OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Cylinder Lawn King Restore Project

Hey Guys looking to restore my Scott Bonnar Lawn King and get some infor on the model? .I have never done anything like this so some help would be great. Where do i start? Do i just pull it all apart and clean every inch? Also how hard is it to service the Kirby motor and put a new cord on it? cheers guys.

Hello LawnKing,

I can't believe all the sudden Scott Bonnar interest in South Australia, it's incredible.

The machine you have is the Model 33 and the later variant as it was manufactured along side the model 45 in its early days of production. Your machine was actually built in 1971.

As far as the Kirby engine is concerned the starters are rather easy to change the rope in but it really is one of those jobs you need to experience yourself from pulling it apart as it's rather hard to explain.

The Kirby engine itself is a good engine, but their carburettors are rather finicky with the wear on the butterfly shaft being the major culprit. There are basically no parts available for these carburettors which certainly makes life difficult.

The best advice I can give you is to get it going engine and transmission wise reliably and once satisfied then I'd strip it to get the end result you want. No point in doing all the work and then find major issues that can't be resolved economically.

Cheers,
BB.

Gday Bonnar_Bloke,

Thanks for your help. Yes there is a bit of a Lawn Movement in SA at the moment its great. I picked up the Lawn King off gumtree about 6 months back looking for a little project for myself.

The motor wasn't going when i got it as the previous owner had it sitting with old fuel in it for 2 or so years. i tried to get it going that's when the cord snapped lol. so i guess my first move will be to put a new cord on it and try to get it running. Im thinking i should clean the tank out first and put new oil in it? Whats the best way to clean out the tank?

secondly is it just worth putting a new B&S on her?

Cheers!

Hi LK,

My first question to you is what sort of effort do you want to put into it ? and are you trying to preserve it as a Lawn King ?

Also what part of Adelaide are you in ?

Cheers,
BB.

yes would like to keep it in original condition, effort wise id like to try do as much as i can myself but when it comes to the engine i am very green. My plans are to restore and use it and then maybe do another to keep unused.

im in north eastern Adelaide.

cheers

Hi LK,

Then you are pretty close to me from the sounds of it, thus any hands on work you might need I could help you out directly and then post the results here for every member to see.

If you are interested in that I'm more than happy to do so.

Cheers,
BB.

Hello LawnKing and Mod BB

These are great machines.
I appreciate the photos - particularly the maker's plate.

This is a 330026, the second version of the Lawn King line.
This is a SB Model 33 (with mods) that sold alongside the Model 45 in the
early 1970s.

I would love a photo of the drive train.
I'm guessing this is an all chain drive (with no belts).

You are in good hands with Mod Bonnar Bloke.

cheers
-------------------
Jack

Cheers Bonnar_bloke i might just take you up on that offer when i am ready. Cheers!

Cyberjack i will try take some more pics tommorow arvo. Photos of the drive train will require removal of the blue cover on the side ?

Hi LawnKing

Yes, just remove the side cover.
This will also help BB assess the condition of the transmission.
I am expecting to see an all-chain drive, similar to the Model 45.

Type 'Model 33' in the search bar (above).
You will find a lot of info there too.

I think this will be a rewarding project for you.
Again, I thank you for the great images of this machine.

--------------------
Jack

Hey guys here is the chain drive. what do you think?

Hello LawnKing

Many thanks for the transmission photos.
This confirms, again, the the Lawn Kings adopted all chain drive.
The Model 33 had both belt/chain and all chain systems.
I can't say I understand the reasoning.

I'm sure Mod BB will comment on the condition.
It looks fine to me but chain adjustment is required.
The single biggest cause of sprocket wear is not use, but
lack of chain tension maintenance.

This should be a great little project to follow, and I
hope the LK delivers satisfaction to your lawn.

All the best.
------------------
Jack

Hi LK and Mod CJ

As Jack has already said the drive system is in magnificent condition. Just requires a slight adjustment.

Honestly I feel that not much will need doing to this machine to get it up and serviceable once more.

As I previously mentioned this was one of the later Model 33 Lawn Kings that was build alongside the model 45 before Scott Bonnar deleted the 33 and adopted the Model 45 releasing the LK in that model.

Cheers,
BB.

Thanks guys thats great news! I will keep in touch with how i progress.

Mod BB I will take photos of my progress and share them. Where is the best place to start stripping her down?

Cheers.

Didn't you want to sort out the non running engine first then start the tear down after that ?

Cheers,
BB.

Your right BB, im just getting a bit edgy to start the project haha. First thing is the pull cord, oil change and clean out the old fuel...

If that rope starter is a bit tricky for you, you can remove it and bring it to me to replace the rope as I'll show you how its done.

Cheers,
BB.

Hoping to get some time this weekend to do some work on the old girl.

hi guys, i changed the pull cord on the mower but the cord takes a long time to recoil back to that starting position. I have given it a spray but doesn't seem to have worked. Is the spring gone? a few other things i have come across... I also drained the oil and put some new oil in it but how much oil is needed in the Kirby? The Spark plus is as olD as the machine its a Champion J8 . Seems hard to find as a few stores didnt stock them. One place told me they have renamed it to J8C so he has oreded a couple in for me. One other thing that might sound a little stupid but what is the procedure to start the mower? ive never used one before so im not sure. Cheers!

Hi LK,

Starting procedure for a Kirby is rather straight forward.

Firstly ensure that the primary clutch is disengaged thus the drive train is placing no load on the engine.

Flick the choke lever (in front of the Air Cleaner) around to its fullest position, eg. pointing towards the engine.

Move the throttle to between a third to halfway and then give the pull start a sharp action, as soon as it wants to fire be ready to flick the choke off and from there it should run and settle rather quickly. When you are ready to engage the drive and cutter flick the clutch lever back into the upright engaged position.

As previously mentioned those rope starters have a bit of a knack to them when it comes to reloading new rope and to have the correct tension. It's a bit hard to sit and try and explain in just words so I'll open the hand of friendship and offer to show you how its done if you want ?

Cheers,
BB.