G'Day Guys, great forum. It's inspired my to do a hot rod makeover on my 89 model, Scott Bonnar 45.

I just layed my new turf front lawn a few weeks ago and hadn't started my mower in about 3 years......and of course it wouldn't start!!

The fuel had gone way off as I hadn't drained it, so I decided to rebuild the carby. Whilst waiting for the gaskit parts to arrive I painted the engine and associated parts, but as I pulled the clutch off, a huge chunk of crankshaft metal fell off right where the long key sits. Bummer....that was rather terminal. SO after pricing everything up, I ended up buying a brand new Briggs & Stratton 3.5hp engine for only $269.

I only had about 6 months use on the mower after having the reel and bottom blade sharpened the first time, but it had rusted a fair bit and needed redoing. I got ripped off by the local mower place last time, so I decided to strip everything off myself. THANKS FOR THOSE GREAT YOUTUBE VIDS!!

I ended up having to weld up the engine mounts as every mount hole was cracked, so I welded them up and added in some extra steel to beef it up.

Question: I noticed when I tried to pullstart the old engine with the clutch lever disengaged, that the reel cutter would also spin as if engaged. Is this normal? I can't remember.

I striped every nut and bold off the engine and got everything powerder coated. The new green is a tad BRIGHT & LOUD! I was going to get the handle bars rechromed, but fell over at the cost, so I just got them powerder coated silver.

I thought I'd have this thing back together within days of stripping it down, but now it's been almost 2 weeks and putting everything back correctly was a crazy job.

Question 2: How tight or how much movement do I need on the bolt which holds the secondary clutch together? I had to replace the cork too....and all the bearings on the mower. Also, how far should the small c-channel bar at the end of the clutch cable move to drive the engine (freeplay)?

Question 3: I don't think I have setup the clutch fork hand lever correctly? How far do you wind in the adjuster screw on the clutch fork? Seems to bind on the bolt if it's wound in too far.

The local sharpening guy wants to add one of his spec bottom blades. He says it'll cut much better.

I'll get some bling pics up over the next few days.

Hanging out to get my new front putting green looking the part!!