Push Mower Problems


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Old 08-10-13, 10:31 AM
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Push Mower Problems

Was using the push mower today and it started acting up on me after about 5 minutes of use. It very consistently starting sounding like "vroom vroom blah blah vroom vroom blah blah vroom vroom blah blah", if that makes sense. Like it's going to stall out but never does. I changed the gas, changed the spark plug and cleaned the air filter. No change whatsoever. Don't know if it has a fuel filter but if that was clogged a bit I would think maybe the problem wouldn't be so consistent. Also recently the primer bulb seems as though it will not fill up and prime correctly. It feels empty. Not sure if that could cause any problems or not. Do these mowers have some kind of choke that could be the problem? It almost does seem like the choke is "stuck" or something. Any ideas?
 
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Old 08-10-13, 10:33 AM
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Open the gas cap slightly and see if the issue stops. Sounds like the vent hole could be clogged, not allowing consistent gas flow.
 
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Old 08-10-13, 10:50 AM
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It's most likely a carburetor problem. I can't get more specific than that without knowing what you have.
 
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Old 08-10-13, 12:17 PM
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Post the engine mfg, model, type, etc so we know what engine is on the mower. Have a good one. Geo
 
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Old 08-10-13, 03:01 PM
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Loosened gas cap. That did nothing.

To be more specific, the vrooms and blahs is the throttle increasing and decreasing.

Briggs & Stratton
Yard Machines by MTD
3.5 hp
D05428 AC
Model 98902
Type 1607 B1
Code 02002352
 
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Old 08-10-13, 03:38 PM
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Well...it was a thought. Sounds like the guys were right..carb cleaning and possible re-build?
 
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Old 08-10-13, 05:30 PM
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You need to install a new diaphram kit, it is Briggs part # 795083 or old # 495770 also Lowe's has a kit #5083 which has the same parts.
Here we go:

Remove air cleaner, there are 2 bolts that hold things together, one on the front of the tank 3/8" and one into the block 1/2", remove these bolts, now "slowly" slide the carb/tank off the intake tube and breather tube, now tilt the tank in to release the throttle linkage and waalaa the carb/tank is removed. Check the intake tube to see if the “O” ring seal and plastic retainer are still on the intake tube, if so remove them and re-install them into the carb. Remove the 5 screws from the carb/tank remove carb(don't loose the spring) now spray all holes, cracks and crevases in both the carb and tank surface with brake parts cleaner, remove the main screen(looks like a thimble), now with a small screwdriver pry out the main jet(carefully) and clean it, check the “O” ring on the main jet for damage, if it is damaged it must be replaced, reinstall the jet, it can be difficult some times to get it to snap back in place(I use the rounded end of a screwdriver handle). Remove and clean the fuel pickup stem(not necessary if the fuel tank was clean). Clean any junk/rust from the tank. Install the diaphram on the tank then the gasket(no goo or sealer) now carefully replace the carb(the spring will try to misalign the diaphram), tighten all screws a little at a time so as not to crimp the diaphram until they are all tight. Install the carb/tank in reverse order and you are done. If I missed something one of the real mechanics will correct me. Have a good one. Geo
 
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Old 08-10-13, 06:28 PM
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ok. thanks. Will do this and let you know how I make out.
 
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Old 08-10-13, 09:10 PM
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Yep, I suspected that might be the engine you had based on the description of the problem. Follow Geo's advice and you should be set.
 
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Old 08-11-13, 05:41 AM
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Will carb cleaner work in place of brake cleaner for this? I already have the carb cleaner.
 
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Old 08-11-13, 08:18 AM
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Yes carb cleaner will work, I recommend brake parts cleaner because it doesn't leave any residue. Have a good one. Geo
 
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Old 08-11-13, 11:31 AM
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Replacing the gasket and diaphragm did the trick. Thanks. Fyi - everything appeared to be really clean. Just for my own knowledge, what was it hat I said that indicated these parts needed replaced?
 
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Old 08-11-13, 06:38 PM
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That particular engine combined with that particular carb exhibits a very strong rev, then pause, then another vigorous rev, over and over when the diaphragm goes bad. Some engines surge when they have carb problems, but these do a bit more than just surge. Your text sound effects put this engine and diaphragm problem in my mind.
 
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Old 08-11-13, 07:24 PM
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Success is a wonderful sound....I have fixed a bunch(big bunch) of those, if the carb sets on the fuel tank and the engine surges 99% of the time it is the diaphragm, so have the instructions in a document so it is a copy/paste fix. Have a good one. Geo
 
 

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