Lawnmower; repair or replace?

 The old Victa lawmmover (B&S engine) is about 20 years old. It sill
starts okay, but needs to run for 10-15 minutes before I can open the
throttle[1].

Worth repairing or should I just replace it?


If i replace it, is it hard to self-repair? I'm thinking it might be new
rings to seal worn cylinder, etc and am wondering how difficult that is
to do for a single cylinder engine? Probably use it as a home made
generator/battery charger.


[1] Not a problem if I just want to take the top off at the higheast
setting.

 Re mower.
Is it a four stroke or two stroke? Four strokes outlast any 2 stroke and
are less prone to trouble. Look in the work shop . Most repairs are 2
strokes.
If you have to ask if you can repair it, it is too hard.
Basic things like change spark plug, empty out fuel and check for water
contamination, clean air filter you should do yourself.
A mower shop would only charge around $75 to $90 for this (tune up)and
give an up to date report on further condition. As well they may even
suggest a new mower, and you could then ask b4 doing the work for their
opinion. It would pay to get a safety check under all circumstances if
youre not comfortable doing any of this. Saves loosing your foot perhaps.

Terryc wrote:

 Jonno wrote:

4 stroke.



I've always been impressed by the simpleness of older lawn mower
engines, and my engine knowledge says there isn't anything complicated
under the head. Between, lawnmowers, mulcher and chain saws, I've
stripped down and cleaned everything but, so if it was a write-off then
there wasn't going to be anything to loose and I might learn something.

If it was going to be like a car engine where it needed a rebore and new
pistons then TAFE can have it for their scrap bins.

 Terryc wrote:

Nobody else can read this SHOO!! Private conversation only!!!! Go away!!!

For your eyes only Secret Men's business!!!!!
HERE WE GO>>>>>
OK Being a four stroke, its a little more complicated but also may be
worth looking at and learning from.

Don't be intimidated.

Do what I suggested change plug, air cleaner and fuel first. Those are
basic things that need to be in order before you can even start looking
for faults.
Empty out the fuel tank, and pour the fuel from the tank into a clear
jar to see how dirty it is.

Pour in a little metho into the fuel tank. To clear out any water which
may be causing the problem.
Fuel cans can cause problems if left outside and water collects in the
rim of the petrol can with dew and rain,, and gets siphoned into the
petrol. Never ever leave the fuel can outside for that reason.
The capacitor on the magneto may be faulty. You cant test it at home but
can replace it anyway. The points should be set at the right gap. Borrow
a book on mowers from the local library if youre lucky.

 g'day terry,

might only need a simple carby overhaul to replace the diaphram. now
the big question can a handy man do that task, well it will depend on
your mechanical expertise as there are only 2 ways to reassemble a
carby 1 is the right way the other is the wrong way, and yes some
damage can be caused to either the carby or the new diaphram.

as for re-ringing again not a super difficult task so long as you can
remember how things came out so they go back together exactly the same
in reverse.

our b&s motor is touching 23 years old now been swapped from its
origianl frame to another now back again, had the carby replaced with
a good second had unit, had a couple or so diaphrams in the carby
probably ready for another? starts with little effort on the second
pull sometimes the first seldom the third.

gave it an obligatory valve grind about 20 years ago, uses no oil
blows no smoke, be well worth putting in a set of those chrome
segmented rings b&s used to supply dunno if they still do?

but if you were to pull it down for a re-ring and the bore is worn
without any scoring then see if they still ahve those segmented rings
and put a set of them in, oh you will definately need a ring
compressor to hep fit the pisotn with new rings back into the bore,
but they are the way to go.

run them on straight sae grade oils i like nothing under 40 generally
50 can use 60.

On Mon, 05 Mar 2007 11:11:46 +1100, Terryc

snipped
With peace and brightest of blessings,

len

--
"Be Content With What You Have And
May You Find Serenity and Tranquillity In
A World That You May Not Understand."

http://www.lensgarden.com.au/