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Last post 11 months ago by danmdevries. 32 replies replies.
Piece of chit lawn mower
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Abrignac Offline
#1 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 2:51 PM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,329
So I’ve got this old Snapper walk behind self propelled mower. It at least 15 years old. The bassturd won’t crank.

Normally I would fix it myself, but I was pressed for time when it quit a few weeks ago so I dropped it off at the repair shop.

They emptied the tank and vacuumed it out after they found trash and water in gas. Then they refilled the tank with “good” gas.

Supposedly they also checked the valves and made sure they were adjusted properly. They also verified it had proper compression. Yet, they couldn’t get it running so I picked it up before they ran up a huge repair bill.

When I got it home I saw that the carb hadn’t been removed so I knew there was no way they properly cleaned it so removed it and sprayed it inside and out with cleaner making sure I blew out all the Jet holes.

Once I had the carb reinstalled I verified that there is gas in the bowl. Bassturd still won’t crank. Even gave it a shot of starting fluid, but that didn’t help.

Instead of messing around with the carburetor I ordered a new one for $25. It’s due in via Amazon today. If this doesn’t work it may be time to junk it.

It’s not like the engine is a stealthy ram-jet requiring specific adjustments to within a .00001”. It’s a 7.75 HP Briggs & Stratton motor.

Brick wall
RayR Offline
#2 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 3:21 PM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,927
If I was you, I'd take a pick axe to it

Signed,
rfenst
ZRX1200 Offline
#3 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 3:23 PM EST
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,628
Are you getting an electric? I hear they can make farting noises….

Does the old one have a kill switch? I’d check that and the plug + wire
HockeyDad Offline
#4 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 3:28 PM EST
Joined: 09-20-2000
Posts: 46,164
I’ve got an Ego electric self propelled. It’s pretty good and needs a new home. I do not use it anymore since I got a Jose’s Lawn Service. I’m retired from mowing.
HockeyDad Offline
#5 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 3:29 PM EST
Joined: 09-20-2000
Posts: 46,164
ZRX1200 wrote:
Are you getting an electric? I hear they can make farting noises….

Does the old one have a kill switch? I’d check that and the plug + wire


I’d check the fetzer valve.
ZRX1200 Offline
#6 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 3:33 PM EST
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,628
Do the French have a comparable foot ware choice compared to the domestic white New Balance sneakers?

I bet Jose has a white 2WD truck.
Palama Offline
#7 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 3:43 PM EST
Joined: 02-05-2013
Posts: 23,735
HockeyDad wrote:
I’ve got an Ego electric self propelled. It’s pretty good and needs a new home. I do not use it anymore since I got a Jose’s Lawn Service. I’m retired from mowing.


Ooo, fancy! I bought an Ego about 5 years ago and love it! But just got the "regular" one.
MACS Offline
#8 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 4:11 PM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,833
My trimmer, edger, and blower are all 18v Ryobi. I've got a regular Murray mower with a briggs n stratton engine on it.

All from the Home Depot.
Abrignac Offline
#9 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 4:21 PM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,329
Swapped the carb. Nothing. I’m tired of throwing parts at it. About to head to Home Depot.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toro-21-in-Recycler-Briggs-and-Stratton-140cc-Self-Propelled-Gas-RWD-Walk-Behind-Lawn-Mower-with-Bagger-21321/322215201

Shows they have 6 in stock.
Abrignac Offline
#10 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 4:24 PM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,329
ZRX1200 wrote:
Are you getting an electric? I hear they can make farting noises….

Does the old one have a kill switch? I’d check that and the plug + wire


It’s got a handlebar lever. But, I’m able to rule that out. It’ll turn over and sputter a couple times, but that’s about it.
HockeyDad Offline
#11 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 5:05 PM EST
Joined: 09-20-2000
Posts: 46,164
Palama wrote:
Ooo, fancy! I bought an Ego about 5 years ago and love it! But just got the "regular" one.


It’s so I could mow like this….

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MVYug8cHLIM
Gene363 Offline
#12 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 5:24 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,842
I feel your pain, I have no grass/lawn and no lawnmower or B&S engines. Just a Stihl backpack blower and string trimmer with a saw blade installed.
Palama Offline
#13 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 5:32 PM EST
Joined: 02-05-2013
Posts: 23,735
HockeyDad wrote:
It’s so I could mow like this….

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MVYug8cHLIM


Hahahahahahahaha! LOL
Abrignac Offline
#14 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 5:47 PM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,329
Problem solved. I’ve got a new mower. The other one is by the road for whomever wants to pick it up.
Stogie1020 Offline
#15 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 6:44 PM EST
Joined: 12-19-2019
Posts: 5,375
I really wish I knew anything about small engine repair. Seems like a really good skill to have.
MACS Offline
#16 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 7:11 PM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,833
Stogie1020 wrote:
I really wish I knew anything about small engine repair. Seems like a really good skill to have.


Back in the 80's when I went to HS they had lots of shop classes and I took all of them. Wood shop, auto shop, metal shop and small engines. They're incredibly simple. I'm sure I have every tool I need in my garage.

BUT: If you get 15 years out of a machine you paid a few hundy for... trash it and get another. You got ya money's worth outa that horse. horse
frankj1 Offline
#17 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 7:14 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2007
Posts: 44,228
HockeyDad wrote:
I’ve got an Ego electric self propelled. It’s pretty good and needs a new home. I do not use it anymore since I got a Jose’s Lawn Service. I’m retired from mowing.

couldn't afford Wheel's old guy, Pedro's Lawn Service, eh?
Gene363 Offline
#18 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 7:37 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,842
MACS wrote:
Back in the 80's when I went to HS they had lots of shop classes and I took all of them. Wood shop, auto shop, metal shop and small engines. They're incredibly simple. I'm sure I have every tool I need in my garage.

BUT: If you get 15 years out of a machine you paid a few hundy for... trash it and get another. You got ya money's worth outa that horse. horse


Many times over. An engineer neighbor in Texas used to buy a new moser every year. It was the cheapest Kmart mower and it gave him about a year of trouble free service. It was cheaper than replacement parts/service.
Gene363 Offline
#19 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 7:39 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,842
frankj1 wrote:
couldn't afford Wheel's old guy, Pedro's Lawn Service, eh?


Come August and a twice a week mowing schedule, he might just find those funds.
8trackdisco Offline
#20 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 8:14 PM EST
Joined: 11-06-2004
Posts: 60,095
Abrignac wrote:
So I’ve got this old Snapper walk behind self propelled mower. It at least 15 years old. The bassturd won’t crank.

Normally I would fix it myself, but I was pressed for time when it quit a few weeks ago so I dropped it off at the repair shop.

They emptied the tank and vacuumed it out after they found trash and water in gas. Then they refilled the tank with “good” gas.

Supposedly they also checked the valves and made sure they were adjusted properly. They also verified it had proper compression. Yet, they couldn’t get it running so I picked it up before they ran up a huge repair bill.

When I got it home I saw that the carb hadn’t been removed so I knew there was no way they properly cleaned it so removed it and sprayed it inside and out with cleaner making sure I blew out all the Jet holes.

Once I had the carb reinstalled I verified that there is gas in the bowl. Bassturd still won’t crank. Even gave it a shot of starting fluid, but that didn’t help.

Instead of messing around with the carburetor I ordered a new one for $25. It’s due in via Amazon today. If this doesn’t work it may be time to junk it.

It’s not like the engine is a stealthy ram-jet requiring specific adjustments to within a .00001”. It’s a 7.75 HP Briggs & Stratton motor.

Brick wall


Consider a goat?
Abrignac Offline
#21 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 9:26 PM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,329
8trackdisco wrote:
Consider a goat?


Not really. Like Shawn said I’ve gotten my $$$’s worth out of it. It was 10-15 years old. Probably paid about 2 fiddy for it when I bought it. Spent maybe another 2-3 fiddy on parts and repairs over its life. So I figure it cost me $50-$60 a year plus gas to operate. Not too bad.

It’s sitting by the road now with a new carb, spark plug and air filter. I’m sure it’ll be gone in the morning. I’m guessing Jonsey or one of his cousins will swing by during the night and load it up. It’ll find a new home.

Paid $438 for the new one. Hopefully, I’ll get 10 years out of it.
Ram27 Offline
#22 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 11:53 PM EST
Joined: 04-30-2005
Posts: 49,056
Abrignac wrote:
Not really. Like Shawn said I’ve gotten my $$$’s worth out of it. It was 10-15 years old. Probably paid about 2 fiddy for it when I bought it. Spent maybe another 2-3 fiddy on parts and repairs over its life. So I figure it cost me $50-$60 a year plus gas to operate. Not too bad.

It’s sitting by the road now with a new carb, spark plug and air filter. I’m sure it’ll be gone in the morning. I’m guessing Jonsey or one of his cousins will swing by during the night and load it up. It’ll find a new home.

Paid $438 for the new one. Hopefully, I’ll get 10 years out of it.




Classic LOL LOL LOL LOL
Jakethesnake86 Offline
#23 Posted: Sun, Jun 18 2023, 11:58 PM EST
Joined: 12-29-2020
Posts: 4,202
I’m pretty good with small engines but I’m a little late to the thread.

If it wouldn’t run on starting fluid then it’s ignition related. Prolly a coil or wire
Abrignac Offline
#24 Posted: Mon, Jun 19 2023, 1:04 AM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,329
Jakethesnake86 wrote:
I’m pretty good with small engines but I’m a little late to the thread.

If it wouldn’t run on starting fluid then it’s ignition related. Prolly a coil or wire


I considered swapping coils, but changed my mind. The one on it is only about 2 years old. Who knows. But, it will sputter just won’t start running. It’ll also backfire from time to time when pulling the rope. Oh, and did I mention the pull rope mechanism is also pretty close to its end of life.

In the end I decided that I wasn’t going to wait a few days for each part to come in and hope I was chose the correct part to change. Otherwise it would be another few days. Also, wasn’t going to order the coil, the choke thermostat and what ever else I could imagine all at the same time just so I knew I had the correct part.

I figure I could have spent another buck fiddy buying all the parts I could possibly need. But, it would have taken 3-4 days for everything to come in. Then I would have had to spend another hour or two making the repairs.

Of course I’m headed out Tuesday so it would have been another 2 weeks before I got back. Then almost as soon as I get back I’m headed to Florida to go fishing. So the grass would be 3 weeks taller before it got mowed. Or I could pay someone $60 to come mow it in the interim.

In light of all that I decided to just buy a new mower, get the grass cut and be done with it.

But hey, I know where you can get a free mower that needs a little TLC.
JGKAMIN Offline
#25 Posted: Mon, Jun 19 2023, 9:13 AM EST
Joined: 05-08-2011
Posts: 1,405
HockeyDad wrote:
I’d check the fetzer valve.

Or the flux capacitor and ensure it’s getting 1.21 gigawatts of electrical power. Herfing
tonygraz Offline
#26 Posted: Mon, Jun 19 2023, 10:16 AM EST
Joined: 08-11-2008
Posts: 20,288
Should have read this sooner. Toro has turned to crap. Bought one last year and it was in the shop for repair after 20 minutes of mowing. Got it back and started it and shut it down as it was spitting out oil. Cancelled the credit card payment and brought it back to Tractor Supply. Bought a Honda - no problems. Last Toro I had crapped out after two years. Still have an older Toro that may be on it's last legs.
Mr. Jones Offline
#27 Posted: Mon, Jun 19 2023, 11:58 AM EST
Joined: 06-12-2005
Posts: 19,444
Go out on trash day...
I find mowers all the time...
Some work fine, some need a little work any man can do...
Others are just plain "light iron scrap" but I cannibalize the good parts to fix others that I find.
Mr. Jones Offline
#28 Posted: Mon, Jun 19 2023, 12:00 PM EST
Joined: 06-12-2005
Posts: 19,444
Sometimes the cheapest MURRY'S W BRIGGS AND STRATTON PUSH MOWERS ARE GREAT...
LIGHT TO PUSH, EASY TO FIX
Abrignac Offline
#29 Posted: Mon, Jun 19 2023, 2:01 PM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,329
Mr. Jones wrote:
Go out on trash day...
I find mowers all the time...
Some work fine, some need a little work any man can do...
Others are just plain "light iron scrap" but I cannibalize the good parts to fix others that I find.


It was still out there about an hour ago. Surprised no one has snagged it yet. I guess the meth laden scrappers are still sleeping off their latest bender.
rfenst Offline
#30 Posted: Tue, Jun 20 2023, 11:43 AM EST
Joined: 06-23-2007
Posts: 39,366
If you are going to cut your own law instead of hiring a pro, you damn well better have a good machine.
rfenst Offline
#31 Posted: Tue, Jun 20 2023, 11:45 AM EST
Joined: 06-23-2007
Posts: 39,366
Abrignac wrote:
Problem solved. I’ve got a new mower. The other one is by the road for whomever wants to pick it up.

Why don't you mistakenly beat your new one with a pick axe?
danmdevries Offline
#32 Posted: Thu, Jun 22 2023, 3:07 AM EST
Joined: 02-11-2014
Posts: 17,451
I could fix it. But you're too far.
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