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Post by SpaceCadet on Sept 19, 2004 18:26:53 GMT
Hello all, Not really a model engineering related question, but I guess you guys would be able to help me. Having just moved house, which has quite a large garden, I have inherited a lawn mower from the previous owner. The engine on said mower is a "Briggs & Stratton", but I don't know anything else about it. Since winter is (fast) approaching, I am looking for some advice as how to best "over winter" it, so that I don't get problems in the spring ? I am sure just leaving it in the shed will do, but I would like to try an ensure many miles of happy grass cutting ahead of me  Off course in time, I will be looking to build that 6" traction engine with grass-cutting capabilities, but until that day comes ......  Regards /Ian |
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ewal
Part of the e-furniture
Happiness is a good wife & a steam engine.
Posts: 293
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Post by ewal on Sept 19, 2004 21:08:11 GMT
Ian,
I have a 5HP Briggs & Stratton engined rotovater purchased in 1980, it starts 2nd pull every time & it stands in an open fronted shed. It is red rust so it doesn't get stolen. Just keep it out of the rain.
E.W.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2004 7:24:14 GMT
Hi, Just a dry place to store it would do the trick and a few recommendations. - Clean the mover before storage. Especially clean the underside of the deck. Moist grass from the last mowing session will start corrosion if left over winter. Caution if you tip the mower always cylinder head up NEVER SIDEWAYS. - Every now and then, say 2 – 3 weeks start the engine and let it run for a while. This will prevent the carburettor from clogging up. - At the start of season, clean the air filter or change the cartridge, change the oil. - Most starting problems come from aging petrol. So try to use fresh petrol, the modern unleaded has only a “pot” life of a few months. So the best is new season – new petrol. - Grind the knife. A sharp knife will produce a clean cut in the leaf of the grass. A blunt one might look spectacular but is producing a ragged cutting edge which turns then rotten and especially in hot summer leads to damaged lawns. Also a sharp knife demands less of the engine. - Finally, when the engine does not start there is no need to jo-jo the starter rope like mad. Just let it rest and go for a cup of coffee, or beer, and try again at later time big chance it goes first time. Regards Wilfried Vermeiren users.skynet.be/modelbouw.wilfried |
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Post by Tel on Sept 24, 2004 20:53:40 GMT
Good advice Wilf - I'd just add one point, with Briggs motors always add a little oil to the fuel - 'bout 120:1 or even a bit less - it'll stop the exhaust valve sticking open on you.
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Post by Tim Bayliss on Sept 25, 2004 12:02:29 GMT
I find Briggs & Stratton engines reliable and robust, I have them fitted to several powered garden machines.
A couple of things I have worked out over the years are:
1. If there is a fuel 'tickler' fitted (usually a plastic dome like device) press it in 6 to 8 times to get the fuel to the carb before trying to start, (the manual says 2 to 3 times, this is baloney!), and she should start straight off.
2. If there is a choke fitted but no tickler you will have to give it 5 or 6 pulls on the starter rope to get the fuel to the carb so don't worry if it takes 7 or 8 pulls to start. Open the choke up as soon as she starts to run.
3. I like to start the engines with the throttle closed, engine at idle, for a few seconds to give the oil chance to wet everything and the engine to warm up before full power is used, this seems to extend useable life.
4. Don't worry if she smokes a bit at start up, they mostly do.
Finally, I've found if you keep the plug clean and gapped and good clean oil and fuel in them these engines go on for a long time.
Good mowing,
Tim Bayliss
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