OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Tech Talk Rover Suzuki 2 Stroke

We had a thread on the subject of ultrasonic cleaners last year:
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=48052#Post48052

Thanks grumpy, I've read that thread before. I'm more so interested in how they'd perform cleaning residue from the smallest of carb jets, rather than just general parts cleaning. I know that many automotive workshops use ultrasonic cleaners for fuel injectors, but no doubt they're more specialised than the ebay units discussed in the other thread.

If the carburetors on these Suzuki's are particularly sensitive to any gunk or residue, they may be a good test for an ultrasonic cleaner.

Personally I'd expect there to be some tricks of the trade involved. I've seen people use an ordinary general purpose ultrasonic cleaner of about 1 or 2 litres capacity for cleaning mechanical watches and electronic circuit boards, and it appeared to work satisfactorily, but they were using chlorofluorocarbon solvent as the cleaning agent. I doubt you could do that now, and if you could, you wouldn't want to put a claggy carburetor in the stuff and get it dirty.

I use my ultrasonic cleaner on a very regular basis, it works great on alloy and carbies including brass jets. I have had excellent results on all the carbs I have put through it. A general purpose degreaser (waterbased) and about 60 degrees temp, just vary the time till it's clean. Normally 1hr. Can do 4 carbies at a time (must be dismantled) and that's with the small parts in a glass jar.

Getting back to the topic (Suzuki 2 strokes on mowers), this thread has now been re-opened so it can be extended to cover another engine refurbishment.

Just finished another Suzuki refurbishment � it�s only the second one I have encountered in my travels which was scored beyond economical repair.
The mower came up a treat after the first carby clean. It starts easily, idles much smoother than any other 2 stroke engine I have worked on and at full speed there isn�t much this engine can�t handle.
The key point from my experience is the carby. Take your time cleaning it and ensure you use the right size jet drills to clean out all of the small passages in the jets and emulsifier in particular. The emulsifier in this instance took 3 days of soaking to get it out. Be patient and don�t rush it otherwise it will never come out and the carby will effectively be useless.
Be very careful with setting the choke butterfly correctly, it needs to be fully closed and not partially closed. Worst case these engines start of the second pull if tuned correctly. I have the governor spring set on the lowest RPM level similar to the last unit. For some reason the engine seems to sound smoother on the lower RPM level � maybe grumpy might now why.
Funny how the previous owner said the mower shop couldn�t get it working properly!
Anyhow once I get a new fuel cap splash washer via Bruce on the ODK store this mower is ready to go and continue working:
It got the standard suite:
New Foam air filter � I am pretty sure the previous filter never got oiled as it crumbled in my hands
New Plug � standard CJ8 (happy to be corrected if others think different)
Four new rover blades
A good exhaust clean! Carbon fell out everywhere after a session with the mallet.
The top and bottom seals where all good.
To ensure ongoing reliability make sure the linkages are moving smoothly, otherwise you may have trouble starting in future.
One last point is that these mowers seem to run better after a really good work out in the long grass. It might be to do with the fact this mower hasn�t been run in years. I think Mark Electric first mentioned this point a while ago and after completing this refurbishment so I�d have to agree with him after giving this mower a good run.

Thanks for adding that experience to the thread, Peter. A couple of points I can add. First, the urethane foam commonly used in foam-type air filters, crumbles when it gets old - especially if it is oiled. Occasional replacement (they seem to last about 20 years with the original equipment foam) is just part of the required maintenance.

Second, having to close the choke completely to get an easy cold-start, is not unique to that Suzuki engine. I have found the same thing with the Honda OHV engines I've worked on. My current theory is that emissions-controlled engines run somewhat leaner than the engines of long ago, and this makes them perhaps a bit more sensitive to poor maintenance, including the build-up of gum in the carburetor, and the proper set-up of linkages.

Third, two strokes tend to accumulate carbon, especially in the exhaust system, if they are run a lot at idle or light load, and especially if they do not have regular lengthy runs at fairly heavy load to burn it out. This will be a lot worse if you use poor quality 2 stroke oil, or more than the recommended proportion of oil. Of course the spark plug is likely to suffer faster than the muffler, but probably the spark arrestor, if you have one, is even more sensitive.

Personally I wouldn't have a conventional two stroke mower because even good ones like the Suzuki don't run well enough to make the job enjoyable (to me), but for some specific jobs they are the best solution, even in modern times. However I think it is evident that it would not be worthwhile for a non-technical private owner to keep one of your Suzukis running over the long term. The carburetor will require cleaning occasionally, even with good operating practice, and the job is beyond most (nearly all?) mower repair shops. Yes, a good car mechanic could clean them successfully, by taking his time over it. However, would anyone want to pay for that time? I suspect not.

Here is a plug guide showing NGK and Champion plugs to suit.
I have seen these plugs in Suzuki 2 stroke engines often.



I have had them running well with CJ8 plugs also.

Cheers

hi, I collect Suzuki, rover mowers, I think they are a great engine, I have rebuilt quite a few and sometimes had the same problem you were having, I found that a good thourough carby clean, good gaskets, last of all adjust the mixture screw, which is a bit difficult to get to with the air cleaner on, cured the problem, cheers

Yes Micka, a long shaft, flat blade screwdriver just allows you to adjust the mixture screw.
I think I had 9 at one stage, they are all sold now.
You could call me an enthusiast.

The Rover fitted with a Suzuki 2 stroke is not a bad choice for a mower.
I believe it is packed with good features.

Electronic ignition
50:1 mix, only 100ml to make up 5 litres.
2 stroke means no oil changes.
Good fuel economy.
Turned up handles with quick release fold down.
Lower handle bar for added strength.
2 steel bearings per wheel.
Light to push & easy to lift.
Alloy body that wont rust.
Big muffler makes them quiet for a 2 stroke.
Big fuel tank.
Mechanical governor.
4 blade cutting disc.

They have their down sides like any machine, I would like to see a remote air filter.

I love the Suzuki gurgle at idle and how they can sound like a Ferrari when set to run.

If looked after, should last you a life time.

I guess the ones I am always trying to get going have come from the tip shop or recycle centre and have been exposed to the weather, tanks and carby full of water.
That is the challenge.