Won't Start? How to fix Mower / Small Engine - Check description for help

0:12 - Compression
0:40 - Compression Gauge
2:35 - Oil
2:45 - Spark
3:20 - Spark Plug Cleaning
4:37 - Air / Fuel
5:05 - Air Filter
5:40 - Starter Fluid and Gasoline
6:56 - Timing
8:58 - Disassembling to Fix Timing
11:40 - Flywheel, Key, and Keyway
12:10 - Removing the flywheel - Using a Thread Tap - Using a Pulley Puller
17:00 - New Key cutting - Reassembly
20:25 - Carburetor Cleaning
25:45 - Blade and Shaft and Blade Adaptor Housing
26:40 - Blade Straightening
28:20 - Blade Sharpening
30:55 - Blade Reassembly
33:06 - Throttle Cable Replacement
35:15 - Final Product and Cutting grass

[@sylviab24]

Over the past several years I've gained a lot of confidence repairing my own equipment / appliances. Having detailed information like you provided helps a lot and saves me money too. I appreciate it very much.

[@douglasshrum972]

Being a tool sharpener, i would NEVER have re-moiunted that blade, just asking for trouble.

[@cdevidal]

As cheap as they are just replace it. Great video though.

[@henryc3780]

Dude, this is by far the best lawnmower repair video in all of KZbin. You pretty much troubleshooted every part of the machine and fixed it one by one. I just fixed my lawnmower myself yesterday (nothing big, just the carburetor) and it felt great, especially knowing that I saved myself $85 dollars from repair shop. I'm a do-it-yourself kind a guy and I love learning how to fix stuff. I sure did learn a lot from your video. Excellent job!

[@rzjk301]

Dude, this was the best small engine repair video on KZbin. That mower had every problem that could occur except for primer bulb replacement. I learned a lot from this video. Thank you for the upload!

[@jameswinters1488]

Nospark Cliff Dukes

[@rogermeyer2985]

In spite of the criticisms already stated, I thought this was an EXCELLENT video. It covered so many issues, and your explanations were clearly stated. Good job!

[@swampfox9162]

@TheJR1948 Not everyone has the proper B&S shop tools laying around their garage.

[@martinbarrera1927]

Yes I got a troy bilt brigs y stratton 550 I clean carb got no spark what do I need to do

[@zekyday8064]

As an engineer, I can say this: an excellent presentation or video. Well done. Thanks,

[@MikeDavinroy]

Great video, easy to understand and well edited. I'm sure this will be helping out lots of folks and I appreciate all the time it took you to produce.

[@jcfairley1157]

Excellent to repair

[@jcfairley1157]

Excellent reply

[@wadeconney6507]

Yeah! Just like other people have said; comprehensive explanations of how to go through a mower, or any small gas motor. Thanks!! I have a 25 yr old murray, 4.5 hp briggs, left outside, rusty deck( still safe) but still runs great because of folks like you. Still starts with 1 pull. Gotta find a deck somewhere soon. Any how, my son says “ just get a new mower?!” I’m like, “ you kidding me! Fix something once, you get hooked! “ I’ll try to keep this thing running until it falls apart. Haha. Thanks again!

[@lichin11]

I know this is nine years later, but I must commend you on creating such a comprehensive mower repair video. Thank you!

[@pcprodoc]

Thank you for this video. It is very through and detailed. I learned a lot watching this video. Gave me somethings to look in to on mine. I have a Troy-Bilt 34345 with B&S 6HP from 1998 it still runs and looks new. It stalled out on me while mowing and I think the ignition system is at fault. I am waiting for my parts to arrive to further troubleshoot. I just want to say thank you, I wish I found this years ago!

[@Jopacob]

great stuff, showed it all with good explanations for newbies like me.

[@marinehm]

What I do with my screws is put them back in the holes that they came out of after parts are removed. That way, you know where they are and what they go to. Awesome job on the video!

[@roydog2882]

+Nick Sebring awesome tip. Agreed!

[@ericalalonde613]

you really dont know much about small engines

[@prouddaddyme6989]

That was fantastic. Thank you so much for making this video. My boys have their own lawn care business and they need to keep knowing how to service their lawn mowers. They are only 13 and 11 years old but they are really good kids. This will really help them to make sure they diagnose and repair their mowers. Once again thank you so much for the in-depth coverage on how to.

[@johnkolkebeck6554]

Awesome video!...Can you drop by the house tomorrow, and help me w/ the idle adjustment on my Craftsman mower.

[@sonnyprobono]

Not only is the content of this video a great resource, but the description and times stamps should be a KZbin standard. I don't watch these videos to get out of the Sun. I watch them to find out what I need to do to get "Back out into the Sun"! Thanks for saving me a bunch of time. GREAT WORK!!!

[@RoadRageLive]

Here is a simple trick to avoid damaging your spark plug when cleaning it. Start by drilling a hole in your wooden work table that is large enough for the ceramic part to the spark plug to fit in then you can use a wrench to keep the plug from spinning and then use your wire brush and carb clear to clean the plug.

[@johnp4917]

This should be required viewing for anyone posting a "how to" video on youtube: No BS, no kids interrupting the video, no "um, um, um, um, um", he fast forwards through the tedious parts like taking out the screws and bolts. Clear, concise, to the point and quickly to the point. Furthermore, it is a complete diagnostic journey. I can't tell you how many "how to" videos i've seen where I shut them off 2 minutes in because they are unbearable and the poster spends 10 minutes explaining what could take 1 minute. To "familytime" send me your postal address and i'll mail you a T-handle for your tap as a thank you!

[@wolfgreen162]

John P ....I agree....I hate when guys start talking about what's going on with their life and all that crap. Just get to the point and cut the shit shat.

[@buscambell1234]

John P I couldn't have said it better. I was surprised the crankshaft was not bent with that much impact, but;; with only two pulls,, it started, and ran smoothly. It's a great video.

[@drygordspellweaver8761]

Looks simple what he did but really his explanations came across as concise because of his thorough knowledge and experience. You could have someone saying the same things who didn't have the experience but it wouldn't stick to the listeners brain and would seem unbearable.

[@bigal5153]

This was the best video, thanks, learned a lot, now to try it

[@johncummins5973]

Of the 1000's of "Watch me act like I'm fixing this" videos, this one is by far the most comprehensive and in-depth one. Thanks

[@truckstomotorcycleswithtom3197]

Now that's funny..

[@arpadschummer5345]

Judging from the sparks from the key it's steel. that could ruin the engine if the operator hits another rock or something. Aluminum keys are used to protect the engine from damage by shearing.

[@dougaustin1328]

Yep u got it right!!!

[@kpdvw]

PLEASE CEASE TO CALL IT A KEY WAY;... IT IS CALLED "WOODRUFF KEY"!

[@leeb.7188]

@Liberty Patriot I think the little oblong device like the one in the video is called a "key." The slot that it sits in is called a "key way." The "Woodruff" is a different type of key. It is also made of aluminum, but is shaped like the large letter D.

[@Don_ECHOguy]

Aluminum "woodruff" key's may be available, but for the most part they are made of hardened steel.

[@Don_ECHOguy]

It is not a woodruff key, he simply cut a length of key from what is called a piece of key stock!

[@congerscott6064]

Just getting into small engine repair, this video has helped a lot, thanks 👍.

[@dougroach9896]

Thankd for the Great video on trouble shooting.. I too have the same motor and same problem.. thanks for showing how to trouble shoot it !!

[@dbc1702]

Never ever re-shape a bent blade, you can loose strength, the last thing you want is the blade snapping and half of it flying of at a gazillion mph at your ankles.. New blades are less than £12gbp $18usd. Also you never balanced the blade... Also never put the throttle or drive cables underneath the handles, when you fold down the handles to store the machine it puts excess pressure on the cables and they snap inside very easily..... And your carburettor looks to be loose,,, apart from that ok

[@leptismagna8983]

Man, you are the best , thanks to you I found the problem with my Briggs Stratton engine, the key was broken and it was out of timming. Now it is working very well. Thanks

[@WJack97224]

Well done, well presented. Thanks. I wonder if ultrasonic baths with carb cleaner solvent would work to clean out the corrosion products and debris? A flash light might help to show that the hole is clear.

[@danielvillanueva8075]

Mine was driving me nuts. Took it apart 6 times and replaced almost everything. Still couldn't figure out why it was running so poorly. After watching your video I saw mine had the same problem as yours, the flywheel key was sheared. Thanks to your video it runs like new.

[@williamwhite5901]

PS - I too am going to have a beer in your honor this evening!!! The ABSOLUTE BEST helpful video for every one with a lawnmower. CHEERS TO YOU 'familytime' !!!!!!

[@Swanky95472]

I need a man like you in my life! I fixed my mower with the spark plug info you showed. Thanks!

[@jmjpowerjoule]

Jim Marcum LMAO

[@mkenglis]

This is probably one of the best small engine repair videos on youtube.

[@jfitzerelli]

Absolutely amazing content

[@MrMalthusMusic]

Great instructional video mate, really thorough, excellent camera work and explanation of all the work you were performing. Thanks so much for your efforts :)

[@bradnbuttr]

Most only need a plug jet cleaning. The prob with mine is dealing with small parts falling out of carb and not knowing what to do with them

[@hey_joe7069]

00:28 - 00:40 Better stiil, If you have somebody with you. Say a brother in law, or a neighbor whom you're not particularity fond of, have em hold on to the end of the spark plug while you pull her over. You still won't know if there's compression, but when you pull that cord over, your helpers enthusiastic response or lack thereof, will clarify whether she's sparking or not, and you'll have a smile on your face for the entire job.

[@shiner4mIDAHO]

lol.....hey dawg, hold this wire while i bump the ignition.... ROFLMFAO

[@paulstyles5483]

This video got my mower running again. Thank you!!!

[@Queteimp]

This is a very good video. You seem to know what youre doing. Very very helpful. Bebofe this I didnt even know what parts might be involved on fixture. Thanks.

[@kdcstock]

Hey! Thanks for posting your video. I went through all your steps. Now, my mowers running. Something was in the carburetor. Thanks again.

[@zed332l]

Great video , only recommendation would be to balance the blade.

[@vitalcomputing6298]

This is the most comprehensive no start video that I found. Well done.

[@joelemon7960]

Ya veo por que se rompio al final del video lo dice todo no debe cortar esos arbusto tan grande

[@themowerman]

I have the same kit. Saves some much time in the long run

[@willieboy1970]

Great video. I am glad you got it running, your weeds were out of control.

[@steamboat1341]

A lot of information and helpful thankyou, applied it all this morning.

[@cupcakekitten1888]

What a great video, this was prefect in helping me study for my small engines test this week, so thanks for making it.

[@abelvillarreal6488]

Good content, right to the point, good editing and good camera work. Thanks.

[@JOEZEP54]

Good video. I see you have a large assortment of keys. Where is the best place to purchase for price?

[@frankmurray9172]

Great. I learnt a lot! Next job is to check the keyway!

[@tomscott1163]

I watched this video with great interest and , found that you did an excellent job of explanation and your trouble shooting was very clear and to the point. I just wish I could have lived near you and your family . I would have really enjoyed seeing you and picking your brains of every little detail. You are the real deal on lawn mowers. and you know your stuff. I'm 75 years old and can barely get around, I'm half blind, and have authorities so bad that I can hardly get around. In my early 20 's I just loved to tinker with small enginesI hope you continue your way in life doing what you like to do. Have a good one. By.

[@nemesisxrox6773]

Excellent video from start to finish ... very informative ... thanx for the upload ... :)

[@roberthancock8716]

fantastic video.. BOB in uk .......

[@themowerman]

I'm in the uk too doing mower repairs

[@danielguerra4447]

Great video! Now time to figure out why mine isn't starting!

[@katylucyb1]

Great video! Thank you very much! Just what I needed all in one video and very detailed and right to the point, no excessive chit chat! Loved it! Keep 'em coming!

[@davidk4078]

Great to have a video that not only shows the How, but the Why and the trouble shooting Process. Thank You.

[@philliphall5198]

Buy and fix them during winter and sale in summer Beats the heat

[@pollyhorlander7389]

The way you explain the small stuff is great for those of business who are just getting started on all this! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@likearockcm]

Very,very good video. I wish I could of seen this video a long time ago!

[@midgyrich]

Thanks man. Very in-depth

[@thomasgeraghty5374]

Best vid yet. Good on ya mate

[@williamwhite5901]

This is the most awesome video for EVERY ONE to determine why your lawn mower isn't starting, isn't staying running or needs maintenance. The length is just about right, the info spoken during the video is extremely helpful and SPOT ON! Every lawn mower should come with this video!! Thanks, your video is directly responsible for my lawn mower starting this season! Will in Southampton, NJ

[@Elitiest_Hitman]

Thank you for this video, but (edit) I (edit) Can't (edit) Stand (edit) the (edit) Editing (edit) For (edit) Much (edit) Longer.

[@travishall67]

Nice video! Thanks for taking the time to record/post it. I feel like I could get any mower running after watching it.

[@richelsdon1164]

I really learned a lot about the timing and how to replace the key way, thank you for showing the repair.

[@jackmulkey6470]

I've got to say. this is one of the most enjoyable videos out there.

[@malcolmsequeira7731]

Thankyou so much. God bless.

[@johnclarke6647]

It is always wise to clear off any oil from the hole in the flywheel and tapered surface on the crank. I use break cleaner on a rag, otherwise the flywheel could slip and shear the key, again.

[@jeffbrown633]

Really clear, concise, and complete! Now armed with enough to try and troubleshoot my chipper-shredder engine. Hope you rack up some ad revenue -- you deserve it.

[@scotttracy6840]

Best repair video yet. I've watched countless videos on lawnmower repair and you're the first one to show me how to check/fix the timing. That'll be my next step. Thanks for the well explained video. Keep it up!

[@goingjag]

Great video, you hit all the main points. One thing you might consider adding is a comment on engines that use the blade as a part of their timing system. I tried to start one of those without a blade once and nearly yanked my arm off! Great job.

[@amagicfatguy9576]

Thanks for the laugh, I could only imagine how that must've looked. 😂

[@Sirphil-dj9dh]

There is a lot of information here. Very entertaining and well done on top of that!!

[@tomd.305]

Excellent video. Touches all trouble spots on the mower systems in an easy to follow dialogue and fairly stable camera.

[@kevykev38]

Wasted all that time with a puller when you could have pryed on the flywheel and tapped the crank with a brass hammer works everytime

[@tomthomas4444]

I've done it this way to but be warned the crankshaft is cast iron and very brittle I have also had the crank break when removing this way. If you have access to a puller I would use it . It can save you a lot of heart ace. Just saying not complaining. Have a nice day.

[@drygordspellweaver8761]

Why brass hammer?

[@MarcoCygnel]

Amazing . Thank you so much 👍 I am 43, and I just learned a whole lot 😄

[@wello1120]

Man this is a good video, after watching it all I have decided to just go and buy a new mower. Thanks.

[@ANocers]

Bravo, excellent video. helps a home owner and hobbiest like myself out! thanks for sharing 2 thumbs up.

[@melterl1234]

Thanks for the very discriptive video I really impressed my wife when I fixed my mower!!!!

[@roydog2882]

Sweet! Now share the heck out of this so that others get the same great feeling. Then subscribe please!

[@listenlearn5445]

Blade balancing very important! Other than that, just awesome job! Very well detailed with explaining the hows and whys... really enjoyed this.

[@jackroche727]

this was the best tutorial I have ever seen. the teaching skills started from the very beginning of trouble shooting to the culmination of a major fix. Great ,just Great. thankyou

[@ronlitz9055]

awesome video, thanks for taking the time.

[@craigpernice8200]

Great video.... Working on these mowers for years, I learned a thing or two...

[@MrHPT3]

Well after running to a few different places to get the right tool and the right size key, I fixed my engine. Oh I can't thank you enough friend for making such a great video. You deserve the Good Citizen Award. I'm having a beer in your honor. CHEERS! You are what makes KZbin great. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@rockywiley9547]

When a briggs key is nicked even a small amount they will be out of time.... I used to use a large screwdriver under the edge of the flywheel and apply pressure against it upward push screwdriver downward then sharp tap on end of drive shaft will usually pop the flywheel off... be careful and don't beat the end of the shaft into a mushroom...get a new key where you buy your parts...a n original part key is soft to allow for shearing, to protect the engine... if you put in a steel key you defeat the purpose

[@henkjanssen186]

Protective HT You are using the wrong key material. It must be aluminum!

[@sequenceleds6080]

Your as DUMB as they come!

[@albertsaulsbury5370]

Thanks . It was a great and informative video. Cant wait for spring!

[@kombibus]

I was about to shell out money to fix my mower and now I know what to look for. Thanks a million.

[@karenphillips3779]

Just need some grass know lolol

[@mikehrdlicka8635]

Use aluminum key so it shears

[@reginaldharrison8458]

This is the best repair video on KZbin thank you so much. This was a complete study of everything i wanted to learn.

[@whiterynostl]

Great video and explaining yourself!! Also indexing the vid on the desc. is another excellent touch. Many people dont have the gift of being able to teach and explain themselves as well as u. Great vid man!!

[@Dennis-cy4wv]

Great video my man. Very informative. I have worked on lawn mowers a lot of years having to learn all this the hard way, but the way you break this info down, I believe a beginner can troubleshoot one after watching this. Good job dude!

[@roydog2882]

Wow, now that is a compliment. Thank you for taking time to express that. Means a lot. Glad this video helps people.

[@rolandjohnson8427]

Great video. I never knew about checking the timing. Now I know what to look for since my son ran over an exposed tree root.

[@billshedd55]

The part that shears is the "key". The slot is the keyway.

[@zyplex1]

Great job

[@Budro4764]

Hey Mon Ami here is a little trick for you , I use charcoal lighter fluid cans for adding gas in a carb. I put gas in them and just squirt a lil in the carb. Way better than using starting fluid. I have one for 2 strokes and one for Lawn mowers .

[@zestydude87]

Love your videos! Was just curious if you fix weed trimmers or are they not worth fixing?

[@roydog2882]

You know, fixing things is just a hobby for me. With that, when it comes to weed whacked, I feel like it really comes down to... 1. Understanding a two stroke and 2. Do you feel like fiddling with it. Personally, I just went and bought a Troy Built, 4 stroke and that thing starts easily every time and is a beast! Love it.

[@kentgeisler7893]

How to repair Honda lawn mower piston

[@colinwoodward4947]

familytime

[@colinwoodward4947]

Kent Geisler

[@rockywiley9547]

Most weed whackers need carb replaced since they gum up so quickly and it is difficult to repair them....bout as cheap to go get a new one....

[@jonlambshead5115]

Hi There, You Done A Good Job. One Thing Everyone Should Do Is Put A bit Of Never seize On The Crankshaft Where The Blade Adapter Goes On. It Will Save You A Lot Of Problems In The Future If You Need To Remove It Again. If You Wash Your Deck Underneath ,Water will Get Into Everything. Moisture From Wet Grass Left On The Underneath will Cause RUST. I'm Not Knocking Your Video By Any Means. I Noticed a Lot Of Oil Under The Deck, Which Will Make Your Drive Belt Slip, It Could Have Been Cleaned with Some Degreaser. The Oil Leak Could Be A Bad Oil Seal On The Bottom Of The Motor Or They Have Spilt Oil On The Mower and It Has Run Down And The Blade Has Spread it as It is Going Around. The Engine Sounded as If It Was Surging a bit. ( Not Getting Enough Fuel ) Other Then That You Done A Great Job, Thanks For The Video

[@gingerbread1032]

#0 oil& sending unit # 1 spark #2 fuel #3 Foul plug #4 govner. Shft slip #5 jump start #6 push start #7 pull start #8 drink beer #9 smoke one #10 break down the ol two legged shotgun. #11 drink a beer #12 smoke one #13 compression #14 stuck valve #15 go to parts with broke compresion ring. #16 smoke one #17 drink one #18 hose job #19 drink one #20 smoke one #21 go fishin

[@jamesmiller6851]

Just a tip,would never hold a spark plug in the vice on the ceramic part.I learnt the hard way.Tightend the vice(not to tight)but started wire brushing it and the plug ceramic cracked.:(

[@blackadder102]

Great video. Clear, concise and to the point.

[@shifty212]

I know that was like 7 years ago, but great video! Lots of good info there.

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

I have a mower with spark, compression, cleaned carb, checked float operation, will not start with starting fluid in opened butterfly, choke closed. Any suggestions?

[@josephpray125]

ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 08P502-0111-F1 . replaced the flywheelkey on my mower , after hitting something hard , but still wont start , its very hard to pull , and backfires . i need a pro

[@vitalcomputing6298]

"To remove use Wheel Puller Holes". But why on earth would they NOT thread the holes? Would it not be better to just tap the holes for M6 or M8, and if you didnt like that size you could tap it larger yourself?