

not sure im impressed with the pinesol mixture.

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

I certainly was not, at least for what I needed it to do

[@kencurtis228]

You could of Painted the wheels

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

sure could have

[@wapd205]

Part it out

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

thank you

[@richardboggs9428]

All mowers deserve to be fixed if they’re not rusted out

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

agreed

[@hereiamu1]

Nothing wrong with using old fuel. 😀

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

you got that right

[@kittsonic1]

Strip it into pieces and recycle it for money... Not worth fixing

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

seems that way