Place a measure under the blades tips and see if the tips pass around at the exact same height. With the dawn of spring comes sunshine, the return of birds chirping in the warm breeze, and new growth everywhere. Remember to lube all grease fittings, level the mower deck, and sharpen and balance the blades. I replaced the flywheel key because it got broken when it hit the pipe. If the regulator stops working correctly, then the pressure will fluctuate, and it goes out of the range. Because faulty safety switches and disengaged parking brakes are just two of the many hazards of lawnmowers. Success! I changed the flywheel key, the air filter, and the spark plug, also cleaned the carburetor, and it acts like it wants to start, but it wont. It includes tipping your lawnmower on the wrong side. Oil leaks from even the smallest gaps easily grow into damages to the lawn mower's engine. Page 1 of 1. Good luck. Linkage out of adjustment. For your sanity, your first step will be to calm down and use this guide to help you find a solution. 7 Steps to Follow to Troubleshoot a Lawn Mower Issue: Step 1- Pull off the Cover First, you pull the two screws that hold the cover. This is the most common Problem of cub cadet src 621 10. Since your pto is not electric it has a idler pulley that is pulled when you put the lever down into mow and it pulls the belt tight to turn and just opp for when you take it out of mow. The motor starts and runs perfectly. 3) Wipe down the area beneath your lawn mower to remove excess oil. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Ways to Avoid Smoke and Overcome the Impact: Steps to Install The Fuel Pressure Regulator: How to Avoid White Smoke and Leaking Oil: Ways to Avoid Grey Lawn Mower Smoking and Leaking Oil From Exhaust: The engine suffers a low air to fuel ratio. To confirm if the crankcase gasket is the source of the leak, wipe away all oil and buildup from the area and check for leaks during usage, as that is when they are likely to occur. How do I obtain warranty work? I immediately smelled a strong fuel odor that lasted for several minutes. First, identify where the gas is leaking from; replace the carburettor bowl gasket if it's from the bottom. Check for fuel, oil or carbon deposits on the spark plug. Inspect the interlocking system for ideal operation. I'm also the proud father of a kiddo born on new years, making my holidays very busy. I forgot to mention this other problem I am having with this mower. I took a look and the blade still intact except for a nick on the edge. It works as housing for components including; the intake and exhaust valves, springs and lifters, and the combustion chamber. JavaScript is disabled. Select the product of your choice and need, make purchases just by clicking the products mentioned in the table to fix smoking and leaking oil from exhaust; The fuel pressure regulator is to control the fuel pressure in the engine. Just checked as it was. Regular maintenance is very important. After I got it started again, the motor tone was lower, gruffer, and the mower vibrates more. You might get lucky and have part of the repair covered under warranty. Is it possible that hitting the stump could have bent the key? Tap, Snap, fixed! You could have also potentially put too much oil in your lawnmower. Generally, smoke from any engine is characterized by color. Even worse, the edge could break off entirely, and you could damage your property or injure someone. Let's just hope you didn't have one of those that bent. Substandard power output generated by ethanol fuels blended with gasoline. ET Monday through Friday will ship the same day Choose Product 02 Identify Problem 03 Find Solutions Back Lawn Mower Troubleshooting: Our Lawn Mower Repair Guide Need help finding your model number? If you found an infected pressure regulator, make sure to replace it. I dont have an impact wrench so I propped a piece of wood propped between the discharge chute and the blade to stop the blade from spinning. So with only 5 hours on my new X350, I hit a stump and bent the deck. Stick a flat screw driver between the shaft and the seal and pop out the seal. It leads to loss of power and performance of the mower. I have still been able to mow, but it does seem like the batteries are draining faster. The upper bearing ring seal has the same function as the lower bearing ring seal, but is located on the top of the engine. Youll also want to check and see if the deck is still secured. Common Machine Problems for John Deere X350 Lawn Tractor. So that the fuel system can perform properly according to its particular pressure range. There is a tool for pulling the flywheel called, wait for it, a flywheel puller. Should I stop using the mower, or take my chances? Not sure how old OLD is, but it sounds like you have already done some of this homework. 8. 2 - Deck jumped, belt popped off and pulled wires out, causing clutch not to work. You must log in or register to reply here. This goes for any power equipment, not just chainsaws. It doesnt mention that it can be used for small engines, avoid using it. iii. The valve gasket seals the connection between the valve cover and valve chamber. Get up and move around, drink some water, and give your eyes a break from looking at the same thing in the same spot. Otherwise gas will leak out of it. I recently obtained a Honda HR215 SX Masters mower. (A faulty breather valve can cause excess oil consumption.) My mower blade came to a screeching halt on a big tree root and it was shaking like crazy after thatoverheating too. The engine of your lawn mower can wear out, and if youre noticing that its smoking or leaking oil from the exhaust then follow these steps to avoid a major problem in the future; Examine, clean, maintain, and replace the filter with time to prevent its impact on the engine. The mower will vibrate because the blade is no longer balanced, because it has been bent. If you prefer you can also ask your questions at a local lawn mower store or tractor supply store as they should have someone to help you figure out . Replace the leaking seal. I immediately smelled a strong fuel odor that lasted for several minutes. There were only a couple left in my local store, so from the website,I reserved one for pickup. When this happens, the belt that turns the blades will not have the proper tension and will likely keep flying off until the deck has been restored to proper working order. Most shops will have a blade sharpening service that can get them back in top condition in no time. Most lawnmower vibration issues concerning the crankshaft are the result of the blade striking a solid object. The mower shut off immediately, but when I fired it back up and turned on the mower deck I heard metal crashing together. I wish I could help more, but this blog post is literally everything I know about small engine repair. Below, we will get into the details of the step-by-step process of fixing oil leaks that happen upon the deck of your lawnmower. It felt like the pulley was binding on something and wouldn't You will probably end up needing a major repair. Much like damage to the blade, this can be caused by the mower suddenly striking something solid that it is not able to move past (rocks or a tree stump, for example). It works great but I discovered an oil leak. In the wee hours of Sunday morning, long before Lowes would open their doors, I did some more research and found out that it might not be as bad as I thought. If you can smell burning oil or see a loose valve cover gasket, this is another potential location for leaks. Its normal to deal with white smoke during every first-morning start-up. need a new one), if it still causes problems, then the port on the notebook needs to be replaced. If oil is leaking from the bottom of the tube where it connects to the crankcase, the seal may be worn or broken and in need of replacing. It is dripping from within the mower, so that leaves a limited number of options. Lawnmowers are full of surprises, and their maintenance is not an easy task. The filter basket must be removed, cleaned, and replaced for proper unclogging of fuel injectors. I thought taking the lawnmower apart to get to the flywheel assembly was going to be difficult, but it was actually relatively easy. Smoke from the exhaust is an indication of the attention-seeking engine problem. This ring seals the point at which the crankshaft enters the crankcase. There are many more options for where leaks may occur. Mixing of water, oil, and engine additives can cause severe damage to the head gasket. But, if you recently hit a stump, and immediately after you feel a vibration with the deck engaged, its almost guaranteed that the blade has bent. That extra oxygen will oxidize the fuel and create fuel system corrosion. Losing Horsepower in heavy grass: This is another sign that you're losing compression. After lifting it off, check to see if the gasket along the side is worn. A. Tags for this are typically on the side or back of your machine. A lot of John Deere mowers use cotter pins to secure the deck. link to Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist), Replace parts using the engine model number. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. Use a soft mallet to tap in a new seal. Therell be a diagram and a parts list. Replace the spark plug if it's fouled. 52"X86 SLIDING DOOR AND HARDWARE Other Items Upcoming Auctions . Wear usually occurs on the inner face of the seal. Fix the fuel return pipe to the regulator. Tipping may occur while you change . If the shaft is truly bent, it will wobble a little when pulling the rope, and alot when t's running.,, 4. I tried doing those things while rocking the mower to try to dislodge it. Contact your nearest authorized John Deere dealer . We were quite busy today, so we did not get to do any troubleshooting. The oil leaked from the bottom of the oil fill tube so I replaced the lower "O"-ring which stopped that leak. I am not a professional repair person but i have worked on many. The parts department would have to order the part and it wouldnt be in for about two weeks. I have a Craftsman LT2000 with a 19.5hp B&S engine. Spray a generous amount of spray lubricant or penetrating oil into the spark plug hole, and wait for 10 minutes before rocking the blade. The most common thing that happens when you hit a stump is a bent blade. After I removed the wood, I put the mower back into its right position and took a break (It's hot out..). It came to an immediate halt. If you apply it and it takes a bit to start or squealing might be time for a new belt. In some cases, lawnmowers are unable to start if you flip the carburetor side down. Now you can tilt it up with the carb side high to check for a bent crankshaft. Does an electric motor have a flywheel as a gas mower does, or could it be some other motor issue? While your mower will get the job done a lot faster than you could, this is not a very cost-effective method. But the more authoritative sites said that most repair shops wont even attempt this kind of repair because of liability issues. Most lawnmower repair processes involve you tilting the lawnmower onto its side. Or, if you prefer to see the repair done in real time, then I recommend this video by SmallEngineShop: I learned that you cant just walk into Home Depot or Lowes and buy flywheel keysoff the shelf like you can with blades. The next most likely thing to happen when hitting a stump with your mower would be damage to the deck. Sure beats having to buy a new lawn mower. notebook not charging? Thank you and God bless. Not okay! Possible cause 1: In some models, when you tip the mower, fuel can leak into the carbon in the cap, which restricts the venting of the fuel system. It did backfire once while trying to start it. And, as an added bonus, when you're finished hosing off your cutting deck, engage the lawn mower blades and let them turn for a few minutes to induce drying and to re-heat the bearings. Eliminate the upper intake manifold adjustment. I did a quick visual inspection but did not notice any obvious damage to the shaft. I replaced the blades and they were still hitting. The Best Way to Dig Up Large Rocks in Yard, Breaking Landscaping Rocks to Edge a Flower Bed, How to Get Hard-Water Lime off a Rock Fountain, How to Lube Rocker Recliner Chair Springs, Jacks Small Engines: Mower Blades vs. It was just a quick look. The most common issues related to oil coming from the bottom goes back to the oil tank or gaskets related to this. Go to a mower repair shop and get a new pin for less than a buck. We are providing you with the products you might need. 13. My post very smilier to a recent post by Kurb that Grumpy helped. While oil can leak past the dipstick seal it is unlikely because of how far the opening is from the oil in the crankcase. First, notice the intensity of the smoke. Maybe there is an oil spillage from the cocked or tilted lawnmower, or by inlaying excessive oil, maybe the lawnmower has an imbalance carburetor, a clogged air filter, or due to deteriorated engine. Parking brake locked. Traction drive belt damaged or worn. Dont get more gas than you can use in two weeks, Make sure your fuel caps are not cracked, broken, or missing, Agitate your fuel cans before pouring, especially with your mixed fuel, Use a quality 2-cycle oil, adequately mixed, for 2-cycle engine, If a unit is going to sit for an extended length of time, the fuel system should be drained properly. If cleaning is not suitable, then try to replace the air filter when you attempt oil changing. Typically, carburetors are black and connected to the side of the lawnmower. Could be dangerous. What has likely happened in your case is that the shaft got bent. Thanks again!!! 6 Common Reasons Why Your Lawn Mower Won't Start, Lawn Equipment Winter Maintenance Special, 13 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO TO YOUR MOWER. Otherwise gas will leak out of it. Failing to follow through with this can cause significant issues for your repair process. And finally, listen to the equipment. The first is that it's big and heavy allowing it to store kinetic energy so that the lawn mower can continue to spin through the 3 unpowered strokes. Home Improvements, DIY, Real Estate, and more. Im worried that if I keep using it Ill ruin it, but taking it to an electric motor repair shop might be costly, and it will put me out of commission at the wrong time of year. It came to an immediate halt. lawn will not be very happy if your mower repeatedly drips oil or gas all over it. Oil can leak out through the breather if the engine is turned on its side with the breather facing downwards and the blade is turned. Tree roots, rocks, buried stakes, or pipes can all cause serious damage to the crankshaft. Free-wheeling lever is engaged. SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. Always check on the side of the bottle before assuming that something will work. A bent blade will cause your mower to vibrate, ruining your bearings and scalping your yard. Step 5: Add Engine Oil. Sometimes they go from park to like seven or so see that is all the way to seven then try. If you're unsure of how to properly straighten a lawn mower blade, contact us, and we'll be happy to help. As any farmer knows, critters love to make little homes in equipment. I found two outstanding videos on YouTube that walk through the process making it less intimidating. Apply gasket sealer on both sides of the new cork-made gasket. Many engines will use a liquid gasket while other manufactures use a traditional paper or rubber gasket. or is the mower finished? Inspect the mower after hitting the stump to make sure that the deck is undamaged. It has a sealed screw-on cap at one end and connects to the crankcase at the other. The mower shakes (vibrates) while running and blows oil out through the engine breather (on Moreover, your mower and mower accessories will last much longer if they have a tune-up each year by a business that knows how to repair them properly. Jacks Small Engines recommends using a string trimmer to do detail work around the rock. Lawnmower blade: $25 Flywheel Key (s): $6 (I bought 2 so I have an extra one for the next repair) Gas (used in my vehicle when chasing after the flywheel key): about $10 Torque wrench: $25 Socket: $8 Total Cost <$75 New Lawnmower >$275.00 Savings: $200 DIY Savings: The parts would have cost the same. Many third-party vendors lack the expertise and expectations that come with holding replacement parts. I have tried shifting the gears and engaging/disengaging the pedal brake and parking brake lever (nothing). Put it back together and it should work. While checking your lawnmower, look around for any potential holes that may have come from an errant rock. Lawnmowers are best for larger areas. A Toro lawn mower spitting oil can be a cause for concern, as it can indicate an issue with the engine. I was able to remove the nut with a standard socket wrench. Pull the oil dipstick out of the engine and reinsert it firmly. White or blue smoke may indicate an oil spill on the engine. Sure enough, the flywheel key was in two pieces. It may be hard to verify that this is the source of the oil leak, as the seal is covered by a number of components including the flywheel, which should not be removed without the proper tools. If it looks fine and you dont feel the vibration of a blade that is vibrating, youre probably ok to keep cutting. Too much engine oil in a Kubota lawn mower may cause engine damage due to overheating, seal damage, blown gaskets, or a hydrolocked engine. It's 7 a.m. on a Saturday, and you're ready to tackle that lawn. As an Amazon Associate I earn a modest commission from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. You should also clean the engine cooling fins and mower deck. It has a solenoid in the bowl which shuts off the flow of gas when the ignition is switched off. If it is worn, you will need to replace the seal using the serial number as a guide. And can generate further issues like: To prevent lawn mower smoking and leaking oil from the exhaust, and inconsistent inefficiency of the lawnmower, these provided steps will help you out if you are facing the same issue with your machine; To unclog the fuel injector and to keep your lawnmower running, order Fuel Injector Cleaner now! You may need to use your lawn mowers model number to find replacement parts. The rock had been catapulted toward him after being hit by a nearby lawn mower. Turn the lawn mower upright and fill the crankcase with oil as recommended by the manufacturer. Transmission hydraulic oil level low. When it comes to lawn care, efficiency is vital. If you have incredibly steep locations, try and see if you cant use a weed wacker for those. Wish I could be more help. A damaged lower bearing ring seal will cause oil to leak directly under the centre of the engine (when it is sitting flat on its wheels). Once the nut is loose, unscrew it by hand and lower the bowl. A cracked engine block can lead to several problems that include issues from engine overheating to the decline of engine performance and efficiency. As with any repair process, check your owners manual for details on the repair process. To confirm the exact source of the leak, wipe away all excess oil from the affected area and run the mower for a few minutes. Black Smoke Lawn Mower Smoking and Leaking Oil from Exhaust, Reasons and Solutions to Avoid Lawn Mower Smoking and Leaking Oil from Exhaust, 2. Once the crankcase cover has been located, trace the perimeter of where it attaches to the crankcase housing. Use a high mileage motor oil that has seal conditioners in them to reduce corrosion and stop oil leakage. To confirm the source of the leak, wipe away the oil buildup and run the engine for a short time. Project step-by-step (5) Step 1 Check the carburetor bowl for gas Remove the bowl Family Handyman Set a small cup under the lawn mower carburetor to catch any spills. Lets have a brief look at the smoke color along with its reasons, which helps you to diagnose the impact according to the intensity. We're saying that the fuel you're getting is okay. Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist). Every year, thousands of people are injured by lawnmowers. If you notice that your Toro lawn mower is spitting oil, it is important to take it to a qualified engine mechanic to have it inspected. Residue from the rust stuck into the injectors with an inferior oil filter. As a result, it is pretty standard for oil to leak out onto the floor. It is not covered unless it is related to a defect in material or workmanship. I cleaned the engine very thoroughly and then ran it to locate the exact point of leakage. There are videos on YouTube of people straightening lawnmower shafts with sledgehammers. In order to confirm that you have a bent blade, youll need to take the deck off and inspect it. In this article, I will explain the possible causes of white smoke from your mower's exhaust and how you can fix them. Most of this should be solved by comparing serial numbers. Pull the starter cord with the plug out to get a feel for the severity of the problem and to clear the oil from the combustion chamber. The whole assembly spins, so without an impact wrench, you have to find a way to hold the flywheel stationary while undoing the nut. You can prevent smoke and prevent oil leakage due to gasket with the simple precautions and steps; A cylinder head is located on the top of the engine block. Ive only had the mower a few weeks. Make sure that the carburetor is always tilted up. I just had a sudden stoppage on a brand new Toro. Again, if they are soiled you'll need to clean the carburetor and replace the air filter. Mind you, I didnt use a square or measure deviation or anything like that. Outdoor Gasoline and Electric Powered Equipment and Small Engines - Weedeater 500 lawnmower-hit stump, won't start. Easily one of the greatest DIY articles in the history of DIY articles. During the last decade we garnered hundreds of loyal, returning customers all thanks to the quality of the work and repair we provide. Gas should drip out. Still, the three listed above are what typically happens when you find oil on the deck. Altering the edge can cause property damage, personal injury, and death. So, be careful with your blades and keep them in good condition. You can learn more about this here. I shut it down and took the deck off and saw that the blades were hitting and figured I bent one. Issues such as hitting a tree stump or rock and bending a power transmission shaft could cost up to a few hundred dollars in repairs. They keep our lawns tidy and help us manage outdoor spaces, but like all tools, they must be used appropriately to work effectively and last long! Connect the vacuum line to the pressure regulator and install the retainer screw. Otherwise, you could spend more money on repairs and lose productivity in the long run. This situation is where the potential of rocks flying up and puncturing your tank is high. Take the guess work out of your repairs with our Fix app. Mower is hard to start A lot of times this can be fixed with a head gasket or new set of valves.