Fixed my mower. Possibly for good. (1 Viewer)

[TheIronSheik]

I've always said I have no mechanical ability at all. There was a time when I could take apart a computer and put it back together, but even then, there was a lot of luck and answered prayers in that. So when something around my house breaks, I'm at a complete loss. In my mind, I'm usually like, "I'm a man. I'm sure I can fix this." But after taking a couple of screws off, I'm usually just staring at some complex piece of machinery that requires actual tools and knowledge to fix.

I'm not sure what I'm expecting besides that. Never once have I opened up the hood of a non working car only to see a snowman with his hat blown off. Yet, in my mind, this is kind of what I'm hoping for. Something so easy I just have to pick up the hat and pop it back on his head. "There ya go, little buddy. Good as new."

Well, this weekend I decided to replace the blade in my mower. Seemed easy enough. Came with one piece and the instructions said I needed on tool. This seemed like a mechanical job MADE for me. I read the directions and it said something like "Careful when flipping the mower because of... BLAH BLAH BLAH." Whatever. I flip the mower all of the time to get grass out.

So I turned the mower on it's side and began to unscrew the bolt. Only I couldn't. It was on there tight. And each time I thought I was turning it, it was actually the blade turning. I finally figured out a way to get it off, but the entire process took about 45 minutes. Yup. A 5 minute job turned into 45 minutes. Or course, as much as I swpre, there was no way I could have got all of those four letter words in in just 5 minutes.

I put the mower upright, start it up and begin to mow. The new blade was great. After about 5 passes, the mower bogs down. Stops running. I pull apart some pieces to see if gas is getting in and can't find any snowmen without hats, or even shoelaces untied. Nothing.

So I empty out the gas and the oil. Replace it. Put it all back together and start it back up. Sounds great. As I start cutting the grass with a huge sense of pride, I can't help but feel good. Right up until white smoke comes billowing out of the engine. Our neighbor comes over and takes a look. He points out that there is oil all over the deck of the mower. He checks the oil and it's completely full. I say, "That's odd. It shouldn't be full like that." He says, "That's gas mixed with oil. Somehow the two are mixing." He said if I don't empty that all out and "fix" it before I start it back up, that engine is as good as gone.

So I wheel the mower back to the backyard. Again, no snowmen. So I'm at a loss. And it looks like my $15 blade change is turning into a $300 new mower. Just in time for the summer to end.

I hate mechanical ####.

 

[Tom Skerritt]

I have a band-aid for your vergina

 

[Guest]

There is a certain direction you need to tip the mower when changing the blade or cleaning it out. Usually you want the carburetor to be "up".

 

[Fat Nick]

It might not be gas mixed with oil.

When you flipped it up to change the blades, you likley drained all the oil from the oil sump into the cylinder head. That oil worked its way past the rings and into the combustion area. The white smoke is the oil burning off. It's not "in your gas," but rather it's in the chamber where the gas ignites.

You changed your oil (and fuel). That's good. The first risk is that you are low on oil because of it draining "up." Make sure you're never short of oil, and then just run it. The oil in the cylinder head will burn off eventually. It's not the best thing for it, but there's much worse.

ETA - The oil all over the deck is likely caused by the oil leaking out of a breather tube somewhere. Again, the oil is supposed to pool in the sump when the mower is upright. When you flip it, it can come out of breather tubes. It's likely the "oil and gas" mixed was caused by your carbeurator also leaking gas and it mixing with the oil.

I'm a little confused why your neighbor said that the oil shouldn't be full. Oil should be full. (Full to the required level, not like overflowing full)

 

[fantasycurse42]

It is highly recommended that you wear goggles when mowing the lawn

 

[Guest]

Drain the oil and the gas. Fill it back up and hope for the best.

 

[TheIronSheik]

It might not be gas mixed with oil.

When you flipped it up to change the blades, you likley drained all the oil from the oil sump into the cylinder head. That oil worked its way past the rings and into the combustion area. The white smoke is the oil burning off. It's not "in your gas," but rather it's in the chamber where the gas ignites.

You changed your oil (and fuel). That's good. The first risk is that you are low on oil because of it draining "up." Make sure you're never short of oil, and then just run it. The oil in the cylinder head will burn off eventually. It's not the best thing for it, but there's much worse.

Problem is that when I run it, the oil seems to be dripping out of the filter. I've checked to make sure that it's on tight and I can't see how it would be tighter. So I don't know why the oil is flowing out of the filter.

 

[McGarnicle]

Buy a goat.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Drain the oil and the gas. Fill it back up and hope for the best.

This is my last step before I head to Lowe's. I just need to figure out why the oil is leaking onto the deck.

 

[Fat Nick]

It might not be gas mixed with oil.

When you flipped it up to change the blades, you likley drained all the oil from the oil sump into the cylinder head. That oil worked its way past the rings and into the combustion area. The white smoke is the oil burning off. It's not "in your gas," but rather it's in the chamber where the gas ignites.

You changed your oil (and fuel). That's good. The first risk is that you are low on oil because of it draining "up." Make sure you're never short of oil, and then just run it. The oil in the cylinder head will burn off eventually. It's not the best thing for it, but there's much worse.

Problem is that when I run it, the oil seems to be dripping out of the filter. I've checked to make sure that it's on tight and I can't see how it would be tighter. So I don't know why the oil is flowing out of the filter.

Out of the oil filter? Did you change that when you changed the oil?

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Drain the oil and the gas. Fill it back up and hope for the best.

This is my last step before I head to Lowe's. I just need to figure out why the oil is leaking onto the deck.

Filters are relatively cheap (compared to a $300 mower). If you're going to go through the trouble of changing the gas and oil, you might as well change the filter, too. Perhaps yours has a crack or defect.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Forgot:

LOOK AT ME, I HAVE A LAWN!

 

[Drifter]

As for the blade part - use a 2x4 to brace the blade so you can loosen it and use a torque wrench to tighten it.

 

[Fat Nick]

As for the blade part - use a 2x4 to brace the blade so you can loosen it and use a torque wrench to tighten it.

Some mowers also have a small hole drilled either in the spindle or in the blade itself that you can stick a nail or a screwdriver in to lock it down.

 

[Fat Nick]

Problem is that when I run it, the oil seems to be dripping out of the filter. I've checked to make sure that it's on tight and I can't see how it would be tighter. So I don't know why the oil is flowing out of the filter.

Out of the oil filter? Did you change that when you changed the oil?

I'm not sure what your filter looks like...if it's a spin-on style filter like you have on cars, and IF you did change the oil filter when you did your post-blade change maintenance, look at the OLD filter (if you still have it). Does it have a rubber gasket on it where it seals to the mower?

If NOT...You may have removed the old filter and the old gasket may have stuck to the block. Then, when you put the new filter on, you now have two gaskets. Tightening them on further tends to cause one to distort and can cause leaks. Fix by removing the filter (and likely draining the oil) and scraping the old gasket off, and re-installing.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Problem is that when I run it, the oil seems to be dripping out of the filter. I've checked to make sure that it's on tight and I can't see how it would be tighter. So I don't know why the oil is flowing out of the filter.

Out of the oil filter? Did you change that when you changed the oil?

I'm not sure what your filter looks like...if it's a spin-on style filter like you have on cars, and IF you did change the oil filter when you did your post-blade change maintenance, look at the OLD filter (if you still have it). Does it have a rubber gasket on it where it seals to the mower?

If NOT...You may have removed the old filter and the old gasket may have stuck to the block. Then, when you put the new filter on, you now have two gaskets. Tightening them on further tends to cause one to distort and can cause leaks. Fix by removing the filter (and likely draining the oil) and scraping the old gasket off, and re-installing.

It is a square filter, with rubber around it. So maybe I should go buy a new filter to see if that helps?

 

[TheIronSheik]

It might not be gas mixed with oil.

When you flipped it up to change the blades, you likley drained all the oil from the oil sump into the cylinder head. That oil worked its way past the rings and into the combustion area. The white smoke is the oil burning off. It's not "in your gas," but rather it's in the chamber where the gas ignites.

You changed your oil (and fuel). That's good. The first risk is that you are low on oil because of it draining "up." Make sure you're never short of oil, and then just run it. The oil in the cylinder head will burn off eventually. It's not the best thing for it, but there's much worse.

Problem is that when I run it, the oil seems to be dripping out of the filter. I've checked to make sure that it's on tight and I can't see how it would be tighter. So I don't know why the oil is flowing out of the filter.

Out of the oil filter? Did you change that when you changed the oil?

I didn't change the filter, but I took it off originally to make sure it was OK. And by OK, I mean no snowman with his hat blown off was in there.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Just out of curiosity, how did you "empty out the gas"? Did you just run the lawn mower until it died or did you spill the gas somewhere?

 

[Guest]

Problem is that when I run it, the oil seems to be dripping out of the filter. I've checked to make sure that it's on tight and I can't see how it would be tighter. So I don't know why the oil is flowing out of the filter.

Out of the oil filter? Did you change that when you changed the oil?

I'm not sure what your filter looks like...if it's a spin-on style filter like you have on cars, and IF you did change the oil filter when you did your post-blade change maintenance, look at the OLD filter (if you still have it). Does it have a rubber gasket on it where it seals to the mower?

If NOT...You may have removed the old filter and the old gasket may have stuck to the block. Then, when you put the new filter on, you now have two gaskets. Tightening them on further tends to cause one to distort and can cause leaks. Fix by removing the filter (and likely draining the oil) and scraping the old gasket off, and re-installing.

It is a square filter, with rubber around it. So maybe I should go buy a new filter to see if that helps?

I believe that is your air filter.

 

[3C's]

Problem is that when I run it, the oil seems to be dripping out of the filter. I've checked to make sure that it's on tight and I can't see how it would be tighter. So I don't know why the oil is flowing out of the filter.

Out of the oil filter? Did you change that when you changed the oil?

I'm not sure what your filter looks like...if it's a spin-on style filter like you have on cars, and IF you did change the oil filter when you did your post-blade change maintenance, look at the OLD filter (if you still have it). Does it have a rubber gasket on it where it seals to the mower?

If NOT...You may have removed the old filter and the old gasket may have stuck to the block. Then, when you put the new filter on, you now have two gaskets. Tightening them on further tends to cause one to distort and can cause leaks. Fix by removing the filter (and likely draining the oil) and scraping the old gasket off, and re-installing.

It is a square filter, with rubber around it. So maybe I should go buy a new filter to see if that helps?

I believe that is your air filter.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Problem is that when I run it, the oil seems to be dripping out of the filter. I've checked to make sure that it's on tight and I can't see how it would be tighter. So I don't know why the oil is flowing out of the filter.

Out of the oil filter? Did you change that when you changed the oil?

I'm not sure what your filter looks like...if it's a spin-on style filter like you have on cars, and IF you did change the oil filter when you did your post-blade change maintenance, look at the OLD filter (if you still have it). Does it have a rubber gasket on it where it seals to the mower?

If NOT...You may have removed the old filter and the old gasket may have stuck to the block. Then, when you put the new filter on, you now have two gaskets. Tightening them on further tends to cause one to distort and can cause leaks. Fix by removing the filter (and likely draining the oil) and scraping the old gasket off, and re-installing.

It is a square filter, with rubber around it. So maybe I should go buy a new filter to see if that helps?

I believe that is your air filter.

Well that's what I thought, too, until oil started pouring out of it.

 

[ChiefD]

Sleep with the mower bag.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Just out of curiosity, how did you "empty out the gas"? Did you just run the lawn mower until it died or did you spill the gas somewhere?

Turned it over and emptied it in to a metal container. I did not have a lot in it, because I was afraid that something was bound to go wrong. I guess, at least, I got that right.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Problem is that when I run it, the oil seems to be dripping out of the filter. I've checked to make sure that it's on tight and I can't see how it would be tighter. So I don't know why the oil is flowing out of the filter.

Out of the oil filter? Did you change that when you changed the oil?

I'm not sure what your filter looks like...if it's a spin-on style filter like you have on cars, and IF you did change the oil filter when you did your post-blade change maintenance, look at the OLD filter (if you still have it). Does it have a rubber gasket on it where it seals to the mower?

If NOT...You may have removed the old filter and the old gasket may have stuck to the block. Then, when you put the new filter on, you now have two gaskets. Tightening them on further tends to cause one to distort and can cause leaks. Fix by removing the filter (and likely draining the oil) and scraping the old gasket off, and re-installing.

It is a square filter, with rubber around it. So maybe I should go buy a new filter to see if that helps?

I believe that is your air filter.

Well that's what I thought, too, until oil started pouring out of it.

On second thought, buy a new mower.

 

[TheIronSheik]

OK. So to recap, oil seems to be pouring out of the air filter. I didn't touch the oil filter.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

OK. So to recap, oil seems to be pouring out of the air filter. I didn't touch the oil filter.

And you drained the old oil amd the old gas? Did you drain the old air? That could be your problem.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Just out of curiosity, how did you "empty out the gas"? Did you just run the lawn mower until it died or did you spill the gas somewhere?

Turned it over and emptied it in to a metal container. I did not have a lot in it, because I was afraid that something was bound to go wrong. I guess, at least, I got that right.

Yeah but where do you dispose of it once it's in the metal container? Do you then add the fuel to your car or do you just keep it in the metal container? Or do you just water the lawn with it? I'm always curious what people do with old fuel.

 

[Guest]

You turned the mower upside down to drain the fuel? I don't think you're supposed to do that.

Not bagging on ya.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Just out of curiosity, how did you "empty out the gas"? Did you just run the lawn mower until it died or did you spill the gas somewhere?

Turned it over and emptied it in to a metal container. I did not have a lot in it, because I was afraid that something was bound to go wrong. I guess, at least, I got that right.

Yeah but where do you dispose of it once it's in the metal container? Do you then add the fuel to your car or do you just keep it in the metal container? Or do you just water the lawn with it? I'm always curious what people do with old fuel.

Neighbor has an oil drum. He works on cars a lot. So he let me dump it in there.

 

[encaitar]

Most likely cause... when you tipped the lawnmower, you caused oil to pour from your crankcase into the breather tube. It likely made it's way to the carburetor, which caused the smoke and which is also, incidentally connected to the air filter.

Make sure the oil level is good and run it until it either quits smoking or quits altogether. If it's a major problem, a small engine repair shop will charge you 2/3rds of a new one to fix it anyway.

 

[TheIronSheik]

You turned the mower upside down to drain the fuel? I don't think you're supposed to do that.

Not bagging on ya.

Yeah. I'm an idiot. I didn't know how else to empty it.

 

[3C's]

http://diy.repairclinic.com/2013/07/01/what-to-do-if-you-tip-over-your-lawn-mower-and-then-it-wont-start/

See #2

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Gotta watch out for too much oil on your crankcase.

I'm 35 going on 13.

 

[fred_1_15301]

You turned the mower upside down to drain the fuel? I don't think you're supposed to do that.

Not bagging on ya.

Yeah. I'm an idiot. I didn't know how else to empty it.

I use a straw but I always have a bowl of popcorn to accompany it.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Most likely cause... when you tipped the lawnmower, you caused oil to pour from your crankcase into the breather tube. It likely made it's way to the carburetor, which caused the smoke and which is also, incidentally connected to the air filter.

Make sure the oil level is good and run it until it either quits smoking or quits altogether. If it's a major problem, a small engine repair shop will charge you 2/3rds of a new one to fix it anyway.

This is why I was just going to buy a new one.

 

[TheIronSheik]

http://diy.repairclinic.com/2013/07/01/what-to-do-if-you-tip-over-your-lawn-mower-and-then-it-wont-start/

See #2

Only thing is, it's thick white smoke. Not black.

 

[fred_1_15301]

http://diy.repairclinic.com/2013/07/01/what-to-do-if-you-tip-over-your-lawn-mower-and-then-it-wont-start/

See #2

I'm gonna bookmark this link. My lawnmower works fine but I frequently tip it over to clean out all of the grass. I'm also an idiot.

 

[encaitar]

Most likely cause... when you tipped the lawnmower, you caused oil to pour from your crankcase into the breather tube. It likely made it's way to the carburetor, which caused the smoke and which is also, incidentally connected to the air filter.

Make sure the oil level is good and run it until it either quits smoking or quits altogether. If it's a major problem, a small engine repair shop will charge you 2/3rds of a new one to fix it anyway.

This is why I was just going to buy a new one.

Yeah, but a new air filter and another change of oil might fix your problem. It's worth the chance anyway.

 

[Jackstraw]

Surely there is some enterprising young man in the neighborhood that could take out the lawn for a decent price. Mowing lawns is for the rubes. I retired from that activity about five years ago.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Throwing this out, too: You remove the spark plug wire before doing any of this work, right?

 

[Fat Nick]

OK. So to recap, oil seems to be pouring out of the air filter. I didn't touch the oil filter.

Yup. Back to my intiial post. You filled stuff up with oil.

-Make sure your oil level is OK.

-Honestly, take the air filter OFF competely (if it will run like that...just sitting, not using it - don't want to suck up crap w/o filter)

-Run it until it stops smoking.

-Turn it off. (I feel this step is needed with you )

-Replace with a NEW air filter.

-Re-start and you should be good.

 

[3C's]

Get a new air filter. Replace it following the instructions in the manual. Let it sit for a while. Start it, it will probably smoke but should go away. As mentioned, if you blow it up the repair will cost nearly as much as new, sad to say.

 

[3C's]

OK. So to recap, oil seems to be pouring out of the air filter. I didn't touch the oil filter.

Yup. Back to my intiial post. You filled stuff up with oil.

-Make sure your oil level is OK.

-Honestly, take the air filter OFF competely (if it will run like that...just sitting, not using it - don't want to suck up crap w/o filter)

-Run it until it stops smoking.

-Turn it off. (I feel this step is needed with you )

-Replace with a NEW air filter.

-Re-start and you should be good.

 

[StrikeS2k]

It's all ball bearings nowadays......

 

[3C's]

Throwing this out, too: You remove the spark plug wire before doing any of this work, right?

Why would he do that? Life is all about taking risks. Sometimes it's okay to play roulette with a potentially spinning blade. Yesterday I pulled out a photocell switch on some parking lot lights with power on. 220v 20A. Didn't get me this time.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Throwing this out, too: You remove the spark plug wire before doing any of this work, right?

Why would he do that? Life is all about taking risks. Sometimes it's okay to play roulette with a potentially spinning blade. Yesterday I pulled out a photocell switch on some parking lot lights with power on. 220v 20A. Didn't get me this time.

I was going off of the same priciple as the post above that mention the step of "turning off the mower".

Best not to assume anything with Sheik.

 

[TheIronSheik]

So the fact that there is gas in my oil is not a reason for concern? That can happen without actually breaking something?

The neighbor who was talking to me when it happened is a handyman. He's a little weird. Nice. But weird. He was explaining to me how to fix it while his mower was going, so I could barely hear him. But I know he definitely said that gas was in the oil.

I'm debating asking him to take a look at it. He might be able to fix it, but he's also not the fastest. He always has a million things going on and you have to remind him. Not sure it's worth the hassle. I see some cheap mowers on Lowes site that are under $200. May have to just bite the bullet if the whole "replace the air filter" thing doesn't work.

 

[Ned]

OK. So to recap, oil seems to be pouring out of the air filter. I didn't touch the oil filter.

And you drained the old oil amd the old gas? Did you drain the old air? That could be your problem.

 

[3C's]

It'll burn off.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Throwing this out, too: You remove the spark plug wire before doing any of this work, right?

Why would he do that? Life is all about taking risks. Sometimes it's okay to play roulette with a potentially spinning blade. Yesterday I pulled out a photocell switch on some parking lot lights with power on. 220v 20A. Didn't get me this time.

I was going off of the same priciple as the post above that mention the step of "turning off the mower".

Best not to assume anything with Sheik.

Yes. Removed spark plug. Still felt dangerous with my hand under the deck.