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It was the damn primer bulb! Empty It was the damn primer bulb!

Post  Admin Fri May 12, 2017 12:07 am

I was going to post this as a reply in Fred's thread but figured I would just make a new thread.

It was the damn primer bulb! 20140610

Practically a year later, and I'm at it again with the Lawn-Boy. As you may remember, I had a little switch problem that gave me a scare: https://www.coxengineforum.com/t9732-it-was-the-damn-switch. Anyway, this time I was cutting the lawn last fall when it suddenly started running rich. After cleaning the air filter and playing with the altitude needle, I figured it must've been the needle/seat, or perhaps the float as I knew it was original and wasn't in the best of shape. The exhaust ports or muffler baffle shouldn't be blocked as it was cleaned out not too long before. No grass or dirt was blocking the muffler exhaust pipe. Reed valves should be good as well as it would lean out and run like a dream for a minute before running out of gas. So, being a lazy ass, I just metered the gas myself by setting the gas shutoff valve to about half and used it a few more times. When I finally got around to pulling the carb off it, I noticed the cork float was pretty loose on on its arm so I figured that was likely the problem. I had to go to 3 different hardware stores before I found a float. The float I needed was discontinued so I had to go with one that was for a later model, I just needed to adjust it's arm a little. I cleaned the carb thoroughly, installed the new float, and put the carb back onto the mower. It started right up, but started to run rich again... So after pulling the carb, adjusting the float arm, reinstalling the carb...and doing that a few more times, it was still running too rich. While playing around with it, the primer bulb cracked and that was the end of that. I put it away for the winter and used the Craftsman walk-behind for the last cut of the year before the snow.

So now it's time to pull out the mowers and get the lawn cut for the first time of the year. Knowing the Lawn-Boy had a cracked primer bulb and that it was having some carb trouble, I just went ahead and pulled out the Craftsman and cut the front and backyard. While cutting with the Craftsman, I was missing the Lawn-Boy. The Craftsman is a nice mower, it's self propelled and has electric start, but the Lawn-Boy is much lighter weight and I can maneuver it all over the place. Plus, it's like driving a classic car, it's just plain fun to use! It was unacceptable to give up on the Lawn-Boy, so I went ahead and ordered a new primer bulb for it off eBay. I figured there had to be something I was overlooking, maybe the float arm needed more adjusting... Well, the primer bulb came in the mail and I got it replaced. I gave it a few pulls and it started right up! This time, it ran pretty well! It didn't run rich. I let it run for several minutes, and it continued to run well. So, initially I didn't think about the primer bulb. Until it cracked open, it still primed the engine. Considering the design of the carb, I didn't think it would be a problem (like I know it could be with some carb designs). An air leak in the primer bulb/hose isn't listed as a cause for that kind of issue in the service manuals either.

It was the damn primer bulb! Img_1511
It was the damn primer bulb! Img_1510
Look at that old primer bulb, IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE WHITE LIKE THAT NEW ONE!

I'm almost afraid to ask what next LOL. I'll use it until it throws a rod or it blows a hole in the top of the piston...or until the coil goes, those things are EXPENSIVE (I always keep my eyes open for possible replacement coils just in case). These 30+ year old Lawn-Boys are not littering Craigslist like they used to. It seems that when one comes up, they either want a lot of $$ for it, it's trashed, or it's way out in the sticks.

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Post  Ken Cook Fri May 12, 2017 4:40 am

Jacob , your devotion and persistence fixed it once again and I applaud you for that. I recently went through a problem with a motorcycle which almost put me to the point of selling it. Getting back on topic, I mentioned this in your prior post that my grandfather was a dedicated and loyal fan of Lawn Boy mowers. They fascinated me and I rarely saw them other than individual homeowners. As I would ride my bike down the street, I recall the smell of 2 cycle oil burning. It would trigger good memories of riding dirt bikes. They were excellent quality the Lawn Boy and if memory serves me correctly, the decks were cast aluminum making them superior to the 4 stroke mowers with steel decks that literally rotted out especially when not cared for properly. Kahn made a yellow decked 4 stroke mower that I recall EVERY landscaper and grass cutter owning in these parts. Sometime in and around the time the big box stores started popping up like dandelions all over the country, the demise of these excellent mowers happened. Ken
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Post  Oldenginerod Fri May 12, 2017 7:21 am

Here in Australia we have the iconic "VICTA" lawnmower brand.  Generally they've always been 2 stroke.  I love the 2 stroke because they require virtually no maintenance other than a new plug every now & then.  Janet tips it upside down after mowing & hoses it out without any fear of oil spilling out.  You can push them into really heavy damp grass & you hear the governor open up the throttle & they just keep going, where the old Briggs & Stratton 4 stroke just bogs down, loses momentum & dies.  We've always had 2 strokes but, alas, they have now stopped producing them because they can no longer comply with emission regulations.  Our old Victa push mower still goes like a beauty but the chassis is completely rusted out & I can't get a replacement part or mower.  I hate compromise.  DAMMIT!

As an aside, the same company made the Victa Airtourer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AESL_Airtourer
It was the damn primer bulb! 800px-10
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Post  roddie Fri May 12, 2017 8:10 pm

I remember the old Lawn-Boy mowers.. but had forgotten about them until Jacob posted a photo of his. My uncle had a 2-stroke push-mower that I used to use. It was really lightweight..  and had had a primer-bulb like Jacob mentioned. It could have been a Lawn-Boy.. but it had a yellow-colored deck.. and the cover over the engine was white. It actually looked like IH/Cub-Cadet machine colors.  

Does anyone remember the "Fly-Mo"?... I've only seen one in use.. and that was 40+ years ago near my grandfather's house. I was particularly amazed by the machine.. because I saw it being used on a slope.. with the operator standing at the top; "sweeping" the deck from side-to-side.. rather than using a forward/backward motion.

Check it out.. it was basically a string-trimmer, ahead of it's time.. combined with a fan for floating on a cushion of air beneath the deck.

It was the damn primer bulb! Flymo-10
It was the damn primer bulb! Flymo-11

I found the Fly-Mo while doing a Google-images search for "vintage 2-stroke lawn mowers".. and also found this mower-"kit".. (I want one...)  Laughing

It was the damn primer bulb! Diy-la10
It was the damn primer bulb! Diy-la11
It was the damn primer bulb! Diy-la12
It was the damn primer bulb! Diy-la13
It was the damn primer bulb! Diy-la14

Here's the link..


http://www.homecrux.com/2017/04/12/66537/diy-lawnmower-built-mimic-vintage-cars.html


Our current "push-mower" is a Troy-built 22" self-propelled machine that we bought from "Lowes" 6 years ago. It has a 4-stroke Honda engine. Honda engines are excellent. The mower has been pretty reliable thus far. I replaced the 22" blade a couple years ago. The engine starts on the first or second pull of the cord. My wife knows how to set the choke when cold.. but I usually cold-start the machine, if she's going to use it. I use ethanol-treatment (Startron) in my fuel, year around.. and have had no problems with starting/running. Off-season storage is with treated-fuel in the tank. Prior to 1st use of the season, I start/run the engine for a minute or two.. then shut it down and change the motor-oil. My all-season fuel-blend actually consists of the Startron Ethanol-treatment, "Marvel Mystery Oil" and "Gunk-brand" lead-substitute.. pre-measured for a 2.5gal "Jerry-can". This is for the benefit of my old 1968 snow-thrower. Its old 7hp 4-stroke Tecumsea engine  needs the lead-substitute for the soft valve-seats. The Marvel Mystery Oil additive is just something that I've always included in my small-engine fuel-mix. I only use about one ounce per 2.5gal fuel-mix. I only go through 3-4 gal. of fuel in an average year.. including the snow-thrower.. so it's not much of an added-expense to "doctor-up" the fuel.
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Post  pkrankow Fri May 12, 2017 9:22 pm

My neighbor had one of those "fly mo" mowers. It was rather funny to see in action with weird gaps, curbs, hills, utility covers and more in the way. Worked pretty good overall though.

Phil
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Post  RknRusty Fri May 12, 2017 11:42 pm

That Flymo is pretty cool, I've never seen one. And hey, Rod, you've got my shop radio. Holley gave me that boom box for Christmas back about 1980 or so. Before we were married. That was the year I learned not to put a tiny sheer lace teddy for Holley under the tree. I didn't know we were gonna be unwrapping presents at her parents' house Damn! Affraid or WOW! ... um, yeah... awkward lol!

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Post  Admin Sat May 13, 2017 3:16 am

I remember someone brought a Flymo into the small engine shop back in high school. It had an actual blade on it rather than weedeater line.

That Lil' Scalper is really cool. It looks like it uses a Toro Snow Pup engine.

From the 1930s to 1989, Lawn-Boys were made by the Outboard Marine and Manufacturing Company OMC. in 1989, Toro acquired Lawn-Boy. I had the chance to get my hands on a mid 1950s RPM mower. It used the "iron horse" engine with no recoil. They were asking something like $80 for it...boy was it worth more than that. I'm eyeing this "bricktop" on Craigslist: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/for/6125590120.html I have no room for another mower though.

I just picked this up off the side of the road the other day! It's a 1984 Toro S-620 single stage snowblower. I brought it home, put a little 32:1 in it and it fired right up. It actually runs very well. I only have to wait at least 6 or so months until I can use it.

It was the damn primer bulb! Img_1512
It was the damn primer bulb! Img_1513

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Post  pkrankow Sat May 13, 2017 7:49 am

I never liked that style of snow thrower. They clog up on heavy wet snow. I love my 2-stage machine though!

Phil
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Post  fredvon4 Sat May 13, 2017 10:59 am

Absolutely no use at all for that way too cool hot rod retro mower but it is one very cool looking mower....BUT hey I love fins and bullet tail lights! as in 59 Caddy

I grew up with Reel push mowers...(got quite good at sharpening and setting them up) and swing blades

Now that I can afford good quality power tools I will never ever consider the manual methods

HOPING before I crap out that someone does a decent job of a robot mower/ trimmer like a roomba at a affordable price
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Post  fit90 Sat May 13, 2017 11:31 am

Oh Fred, a robot mower is like candy to my imagination! Isn't it funny how the things that thrill us change over the years?! I have about 2 1/4 acres and mow about half of it. I have a Husqvarna with a 46" deck and a 21hp kohler. It is nice as far as home use mowers go. But, I still spend about 20-25 hours a year working on it and repairing it. The simple thought of not having to sit on it for hours and hours is like a fantasy to me. That would leave me with more time to repair all the other things in my house. Now, if that robot mower would also bring me a beer it would be an ultimate fantasy!
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Post  KariFS Sat May 13, 2017 1:11 pm

I have heard good things about the Husky robot mower, pricey but effective:

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/robotic-lawn-mowers/

Maybe I'll get one some day... But for now, the trusty old operator-propelled Partner Electrolux (made in Alpharetta, GA Cool )will do. The younger son is 11 yo, soon 12, so I'll be good for at least 6 years lol!
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Post  fit90 Sat May 13, 2017 1:32 pm

KariFS wrote:I have heard good things about the Husky robot mower, pricey but effective:

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/robotic-lawn-mowers/

Maybe I'll get one some day... But for now, the trusty old operator-propelled Partner Electrolux (made in Alpharetta, GA Cool )will do. The younger son is 11 yo, soon 12, so I'll be good for at least 6 years lol!

You've got it made in terms of yard work. I have a daughter. I just spent the last half hour steaming a prom dress while thinking about what I will repair next on the lawn mower.
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Post  fredvon4 Sat May 13, 2017 3:15 pm

fit90

My dream machine has a come home button, cooler on top with cold beer, and auto resume mode.... grin...and of course work through the night + seeks recharge as needed
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Post  roddie Sat May 13, 2017 6:30 pm

We beat the rain today with getting the grass cut. I started and Lynne finished. Our machine is a 21" Troy-Built self-propelled with a Honda engine and rear bag. We have roughly 1/3 acre to mow.. and use two of those springy collapsible bins to dump into. They'll hold about 6 mower-bags of grass between the two.

The mower started right up for me "cold".. (1st use of the season).. which I attribute to my custom fuel-mix with "Startron" ethanol-treatment.. and "wet" off-season storage. Lynne needed my help re-starting the mower every time today. It was making her mad.. because she wanted to be able to do it herself. The engine often "compression-locks".. which will make your starting-arm stop dead in the middle of a pull. One time the handle snapped from my grip.. recoiled and broke a piece off when it slammed-back against its stop-bracket. Shocked

After finishing-up.. I changed the oil in the mower.. as well as the snow-thrower. What a fiasco the snow-thrower turned out to be.. It also started right up (two pulls-choked). I let it run at 1/2-throttle for about 2-3 minutes. I should've let it run longer, because the oil wasn't very hot when I drained it. Rolling Eyes Its Tecumseh 7-horse has an oil-drain pipe (4") facing forward, which is fairly convenient and easy to access with a wrench. The trouble is in getting a pan underneath the machine to catch the oil.. while trying to elevate the rear of the machine for more complete drainage. I haven't got this down to a science yet.. Laughing and ended-up spilling almost 1/2 a pint of oil on the grass (weeds..) which really bothered me. Laughing but it's one more job done that I can check-off my list.
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Post  Admin Sat May 13, 2017 6:52 pm

I just got in from cutting the back yard and it ran like a CHAMP! I had to readjust the float arm before cutting the lawn as it was hunting a little bit. It only takes a few minutes to pull the carb, open it up, make the adjustments, put it back together and reinstall. Runs very smoothly, almost like it was new. I need to adjust the wind vane governor a little, I think it runs just a little fast. 2 pushes of the primer bulb when cold, and one or two pulls gets it going. When warm, starts with just one short pull (just turning it over once).

The blade is dull as hell so I'll have to get around to sharpening it, still cut fine enough though.


Those little snow blowers are good for moving light snow. I have a little 14" 1968 Toro Snow Pup that I bought to make paths in the yard for the dog. Plus, its a winter toy. I've gotten some looks before when I used it to clear the entire driveway...now that was just for fun. It shoots the snow pretty far though. I have a 24" 2 stage Spirit snowblower with a 5 horse Tecumseh engine that I normally use.

It was the damn primer bulb! Snow_p10

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Post  roddie Sat May 13, 2017 7:35 pm

Nice that the Lawn-Boy ran good for you Jacob! The Toro "Snow-Pup" looks very similar in design to the newer Toro S-620 model that you acquired recently. Did Toro produce these small single-stage machines through the years of your two models.. or was the later machine reintroduced? I know a few people who own the Toro electric "Power-Shovels".. and love them for clearing light-snow from pathways. I actually think that my Mom has one in her garage. Smile

For those unfamiliar with the Toro Power-Shovel.. here's a YouTube vid of a guy working one.. hard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3fiiuk0EqE

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