OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers scott bonnar 45 rebuild

Beautiful work with the painted pieces Mr.Jones, can't wait to see more

Michael

Hi Grumpy,
What I meant by a design fault is the exhaust blowing hot gases back on the air filter. Last filter was burnt on one side.

I have no concerns about your baffle, it will be slightly helpful and will do no harm. However there shouldn't be anything hot enough to burn foam coming out of the muffler. It may have been backfiring at some point, during its sad days when it was cooking itself to death.

I had a vertical crankshaft Kirby Lauson long ago that chuffed back through its air filter while it was stopping, setting fire to the foam. I let the foam burn, and gave serious thought to letting the mower burn. It was by far the worst mower I've ever had. My point here is that burned foam is not necessarily caused by hot exhaust gases, especially on a Kirby Lauson.

Posting a bit of progress on the chassis rebuild. So far things going together real well. Cylinder and bottom blade have been ground.

Hi Mr.Jones and ODK members,
The chassis and reel look just fabulous, your attention to detail thus far is brilliant....I can't wait to see the finished result.

Thanks Deejay,
Has been fun so far but need to get back to the issues with the engine soon. Would like some advice on the best type of oil/grease for the drive chains. Looking for something that will protect but stay on the chains. Have all sorts including motorcycle chain lube and spray on lithium grease. Feel that good old heavy oil may be best? In the mean time as the chassis is basically finished I have a 9 series Briggs that runs real well that will fill the hole for running up the mower until the original engine is finished.

Almost finished pic of mower with donor 90112 engine.All runs really well and cut is superb.Wish we could leave this engine on for life as it really runs sweet but will ultimately end up on next 45 we have to restore.Still having issues with original engine but will revisit with a better effort at the timing and carb issues.

I can well understand why you would retain the original engine on what is a collectible mower. With regard to your engine, you might care to take a look at these two threads, if you have not already done so:

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=37736#Post37736

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/u...amp;Main=7046&Number=36218#Post36218

Thanks Grumpy. Have studied Mr Bonnar,s post in detail on many occasions. Have to agree with you on the right engine for the right mower.The only issue there is it really belongs to my son and he is dead keen to put the current Briggs 550 on.We also have another Scotty to restore and we are currently tinkering with the engine from this. It is a 80102 and would make a suitable replacement for the Kirby if things don't work out. I have to say the Briggs are a pleasure both financially and technically to work on!

I think for the period the classic Briggs design represents - the late 1950s - early 1960s - they were a revelation. Simple, easy to start, smooth-running, light, cheap, reliable, remarkably durable for their design - they really set a standard. Going from a Tecumseh or a British engine to a side-valve Briggs could really spoil you. Of course from 1983 onward, going from a side valve Briggs to an OHV Honda could spoil you all over again, but those are heavy, expensive engines, and much less suited to rudimentary maintenance from home mechanics. The old Briggs design was simply masterly for its intended purpose.

We don't have much data yet on OHV Briggs engines. I suspect they left the change far too late, resulting in having to chase Honda for a share of the premium engine market, with a product that in most cases is no better and may be a little worse. Briggs can win some parts of the contest though I think - I have yet to see a report on their 850 that is less than enthusiastic. However the decision to call the small OHV engines Intek after that name had been sullied in the large engine class, was regrettable. I mostly find Briggs' marketing unfathomable at present.

Ok. Finally basically finished the project. Engine is a 80102 from another chassis we have yet to start on. Rebuild was fairly easy with new rings, gaskets, seals and a carby kit. Bore got the lightest of hones. Runs well and must be ok as coughs on choke and then starts on the next pull without the choke. Original exhaust was the smaller straight through type but engine is much better for a low tone replacement. Did install new governor spring but this was much to strong and now has a vintage spring fitted borrowed from a similar engine. Need to re chrome bars and throttle but this can wait. A fun project all up.

Hi Mr Jones,

My on a brilliant restoration, she looks just great overall, and the Briggs came up a treat.

Agree with Deejay 100%, a brilliant restoration and great pics. Love it

Cheers, Michael

It doesn't get much better than this !! Scott Bonnar Heaven

Finished mower with a new catcher and decal. Now onto new projects.

Hi Mr Jones, Wow! How good does that look!
I love your work mate...
As this thread is now complete, I will now close it...If any member has anything to add, please PM a moderator and it can be re-opened.