The G Dog  | 31 Jul 2009 12:15 p.m. PST |
I'm mowing the yard this week with my simple "Yard Machine" lawn mower (classic Briggs and Stratton engine) and it starts 'revving'. I've got the throttle pegged, but its losing power, then surging back…the losing power. Running really rich – the air filter reeks of gas and clouds of black exhaust shoot from the machine in time to the revving of the engine. I've removed all the debris and tightened a couple of screws (and cleaned the air filter intakes) but the problem persists. Any idea on a.) what the cause is and b.) estimated cost to fix? Cost is balanced against just buying another cheap mower from Lowes. |
| 45thdiv | 31 Jul 2009 12:50 p.m. PST |
Did you hear any bang noise? Or did the mower tip upside down? It sounds like there is oil in the head. I'm thinkng that a piston ring has lost it's seal. Cracked or broken all together. How old is it? If over 4 years then I'd just go get a new cheap one at Lowes. It will save you time and hassle of getting it fixed. just my opinion. |
| The G Dog | 31 Jul 2009 1:14 p.m. PST |
Its pushing 7 years now. The safety guards are badly beat up, so there's a bigger upside than just the motor. |
| zippyfusenet | 31 Jul 2009 1:17 p.m. PST |
Check the carburator. There may be a little spring holding open a lever that controls the air intake. That spring may be sprung – broken or just unhitched. Maybe you snagged it on a branch and broke it or pulled it loose. Checkitout. |
| lugal hdan | 31 Jul 2009 1:18 p.m. PST |
Did you replace the spark plug? |
pmwalt  | 31 Jul 2009 1:43 p.m. PST |
Times like these you wish there was a clunker program for old lawn mowers. |
| Steve Johnson | 31 Jul 2009 1:48 p.m. PST |
It may be that the carburator needs cleaning. I had the same problem a couple of years ago. $50 USD later, it ran like a champ again. |
| Ed Mohrmann | 01 Aug 2009 7:04 a.m. PST |
GDog, I had the same issue with my Yard Machine mower. It'd lasted me 9 years, so I just bought a new one.
It would have cost me more to have it repaired than the
price of a new one from Lowe's. |
| Ditto Tango 2 1 | 01 Aug 2009 9:27 a.m. PST |
My Honda was more than 20 years old until my son decided to try and mow a corner of a concrete pad and bent the crank. Up until then, it started within 2 pulls (usally on the first) and worked perfectly. I replaced it with another – we'll see how loong this one lasts…
--
Tim |
| The G Dog | 01 Aug 2009 3:21 p.m. PST |
And I replaced it today with even cheaper Yard Machine. I'll miss the adjustable mowing deck (technically is is still adjustable If I'm willing to remove and remount all four wheels). But the price was hard to beat. If only the Air Conditioner didn't fail last night… This has not been the best week around the G Dog's house. |
| quidveritas | 03 Aug 2009 5:02 p.m. PST |
Check your air filter and fuel filters first. Cheaper than other alternatives and, if you are like me at all, they probably need replacing. mjc |
