I am in the process of making a B&S 3.5 hp mower from two wrecked mowers. I've got the mower to start but it runs very slowly. I've taken the old blades off because they were very worn and I have not replaced them. I was wondering if it needs blades on the blade plate to get the extra "flywheel effect".
For future reference, running the engine without sufficient crankshaft inertia does bad things to the engine but isn't likely to make it run slowly. The blades by themselves do provide a measurable part of the inertia, but the engine should not run noticeably differently if they are missing so long as the blade plate is installed.
Thanks grumpy, I did put the blade plate on but not the blades. The spark plug seems to have been that culprit but now there are other problems - loud screech from the pull starter, not much throttle control......why, oh why, do I do it?
i ask my self the same question "why, oh why?" all the time 3 main things are: mowers computers pos 89' magna
the starter is an easy fix. i think ive posted on it before. ill have a look otherwise ill make you some simple instructions and see how it goes. regards jay p.s throttle control is do do with the tension of the spring between the butterfly linkage and the metal plate the cable actuates.
As Jay said, the starter screech usually means lack of lubrication of the small plain bearing inside the starter. However servicing this needs to be done carefully: just one drop of oil on the plain bearing, absolutely no oil anywhere else, and keep it all very clean. There are specific instructions in the B&S manual: Starter Clutch Inspect and clean starter clutch assembly as necessary. Do not oil ball cavity area. Place one drop of engine oil on end of crankshaft before replacing clutch assembly on crankshaft. Tighten clutch to torque noted on specification sheet for your model engine. DO NOT run engine without screen screws assembled to clutch. NOTE: Clean ratchet by wiping with cloth only.
With regard to the governor, usually the first thing to look for is a bent governor base (the punched tin piece that is the base of the governor). If you post a picture of this part, including the springs, we can discuss it specifically.
Hi Guys, Thanks for the help. Before I read your post, grumpy, I saw a youtube video by Davesfarm and was able to repair the screech. However, I did get a few drops of oil on the ball bearings - should I go back and clean it off?
And mowernut your interests are the same as mine - computers (3 plus maintenance of family members and friends!), magna's (2) and lawn mowers(4 + wrecks).
so off I go again...tomorrow.
