✅Click here for a new air filter ➜ amzn.to/3jbEbh6 For more videos like this, check out: 👉Proper Way To Tip A Lawn Mower Over ➜ ua-cam.com/video/eeEVigsVqrE/v-deo.html 👉How To Fix Stripped Spark Plug Threads With This Hack ➜ ua-cam.com/video/yY_fuDRltZE/v-deo.html 👉How To Tell If The Crankshaft Is Bent On A Lawn Mower ➜ ua-cam.com/video/3up57DHiCqs/v-deo.html 👉Best Way To Clean a Honda Style Carburetor ➜ ua-cam.com/video/uAHdhuDpeKw/v-deo.html You can connect with Steve here too: ✅Visit Steve’s WEBSITE ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ ✅Visit Steve’s PARTS & TOOL STORE ➜ www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on FACEBOOK ➜ facebook.com/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on INSTAGRAM ➜ instagram.com/stevessmallenginesaloon/ ✅Follow Steve on TWITTER ➜ twitter.com/SteveSaloon
I heard a knocking last year on an older John Deere push mower. Tore it completely apart. Found a little, (almost no) play in the connecting rod. Put it all back together. After 5 minutes, started knocking again... Was the frigging aftermarket lawnmower blade loosening and banging around... Lesson in checking the little things first!
Picked up a push mower on the side of the road, said free on it. Got it home and started it, ran very rough and low rpm. Started taking it apart and saw it was not taken care of, grass everywhere. Under the cover, packed in the fins of the engine. All it was missing was a spring on the throttle lever. Nice easy, cheap fix! Just a little maintenance goes a long way!
I picked up a Toro Personal Pace lawn mower, almost new, because the owner was told that the crankshaft was bent. I tipped it over to check the crank and the blade was so loose it almost fell off. Tightened it back up and sold it for $250.00 the next day. It ran perfectly. I'm looking for another one. Ha ha
I don't know if you're gonna see this, but you are a WEALTH of info for a guy like me. Just picked up a job as a small engine/tool tech. I've had some experience "getting stuff started," but you're helping me really understand what I'm actually doing. You're like a youtube encyclopedia!
When you showed the air filter I knew that was going to be a problem for the engine. If I was the owner of that machine I think I would’ve asked you to troubleshoot it while I watched. I would’ve learned a few things and I would’ve paid you for your time, saving me another $700 for a brand new lawnmower. Great video👍
Thanks for showing this great example of what you have said before... Rock over your mower the wrong way and soak the filter with oil.(Drove it home) Thanks again
Similar thing with my boss. He told me to throw the Honda mower in his truck into the dumpster. I asked if I can have it, he said sure but it fouls the plug 3 times before it will mow the whole yard. I took it home and all it needed was a new air filter. Old one was clogged with dust. I made a free $150!
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon I had a sneaky feeling that filter was the culprit...I hope this guy doesn't do the same thing with his new mower or else you'll get a second free one 😀
I cannot tell you how many movers come into my shop with that exact - and only that - problem. Either the filters are soaked in oil or caked from years of never being changed. New filter, new plug and I've got a happy customer :)
I have the same mower. Had it for almost three years now. Still starts and runs perfect but leaks oil from the head gasket. Second Honda engine mower i have had to leak oil. I also removed the plastic cover over the front belt as it just completely clogged with grass every time I mowed.
I've experienced this exact thing. I didn't think a filter that looked pretty clean could be so restrictive, but when it's coated in oil is almost completely plugged! I love free lawnmowers!
Two years back I picked one up trash day with a kholer engine. It stayed dormant in my tool shed until this last weekend. Tried to start it and no luck. I did look into the air filter right away. For further precautions I took the fuel bowl and carb apart. Dusted it them off and fired right up minus the air filter lol. Did just what you done and the exact same thing happened. It went to dye almost immediately. Air filter replacement $5.99 Great video 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I had two push mowers given to me. The one needed a new fuel line which had rotted off. The other mower I cleaned the carb and am still using it. If the mower doesn’t start, people do not want to be bothered. I guess that’s to our benefit. Keep the great video’s coming!
I Remember that video. I even remember when I was younger knowing that if I tipped it over something bad might happen. Very good Steve The small engine guy!
Yessum Steve! My neighbor asked me if i wanted a lawnmower that he just bought the season b4. I said id look at it as maybe I can fix it. He said the he just bought a new one, and I can have it. 1st checked fuel, there was fuel, 2nd smell fuel , bad. Replace fuel, started right up. Oh well....
Last summer I watched my neighbor struggle with his mower for a good hour or two. He got half the lawn done and it quit on him. He had his tools out, it was hot, he was sweating and cursing. I wandered over and asked if he wanted any help...he said "no, I got this." I watched a little while longer. He put it all back together and it still wouldn't start. I couldn't help myself, I picked up a gas can and walked back over. "Try this" I said. Doh! Ran out of gas. He gave me a cold beer I think out of embarrassment. I told him I have done similar things.
I was taught check the simple things first. Saves so much headache, time, money, and work. Clogged spark arrestors create a similar issue. I found if you simply remove said arrestors it alleviates the choking issue. Some types of Stihl equipment are quite problematic in this regard. Also one must always follow directions on machinery.
@@marcmyers1465 true dat! I use high octane, non ethanol gas in all my gas powered equipment. Everything runs better without the gumming and clogging effects you can also get from ethanol. Best to stay away from it if one can do so. Good information BTW.
If you’re having that problem you are probably mixing your 2 cycle gas oil mix with too much oil. It also really helps to use the Stihl full synthetic additive.
@@patricknesbit2334 it really does. I worked for a guy years ago that instead of using up the can of two cycle he would just top it off when it was 1/4 full or so. Then he would add the normal amount of oil. You do that enough and you’re running your equipment on a 50/50 or more blend. The gas was black I swear!! Worst part was he wouldn’t listen to reason. Obviously because I was in my early 20s and young and he was in his four years therefore smart totally made sense. This is a tiny example of this guys genius mind. I wasn’t surprised when I learned a year after quitting that he went out of business.
That is a great score Steve $750 mower for free can't beat that i got a STIHL FS55R for free over a carburetor i have since rebuilt it to brand new spec and it runs like a dream.
Steve, two days after I watched this video I found a Toro Recycler out at the curb for trash day. It looked barely used and the engine pulled over with good compression. Turns out the only issue was an oil fouled air filter. Owner had over-filled the crankcase. Shaking my head!
I just fixed one of these, previous tech took the choke flap out.....guessing the auto choke bit was not working. i was impressed with the AWD, man that thing can pull ya!
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon yeah lots of techs don't and just hang parts. Gotta remember the average American male these days couldn't change a tire so not shocked an air filter would make someone get a new mower
Steve-if you want to raise the profile of the small engine business everywhere, contact the fellow you got that mower from and offer it back to him for the cost of the repair.
Had a Husky mower years ago. Ran really well. It didn’t like hitting a small tree stump though. Engine survived but got ripped off the deck ! Deck was wrecked, it was only plastic. New deck and it was as good as new.
I got a Briggs 24 hp V twin with the electric clutch for 100 bucks. It had 3 hours on it. Guy bought a zero turn JD. He mowed his yard one time and the tornado hit Joplin. Picked up his mower and flipped it. His insurance paid for a new one and didn't want the old one. I put it on a racing mower I built. Sold the electric clutch for 100 bucks. I would run 50% regular gas and 50% Torco 110 octane. Cop got me once on the road out front of my house. He showed me his radar. 61 in a 55. Lol
@@jerrymeeuwse859 When properly geared, 24HP could easily get you up to 60MPH, as long as the tractor isn't too heavy though, remember, its that whole power to weight ratio.
@@stellarproductions8888 Oh yeah I know. I've built a number of racing mowers and experimented with many different setups. I build my own front axles because I'm not gonna go that fast on that stock axle. Peerless 700 series mud box trannies are the best. I put a tall 3rd gear in them and by the time you hit 4th, your gone. I used to have lots of friends and other racers come and ask me advice or help building their racers. It sure is fun. I built a quarter mile track in my back pasture in Missouri and would have atleast 2 races a month. Lots of fun had by all
@@jerrymeeuwse859 Sounds like loads of fun for sure. I got one of those 1990 Craftsman, back when the hoods were all metal and square shaped. It's only got a 12.5HP engine. But I swapped the 8" pulley on tranny with a 3.5", installed a few idler pulleys, different belt, just to get it away from nut buster shifter. Wasn't for racing, just a transport speed boost. Can easily go 20MPH. But like you said. Stock axle, stock tranny break, no proper suspension, too scary going that speed off-road. You go total bucking bronco, thrown off lol. I put on a piston shift knob, rear tires got Carlisle Super Lugs, they bight good in mud. Front tires I got Carlisle ATV Holeshots, which are bias-ply, and resist turning less. Some people really like it when they see it lol
My guess is tipped on the wrong side and oil got into the air filter. I think this because I've watched your video on tipping on the wrong side, and have done it myself before I was enlightened. Thanks for saving me time and money, Steve! Please keep the videos coming.
I was given a mower with the same engine. It had a dirty carb and needed the updated governor spring. It now runs like a champ and cranks first pull every time!
Great video Steve, sometimes it is just something as simple an air filter to get something running as good as new again. I just can't believe someone spent that much money for a lawnmower and never gave you a chance (or any small engine mechanic) to look at it to see how much it would cost to fix it before replacing it with yet another very expensive mower. Either way I appreciate your abilities and a great way to present it in a video.
Worked at Walmart in Lawn and garden once in between oilfield jobs. We sold a lot of lawnmowers in the spring then come fall a bunch of them got returned because they would start or run right. I got the job of trouble shooting them. atleast 90% had clogged airfilters . Cleaned them up and set them out for sale at a reduced price. People do not maintain their equipment , it's crazy. I mow yards now days and most of my customers hire me because they can't keep a mower running . . Leave them out in the weather and never change the air filter or drain gas at the end of the season then they blame the mower for not running. No home training these days ! Fun video , take care Steve !
Steve, I'm amazed that even with all the mower fix-it channels, I still find things like this often enough. Our landfills are overflowing, with mowers, bikes...
Hey Steve Had similar symptoms on our old 2 cycle Toro. Over time, the engine kept running slower and slower. I did all the usual stuff, plug, carb, spark, air filter, new gas-oil; nothing worked. Then as I was scraping out the gras under the deck I noticed that the exhaust seemed plugged with grass so I pulled off the cover and ‘Voila’ there was the culprit. Seems the gas-oil mix ran so rich over the years the exhaust completely fouled the entire exhaust choking out the airflow entirely. Once cleaned, it now starts on first pull again, who knew? I really enjoy your channel Steve, ‘Keep em coming’. Cheers, Larry
Awesome Steve, that was a great deal getting that mower for free and all it needed was a new air filter because the guy tipped it over the wrong way lol.
I got one of those! Just had to spend 20$ on a new carburetor and love it! Same with a trimmer! It had a bad starter pull rope spring, 20$ and works like new!
OLD MAN here from EP saying who would have thought eh! We have had the same issue on two occasions when we did a full service but customer did not want to pay for a new filter and pre filter ($11 Cdn) until they saw their mower start first pull with the new filter and would not even start with their old filter installed. Great video and keep tipping them straight back even if it is a beer instead of a mower.
This is why I love your blogs, I was just saying to my wife that I think the more was tired the wrong way. John, good job Steve. Keep on blogging I'll keep watching..
2 free "used once" mowers exactly alike. What's the story? Brigs motors ran out of gas and fuel added, just enough to finish the big lawn. It wouldn't start so he bought another, filled it and the same thing happened. He bought a different mower with a bigger tank.
if he can afford that... my dad's complaint about his current brush cutter is that he'd like it to have a little bit bigger tank, so he gets tired of using it at about the same time it runs out of gas, so I bought one with a bigger tank.
I have two garages full of small engines that I fixed over the years. I haven't bought a lawn mower since 1992, and I still have that one. I have my choice of what to use when I blow snow, mow the lawn, etc. Like you and others have said, common sense is mostly what you need when you work on small engines. I spotted a Toro snow blower at the curb, and just from looking at it, I knew what the issue was---it was missing the primer. I cleaned the carburetor and plug, put a new primer on from Ebay for $3, and it fired right up. I used it the next week to clean my driveway at my workshop, and it ran like a top. A year later I found a Husqvarna 125BVX blower tossed out. It ran off the curb, but not well. The air filter was packed with dirt and the plug was fouled. I replaced both for under $5, and got a used blower tube, so I'm into the whole thing for $20. It runs like a champ. I could go on and on. We are in a throwaway society where people don't take the time to go through the simple stuff and take care of their investments. In 2019, I spotted a circa 2007 MTD mower at the curb, two doors up from me. I took it and the cord was "locked up" solid. I got to looking at it, and the air filter was soaked with oil. The engine oil was clean, but WAY over the full mark. I leveled off the oil, put a new plug and air filter in and freed up the cord. Pulled the starter rope and it fired right up. The next day I'm cutting my lawn with it, and the neighbor that threw it out is walking his dog. He signals for me to shut the machine off. He said, "Oh, got it running?" (Pretty obvious that I did). I said, "Yea, someone overfilled it with oil and soaked the air filter...." He said, "Well I didn't need it anyhow, I bought an electric mower". I laughed and said, "Yup, everyone throws out a good running gas mower to go buy an electric one". LOL.
Or timing, they can shear the flywheel key. The formula for starting an engine is F.A.R.T.S. Fuel. Air. Revolutions. Timing. Spark. If those check good, it's a base engine concern and engine integrity tests must follow. Compression. Leak down. Boroscope. Teardown inspections. Yep. It's a process.
Steve, what will you do with it? Here’s an idea: run a competition to find a local kid who needs a summer job mowing lawns and give it away. Put that video up as well. ❤️
@@CALVINLNIKONT It depends on what Steve has for a mower. In my case I could get a 2 year old 48” commercial zero turn and it would be the one I got rid of because it wouldn’t compare to what I have now.
I had someone give me Husqvarna walk behind lawn mower within the last 2 weeks because it would crank then shut off.I knew from watching your videos that was most likely clogged carb jet,so I took the mower.It took me maybe 20 minutes to pull the jets(Briggs & Stratton)blow them out, and put it back together. It cranked 1st pull and purrs like a kitten.Very nice mower for free.Thanks for the knowledge!!!!!
Why didn’t he ask you to fix it Steve? Anyway I’m sure he’s not the only one whose thrown out a good lawnmower. There’s probably many mower owners watching who’ve done exactly the same thing who are cringing after watching your video. Thanks Steve,your videos are awesome.
I once picked up an old Victa Two Stroke mower dumped in the bush . All that was wrong with it was the exhaust port was clogged up with carbon and only had a hole about as big as little finger . I unclogged it and gave it a port polish and away it went . Used it for many years but eventually the frame rusted out . I wish I still had it . It was so light and easy to use especially on wet lawns . My Honda is a great mower but it's real heavy .
SWEET! Great videos and instructions. I grabbed a toro recycler out of the trash, watched your video on cleaning and rebuilding the briggs carb…now I’m mowing my lawn with it.
Great find. Just got a free toro recycler with a Kohler engine. Wouldn’t start. Turns out the previous owner had put the choke mechanism on backwards after he cleaned the carb, so it held the choke open. I turned it around and it started right up. He did a great job cleaning the carb. Lol.
OMG! The first thing I check is the fuel level and the second is will it start with the air filter off!! And that is not a cheap lawnmower either!! Great video Steve.
Can't tell you how many mowers I have saved over the years, but my current mower needed a carb cleaning. Now on it's second engine(also garbage picked), mower is 31 years old, has made $18,000+ profit and still running! Only one Lawnboy needed a new coil, not bad. Thanks Steve!
Not everyone has a knowledgeable dad to teach them about engines. If I didn't discover this and other UA-cam channels, I'd never know how to fix these. But these videos at least let me try to fix them!
As a small engine tech and owner I routinely see machines that homeowners attempt to fix and bring things down in boxes and buckets and sometimes pieces missing. A simple job initially becomes more costly for them Everyone has to know their limitations and when to take it to a shop.The worse is when someone takes a hammer to a shaft end and mushrooms the end and expects to remove a fitted piece.A torch is my best friend daily.Nice deal you got, I commonly get machines donated to me and get sweet deals and amazed like most mechanics on your site with the throw away attitude od some people.
But those are the best ones. Like in Steve’s case, they took a whole lot of stuff off because they had no clue. They just hadn’t looked at the correct part yet, even though they had to remove it to get the carburetor off.
First thing I saw, even before you said anything was, hmmm that air filter looks mighty dark. Like I've said before, it is amazing the difference clean filters can make for especially small engines! STOCK UP on replacement parts BEFORE you need them people!!! Love your vids Steve!
Not much surprises me in this throw away society ,,, its sad that things have gotten like this . But at least the guy had a go , and thats better than most. shame he didnt just send it for a service ,,, still a great win for you.
A week ago I bought a Poulan walk behind string trimmer at an estate sale for fifty bucks. It was grungy, ugly, and barely ran. I cleaned it up, changed the oil, filter, and spark plug (Champion plugs get thrown as far as I can muster) and it ran perfectly. About an hour ago, I sold it for $200. Beer money. For a long time. Thanks for all the tips Steve! I've been tinkering with this stuff for almost 40 years, but I always learn a new little trick from you when I watch what you do.
Steve, I had a weed eater given to me, the guy said it won't Rev up, the screen in the muffler was plugged, I cleaned the screen and it run's great, it was free! Great video Steve, I learn a lot from you! I'm always watching for you're videos!
👍Sweet! It’s great when we get a win! My nieghbor gave me his 2 yr old NICE Pres washer because he was frustrated, wouldn’t start. Few weeks later as I finally got around to it….I found the fuel turned in off position! That was all! 😄Explained my findings to him, offered back and he said “Merry Christmas, I already bought a new one” 👍
It's just me but i would have brought it back to the guy, charged him for THE PART and $20 labor and given it back. Money never came easy to me so I Always feel sorry for others,,,but that's just me.
I'd be surprised if you didn't reach back out to this poor guy and work something out with him, such that if you sold it, you'd give him half or something. I feel like I've been watching you long enough to know that you're not all about trying to prosper from other people's ignorance. I've always known you to be a stand-up guy that is trying to help his fellow man... And cheers to you because THAT is what you have always done. Great video, as it teaches all of us some important information. Stay COOL, Steve.
At first I thought the same thing but then after thinking about it I think that would just be adding insult to injury. The poor guy already bought a new mower. I don't think I would take this one back to him. It's almost like rubbing it in his face even trying to be nice.
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon Yeah. I think if it were me, and since he already bought a new mower, I'd sell it, keep some of the money for my trouble and give him the rest. I've made some dumb mistakes on machinery too
With the b&s air filter you have so soak the new filter in oil according to the manual. It's the foam (reusable?) Filter. Over saturating the filter get you starting problems as the oil sags to the bottom. I wish Steve told me about this problem, but finding it out yourself is rewarding in its own way.
I agreed until he said the guy went out and bought another $750 mower. Until then I thought he was gonna say he took it back to him, but, as I said he bought a new one so...
I have several medical problems,but still try work om briggs and stratton engines too. I am 69 years old. I have been fooling around with small engines since about 2000
✅Click here for a new air filter ➜ amzn.to/3jbEbh6
For more videos like this, check out:
👉Proper Way To Tip A Lawn Mower Over ➜ ua-cam.com/video/eeEVigsVqrE/v-deo.html
👉How To Fix Stripped Spark Plug Threads With This Hack ➜ ua-cam.com/video/yY_fuDRltZE/v-deo.html
👉How To Tell If The Crankshaft Is Bent On A Lawn Mower ➜ ua-cam.com/video/3up57DHiCqs/v-deo.html
👉Best Way To Clean a Honda Style Carburetor ➜ ua-cam.com/video/uAHdhuDpeKw/v-deo.html
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Flooded?
Bad fuel or clogged air filter?
Quick give me 6 lottery numbers
@@paperburn 654321lol
That’s absolutely ridiculous and hilarious!! Wow common sense is gone🤦🏻♂️🤣🤣
I heard a knocking last year on an older John Deere push mower. Tore it completely apart. Found a little, (almost no) play in the connecting rod. Put it all back together. After 5 minutes, started knocking again... Was the frigging aftermarket lawnmower blade loosening and banging around... Lesson in checking the little things first!
Agreed!
Ya know, another reason why those older John Deere's knock is because they can't ring the door bell eh !
Picked up a push mower on the side of the road, said free on it. Got it home and started it, ran very rough and low rpm. Started taking it apart and saw it was not taken care of, grass everywhere. Under the cover, packed in the fins of the engine. All it was missing was a spring on the throttle lever. Nice easy, cheap fix! Just a little maintenance goes a long way!
I picked up a Toro Personal Pace lawn mower, almost new, because the owner was told that the crankshaft was bent. I tipped it over to check the crank and the blade was so loose it almost fell off. Tightened it back up and sold it for $250.00 the next day. It ran perfectly. I'm looking for another one. Ha ha
Hey UA-cam it's me Bill again! Just making sure you didn't forget that this guy is awesome and you should recommend him to others!
I don't know if you're gonna see this, but you are a WEALTH of info for a guy like me. Just picked up a job as a small engine/tool tech. I've had some experience "getting stuff started," but you're helping me really understand what I'm actually doing. You're like a youtube encyclopedia!
WOW! Thank You...
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon Update! Just got home from my first day, and I LOVE MY JOB. Thanks, Steve!
They say it better to be lucky than good. I say it's even better to lucky and good! Great job Steve! It's amazing when shit works!
I've had lawnmowers that I thought went bad. Oil on filter, slight knocking sound. Now I know the issues on tipping to wrong side.
Thank you.
You're Welcome...
Thanks, Steve. My dad told me the first rule of mechanic work - always check the easy stuff first!!
Your Dad is a smart man!
When you showed the air filter I knew that was going to be a problem for the engine. If I was the owner of that machine I think I would’ve asked you to troubleshoot it while I watched. I would’ve learned a few things and I would’ve paid you for your time, saving me another $700 for a brand new lawnmower. Great video👍
Thanks for showing this great example of what you have said before...
Rock over your mower the wrong way and soak the filter with oil.(Drove it home) Thanks again
You're Welcome...
Similar thing with my boss. He told me to throw the Honda mower in his truck into the dumpster. I asked if I can have it, he said sure but it fouls the plug 3 times before it will mow the whole yard. I took it home and all it needed was a new air filter. Old one was clogged with dust. I made a free $150!
Right on
Ahhh, the old oil bath, it worked good on the old ones. LOL. THANK you for sharing.
You're Welcome...
Good job Steve. Because of the service you are providing for all of us DIY-ERS, I hope all your problems are easily solved as well.
Thank You...
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon I had a sneaky feeling that filter was the culprit...I hope this guy doesn't do the same thing with his new mower or else you'll get a second free one 😀
@@gleni8651 My thoughts exactly.
It ain’t luck when you know what you are doing. You are awesome!
Thank You...
I cannot tell you how many movers come into my shop with that exact - and only that - problem. Either the filters are soaked in oil or caked from years of never being changed. New filter, new plug and I've got a happy customer :)
Right on Derek!
I have the same mower. Had it for almost three years now. Still starts and runs perfect but leaks oil from the head gasket. Second Honda engine mower i have had to leak oil. I also removed the plastic cover over the front belt as it just completely clogged with grass every time I mowed.
I've experienced this exact thing. I didn't think a filter that looked pretty clean could be so restrictive, but when it's coated in oil is almost completely plugged! I love free lawnmowers!
Agreed!
Two years back I picked one up trash day with a kholer engine. It stayed dormant in my tool shed until this last weekend. Tried to start it and no luck. I did look into the air filter right away. For further precautions I took the fuel bowl and carb apart. Dusted it them off and fired right up minus the air filter lol.
Did just what you done and the exact same thing happened. It went to dye almost immediately. Air filter replacement $5.99
Great video 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I had two push mowers given to me. The one needed a new fuel line which had rotted off. The other mower I cleaned the carb and am still using it. If the mower doesn’t start, people do not want to be bothered. I guess that’s to our benefit. Keep the great video’s coming!
Will do!
Neighbor gave me virtually same unit. Cleaned carb bowl, fresh gas......started 1st pull....ran great
Awesome!
I Remember that video. I even remember when I was younger knowing that if I tipped it over something bad might happen. Very good Steve The small engine guy!
You're Welcome...
A good reminder of always checking basic service points before attempting more complicated repairs
Agreed!
Yessum Steve! My neighbor asked me if i wanted a lawnmower that he just bought the season b4. I said id look at it as maybe I can fix it. He said the he just bought a new one, and I can have it. 1st checked fuel, there was fuel, 2nd smell fuel , bad. Replace fuel, started right up. Oh well....
Right on Wayne!
Last summer I watched my neighbor struggle with his mower for a good hour or two. He got half the lawn done and it quit on him. He had his tools out, it was hot, he was sweating and cursing. I wandered over and asked if he wanted any help...he said "no, I got this." I watched a little while longer. He put it all back together and it still wouldn't start. I couldn't help myself, I picked up a gas can and walked back over. "Try this" I said. Doh! Ran out of gas. He gave me a cold beer I think out of embarrassment. I told him I have done similar things.
Nice! Those Hondas are very expensive. The saying goes check the easy stuff first. Another item saved from the landfill.
Keep up the good work Steve.👍
Thanks! Will do...
Used to get all kinds of people doing things like this working in a mower shop.
If only every fix was that easy. Thanks Steve.
Agreed!
I was taught check the simple things first. Saves so much headache, time, money, and work. Clogged spark arrestors create a similar issue. I found if you simply remove said arrestors it alleviates the choking issue. Some types of Stihl equipment are quite problematic in this regard. Also one must always follow directions on machinery.
I took one off of my weed eater and it instantly ran like brand new! Yep,,,,, file 13.
@@marcmyers1465 true dat! I use high octane, non ethanol gas in all my gas powered equipment. Everything runs better without the gumming and clogging effects you can also get from ethanol. Best to stay away from it if one can do so. Good information BTW.
If you’re having that problem you are probably mixing your 2 cycle gas oil mix with too much oil. It also really helps to use the Stihl full synthetic additive.
@@Manhandle730 very good points. It is always best to use the recommend oil in the exact ratios.
@@patricknesbit2334 it really does. I worked for a guy years ago that instead of using up the can of two cycle he would just top it off when it was 1/4 full or so. Then he would add the normal amount of oil. You do that enough and you’re running your equipment on a 50/50 or more blend. The gas was black I swear!! Worst part was he wouldn’t listen to reason. Obviously because I was in my early 20s and young and he was in his four years therefore smart totally made sense. This is a tiny example of this guys genius mind. I wasn’t surprised when I learned a year after quitting that he went out of business.
You're such a character Steve! Wish you were my nextdoor neighbour.
Yeah, until I fire up a blower at 7AM Sunday mornin!
Can you do a video on the wax pellet valve you were talking about?
Coming soon!
I think Donyboy already did one on that part.
How about a Donyboy Vs Steve -O duke it out video?
@@jonyoung6405 YES! I follow both of them!
Dude. I don't know crap about engines. This really helped me. Thanks.
You're Welcome...
That is a great score Steve $750 mower for free can't beat that i got a STIHL FS55R for free over a carburetor i have since rebuilt it to brand new spec and it runs like a dream.
Right on Jamie!
Simple fix...knowledge is key!! Wonder if the original owner will see this video and learn what he did wrong and not do it again!!
Steve, two days after I watched this video I found a Toro Recycler out at the curb for trash day. It looked barely used and the engine pulled over with good compression. Turns out the only issue was an oil fouled air filter. Owner had over-filled the crankcase. Shaking my head!
Right on Mark!
I had a Husqvarna yth2348 running rough dying out ,watched your video and after air and fuel filters it runs good .Thank you $2000 saved.
Right on Mike! You're Welcome...
I just fixed one of these, previous tech took the choke flap out.....guessing the auto choke bit was not working. i was impressed with the AWD, man that thing can pull ya!
Sure can!
Friend in the HVAC business he's a journeyman now but the best advice he ever gave me is "start at the beginning "
Smart man!
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon yeah lots of techs don't and just hang parts. Gotta remember the average American male these days couldn't change a tire so not shocked an air filter would make someone get a new mower
Steve-if you want to raise the profile of the small engine business everywhere, contact the fellow you got that mower from and offer it back to him for the cost of the repair.
DID! He already bought a new one...
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon Atta boy Steve! You lead the industry on the high road. Keep up the good work.
You help everyone with your videos... you should've offered to help this guy too.
Had a Husky mower years ago. Ran really well. It didn’t like hitting a small tree stump though. Engine survived but got ripped off the deck ! Deck was wrecked, it was only plastic. New deck and it was as good as new.
Interesting!
I got a Briggs 24 hp V twin with the electric clutch for 100 bucks. It had 3 hours on it. Guy bought a zero turn JD. He mowed his yard one time and the tornado hit Joplin. Picked up his mower and flipped it. His insurance paid for a new one and didn't want the old one. I put it on a racing mower I built. Sold the electric clutch for 100 bucks. I would run 50% regular gas and 50% Torco 110 octane. Cop got me once on the road out front of my house. He showed me his radar. 61 in a 55. Lol
@@jerrymeeuwse859 When properly geared, 24HP could easily get you up to 60MPH, as long as the tractor isn't too heavy though, remember, its that whole power to weight ratio.
@@stellarproductions8888 Oh yeah I know. I've built a number of racing mowers and experimented with many different setups. I build my own front axles because I'm not gonna go that fast on that stock axle. Peerless 700 series mud box trannies are the best. I put a tall 3rd gear in them and by the time you hit 4th, your gone. I used to have lots of friends and other racers come and ask me advice or help building their racers. It sure is fun. I built a quarter mile track in my back pasture in Missouri and would have atleast 2 races a month. Lots of fun had by all
@@jerrymeeuwse859 Sounds like loads of fun for sure. I got one of those 1990 Craftsman, back when the hoods were all metal and square shaped. It's only got a 12.5HP engine. But I swapped the 8" pulley on tranny with a 3.5", installed a few idler pulleys, different belt, just to get it away from nut buster shifter. Wasn't for racing, just a transport speed boost. Can easily go 20MPH. But like you said. Stock axle, stock tranny break, no proper suspension, too scary going that speed off-road. You go total bucking bronco, thrown off lol. I put on a piston shift knob, rear tires got Carlisle Super Lugs, they bight good in mud. Front tires I got Carlisle ATV Holeshots, which are bias-ply, and resist turning less. Some people really like it when they see it lol
My guess is tipped on the wrong side and oil got into the air filter. I think this because I've watched your video on tipping on the wrong side, and have done it myself before I was enlightened. Thanks for saving me time and money, Steve! Please keep the videos coming.
Thanks! Will do...
Liked your thought process of what the issue was, or could be.
Thank You...
I was given a mower with the same engine. It had a dirty carb and needed the updated governor spring. It now runs like a champ and cranks first pull every time!
Right on
Great video Steve, sometimes it is just something as simple an air filter to get something running as good as new again. I just can't believe someone spent that much money for a lawnmower and never gave you a chance (or any small engine mechanic) to look at it to see how much it would cost to fix it before replacing it with yet another very expensive mower. Either way I appreciate your abilities and a great way to present it in a video.
Thanks 👍
Worked at Walmart in Lawn and garden once in between oilfield jobs. We sold a lot of lawnmowers in the spring then come fall a bunch of them got returned because they would start or run right. I got the job of trouble shooting them. atleast 90% had clogged airfilters . Cleaned them up and set them out for sale at a reduced price. People do not maintain their equipment , it's crazy. I mow yards now days and most of my customers hire me because they can't keep a mower running . . Leave them out in the weather and never change the air filter or drain gas at the end of the season then they blame the mower for not running. No home training these days ! Fun video , take care Steve !
Interesting!
Lol, I had tipped my lownmover the wrong side once or twice, but I did figure out the air filter got soaked, thus couldn't intake air!
Exactly!
Yep a gasoline (or even diesel) has to breathe! That's how you make H.P.!
Steve, I'm amazed that even with all the mower fix-it channels, I still find things like this often enough. Our landfills are overflowing, with mowers, bikes...
"When you see hoof prints, think horses not zebras"
Occam's Razor really comes in handy for life's challenges.
...Unless you're living in Africa! 🤣🤣🤣 Cheers, Steve
@@StevenEverett7 Ha, you're right!
Hey Steve
Had similar symptoms on our old 2 cycle Toro. Over time, the engine kept running slower and slower. I did all the usual stuff, plug, carb, spark, air filter, new gas-oil; nothing worked.
Then as I was scraping out the gras under the deck I noticed that the exhaust seemed plugged with grass so I pulled off the cover and ‘Voila’ there was the culprit.
Seems the gas-oil mix ran so rich over the years the exhaust completely fouled the entire exhaust choking out the airflow entirely.
Once cleaned, it now starts on first pull again, who knew?
I really enjoy your channel Steve, ‘Keep em coming’.
Cheers, Larry
Great stuff Steve - and perfect pronunciation of Husqvarna ;-)
LOL Claus! I did that just for YOU! Luv ya Brutha...
lol I had to think, what the hell is Steve saying, im an Aussie, we say Husk as in Just, varna dunna about you northern mob ay lol
was waiting for your comment on his pronunciation Hobbymotor. Nice one and good job Steve. You deserve a Guinness.
@@colingraham5812 Thank you Sir :-)
Awesome Steve, that was a great deal getting that mower for free and all it needed was a new air filter because the guy tipped it over the wrong way lol.
Right on
Great video
Thank You...
I got one of those! Just had to spend 20$ on a new carburetor and love it!
Same with a trimmer! It had a bad starter pull rope spring, 20$ and works like new!
I'm a small engine mechanic and I see this alot more then you would think.
Same here! Happens alot!
OLD MAN here from EP saying who would have thought eh! We have had the same issue on two occasions when we did a full service but customer did not want to pay for a new filter and pre filter ($11 Cdn) until they saw their mower start first pull with the new filter and would not even start with their old filter installed. Great video and keep tipping them straight back even if it is a beer instead of a mower.
It is incredible that Briggs & Stratton engines start at the first try when they are ok!!
@@_AndromedaGalaxy_ It seemed identical to a B&S to me...
@@alejandrodelabarra2838 Steve even said it was a HONDA in the video. SMH
@@bushmaster2936 Yes, yes.
It just seemed to me.
This is why I love your blogs, I was just saying to my wife that I think the more was tired the wrong way. John, good job Steve. Keep on blogging I'll keep watching..
2 free "used once" mowers exactly alike. What's the story? Brigs motors ran out of gas and fuel added, just enough to finish the big lawn. It wouldn't start so he bought another, filled it and the same thing happened. He bought a different mower with a bigger tank.
@@tomtheplummer7322 Or give up smoking lol
if he can afford that... my dad's complaint about his current brush cutter is that he'd like it to have a little bit bigger tank, so he gets tired of using it at about the same time it runs out of gas, so I bought one with a bigger tank.
I have two garages full of small engines that I fixed over the years. I haven't bought a lawn mower since 1992, and I still have that one. I have my choice of what to use when I blow snow, mow the lawn, etc. Like you and others have said, common sense is mostly what you need when you work on small engines. I spotted a Toro snow blower at the curb, and just from looking at it, I knew what the issue was---it was missing the primer. I cleaned the carburetor and plug, put a new primer on from Ebay for $3, and it fired right up. I used it the next week to clean my driveway at my workshop, and it ran like a top. A year later I found a Husqvarna 125BVX blower tossed out. It ran off the curb, but not well. The air filter was packed with dirt and the plug was fouled. I replaced both for under $5, and got a used blower tube, so I'm into the whole thing for $20. It runs like a champ. I could go on and on. We are in a throwaway society where people don't take the time to go through the simple stuff and take care of their investments.
In 2019, I spotted a circa 2007 MTD mower at the curb, two doors up from me. I took it and the cord was "locked up" solid. I got to looking at it, and the air filter was soaked with oil. The engine oil was clean, but WAY over the full mark. I leveled off the oil, put a new plug and air filter in and freed up the cord. Pulled the starter rope and it fired right up.
The next day I'm cutting my lawn with it, and the neighbor that threw it out is walking his dog. He signals for me to shut the machine off. He said, "Oh, got it running?" (Pretty obvious that I did). I said, "Yea, someone overfilled it with oil and soaked the air filter...." He said, "Well I didn't need it anyhow, I bought an electric mower". I laughed and said, "Yup, everyone throws out a good running gas mower to go buy an electric one". LOL.
Can you please do a video replacing the needle and seat on a Husqvarna lawn mower?
Look no further than this dude for all your small engine issues. Saved me lots just watching your videos. Thank you sir. I enjoy cold beer 🍺 too.
Thanks for watching!
Level one diagnostic: Fuel, air or spark. It's gotta be one or a combination.
Or timing, they can shear the flywheel key.
The formula for starting an engine is F.A.R.T.S.
Fuel.
Air.
Revolutions.
Timing.
Spark.
If those check good, it's a base engine concern and engine integrity tests must follow.
Compression.
Leak down.
Boroscope.
Teardown inspections.
Yep.
It's a process.
Or compression.
Awesome! I'd love to find a free version of THAT push mower!!
Man he took it all to bits.. give it to the professional.. fingers crossed
@@jamietoro8373 I’m sure he knows more than you.
Find it Hilarious that he didn’t change the air filter before pulling the engine apart. New the the channel mate great stuff cheers
Steve, what will you do with it? Here’s an idea: run a competition to find a local kid who needs a summer job mowing lawns and give it away. Put that video up as well. ❤️
Interesting!
I would give away your old mower to a young kid and keep the good one for yourself.
@@CALVINLNIKONT
It depends on what Steve has for a mower. In my case I could get a 2 year old 48” commercial zero turn and it would be the one I got rid of because it wouldn’t compare to what I have now.
Brilliant idea @danburdge @stevessmallenginesaloon a competition for your younger viewers 👏👍👍
The competition should who can get their own freely acquired lawn mower running. If you're gonna be an entrepreneur, start right.
I had someone give me Husqvarna walk behind lawn mower within the last 2 weeks because it would crank then shut off.I knew from watching your videos that was most likely clogged carb jet,so I took the mower.It took me maybe 20 minutes to pull the jets(Briggs & Stratton)blow them out, and put it back together. It cranked 1st pull and purrs like a kitten.Very nice mower for free.Thanks for the knowledge!!!!!
Awesome!
I think over filled with oil.. and it's been tipped up
Why didn’t he ask you to fix it Steve? Anyway I’m sure he’s not the only one whose thrown out a good lawnmower. There’s probably many mower owners watching who’ve done exactly the same thing who are cringing after watching your video. Thanks Steve,your videos are awesome.
this guy knew how to take all these motor parts off but didnt know how to check his air filter?? oh my goodness! 😂
Interesting....
I once picked up an old Victa Two Stroke mower dumped in the bush . All that was wrong with it was the exhaust port was clogged up with carbon and only had a hole about as big as little finger . I unclogged it and gave it a port polish and away it went . Used it for many years but eventually the frame rusted out . I wish I still had it . It was so light and easy to use especially on wet lawns . My Honda is a great mower but it's real heavy .
Man are they safety crocks on your feet.. I have a pair of safety sliders lol
LOL!
SWEET! Great videos and instructions. I grabbed a toro recycler out of the trash, watched your video on cleaning and rebuilding the briggs carb…now I’m mowing my lawn with it.
Awesome!
Did you give it back?
Yes. I fixed my neighbors " brand new" once and it was a clogged air filter ..great job
Thanks 👍
👍 Can't beat that! Watch Steve's channel save some cash!
Right on Mikey! Thank You...
Great find. Just got a free toro recycler with a Kohler engine. Wouldn’t start. Turns out the previous owner had put the choke mechanism on backwards after he cleaned the carb, so it held the choke open. I turned it around and it started right up. He did a great job cleaning the carb. Lol.
Be nice to the guy... go and tell him not to tip over his mower. They don't like that.
OMG! The first thing I check is the fuel level and the second is will it start with the air filter off!! And that is not a cheap lawnmower either!! Great video Steve.
Right on buddy!
You got lucky, alright. That's a nice mower and the engine sounded ripe.
Thanks 👍
Can't tell you how many mowers I have saved over the years, but my current mower needed a carb cleaning. Now on it's second engine(also garbage picked), mower is 31 years old, has made $18,000+ profit and still running! Only one Lawnboy needed a new coil, not bad. Thanks Steve!
Cool!
People today seems to have no "feeling" for engines anymore.
Agreed!
I don't give advice anymore. Once they buy it the can do as they please.
Not everyone has a knowledgeable dad to teach them about engines. If I didn't discover this and other UA-cam channels, I'd never know how to fix these. But these videos at least let me try to fix them!
@@mae2759 So true. This is how I can fix mine Mae.
The look of gratification on Steve's face after starting that free mower is priceless...👍
Right on
Simple fix Steve!! He tipped the machine on the wrong side.
Are you going to educate that guy or wait for another new lawn mower from him??
As a small engine tech and owner I routinely see machines that homeowners attempt to fix and bring things down in boxes and buckets and sometimes pieces missing. A simple job initially becomes more costly for them Everyone has to know their limitations and when to take it to a shop.The worse is when someone takes a hammer to a shaft end and mushrooms the end and expects to remove a fitted piece.A torch is my best friend daily.Nice deal you got, I commonly get machines donated to me and get sweet deals and amazed like most mechanics on your site with the throw away attitude od some people.
I love free mowers except when someone else has torn them all apart 😅
Good point!
But those are the best ones. Like in Steve’s case, they took a whole lot of stuff off because they had no clue. They just hadn’t looked at the correct part yet, even though they had to remove it to get the carburetor off.
@@ralfie8801 Yeah, I hear ya. It's the putting everything back together that I'm not a fan of especially when parts are missing.
Superb Steve nice easy job unbelievable what people get rid of mowers for .
Agreed!
Some people really have no knowledge in any area. and the most shocking is that they reproduce
Lol
And vote!
If they reproduce they have knowledge in one area.
Meanwhile, us smart folks seem to have a hard time finding a quality partner to reproduce with. 😓
@@copisetic1104
Not necessarily, even worms reproduce!
First thing I saw, even before you said anything was, hmmm that air filter looks mighty dark. Like I've said before, it is amazing the difference clean filters can make for especially small engines! STOCK UP on replacement parts BEFORE you need them people!!! Love your vids Steve!
Right on
Love when you put back the old filter on thanks for all you knowledge
Not much surprises me in this throw away society ,,, its sad that things have gotten like this . But at least the guy had a go , and thats better than most. shame he didnt just send it for a service ,,, still a great win for you.
Tom, I was thinking the same thing my friend, at least he tried.
Most folks nowadays don't want to get their hands dirty. Sad.
I am in war with the "programmed obsolescence".
A week ago I bought a Poulan walk behind string trimmer at an estate sale for fifty bucks. It was grungy, ugly, and barely ran. I cleaned it up, changed the oil, filter, and spark plug (Champion plugs get thrown as far as I can muster) and it ran perfectly.
About an hour ago, I sold it for $200. Beer money. For a long time. Thanks for all the tips Steve! I've been tinkering with this stuff for almost 40 years, but I always learn a new little trick from you when I watch what you do.
Right on Corey! Thank You...
Sell it back to him for $375. And a case of beer.
Awesome!
Air Assault!
Steve, I had a weed eater given to me, the guy said it won't Rev up, the screen in the muffler was plugged, I cleaned the screen and it run's great, it was free! Great video Steve, I learn a lot from you! I'm always watching for you're videos!
Awesome!
SteveO 👋 How do these Golden gems keep falling into your lap!!! Lol 😅😂🤣👍👍AWESOME BROTHER! I'll give ya $100 for it now??? Lol.
I raise the bid to $125 Ha!
@@p71collector $125.01. . .
👍Sweet! It’s great when we get a win! My nieghbor gave me his 2 yr old NICE Pres washer because he was frustrated, wouldn’t start. Few weeks later as I finally got around to it….I found the fuel turned in off position! That was all! 😄Explained my findings to him, offered back and he said “Merry Christmas, I already bought a new one” 👍
It's just me but i would have brought it back to the guy, charged him for THE PART and $20 labor and given it back. Money never came easy to me so I Always feel sorry for others,,,but that's just me.
Or at least cut him in for a share of the profits when sold.
He offered it back to him but he'd already replaced it.
Nobody works for $20 an hour anymore in Canada! That’s starvation wages!😀
I'd be surprised if you didn't reach back out to this poor guy and work something out with him, such that if you sold it, you'd give him half or something. I feel like I've been watching you long enough to know that you're not all about trying to prosper from other people's ignorance. I've always known you to be a stand-up guy that is trying to help his fellow man... And cheers to you because THAT is what you have always done. Great video, as it teaches all of us some important information. Stay COOL, Steve.
That's an expensive machine....You might return it to the owner and just charge him for service..=))
Good point!
At first I thought the same thing but then after thinking about it I think that would just be adding insult to injury. The poor guy already bought a new mower. I don't think I would take this one back to him. It's almost like rubbing it in his face even trying to be nice.
Since it's already been donated, Steve can make more money selling it at a discount than what just the repair cost would be.
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon Yeah. I think if it were me, and since he already bought a new mower, I'd sell it, keep some of the money for my trouble and give him the rest. I've made some dumb mistakes on machinery too
With the b&s air filter you have so soak the new filter in oil according to the manual. It's the foam (reusable?) Filter. Over saturating the filter get you starting problems as the oil sags to the bottom. I wish Steve told me about this problem, but finding it out yourself is rewarding in its own way.
I think I'd feel kinda guilty, but do what you think is right.
I agreed until he said the guy went out and bought another $750 mower. Until then I thought he was gonna say he took it back to him, but, as I said he bought a new one so...
I have several medical problems,but still try work om briggs and stratton engines too. I am 69 years old. I have been fooling around with small engines since about 2000