Petrol Lawn mower Not used for a couple of years...

[olly_k]

Hi Folks, I need some advice basically I have an old petrol mower that hasn't been used for about two years, and I really need it to cut my grandparents lawn...
Now I use to use the mower myself, so there are no operating probs there, but a couple of things I am not too sure about...
1. Can I use a lead replacement petrol from the petrol station or do I need some sort of aditive / specialist petrol? It is an old mower which I am sure was two star but like I said it was used until about two years ago...
2. Should I perform some sort of service before trying to start the thing? Maybe I should take it to a mower experts?

Any help will be appreciated!

Olly.

 

[JohnD]

Is it a 2-stroke (do you mix oil and petrol to fill the tank)?

 

[olly_k]

I honestly don't know John... I use to fill up with what seemed like ordinary petrol... Unfortunately my grandfather is no longer here to tell me!

Is there any way I can tell by looking at the mower?

 

[JohnD]

If you can post a pic of the mower, and especially the engine, it may be possible to tell.

Make and model will also help.

 

[olly_k]

Hi John, got it out the shed today and found a different lawn mower than the one I use to use! It is made by Qualcast Garden Products
It then says 'Qualcast Suffolk Punch' surely not th emodel number?

Here are the pics... you can tell it hasn't been used in a while!

It has a ticket dated 2004 with my grandfathers name so I can only assume this is when he bought the thing.... My guess is it was possibly used some time in 2005?

Olly.

 

[JohnD]

The cylinder head looks like a 2-stroke to me,but it has a metal shroud up the side... I don't know if that could be.

But i'm sure someone will be along in a minute who recognises it.

the "Suffolk Punch" is quite a well-known brand of mower so you may be able to find something by websearch (add tge word "lawn" or "mower" as it is also a breed of heavy horse).

Have a careful look at the petrol cap. If it is a 2-stroke the cap may be cup-like inside, with a measure for oil to be added to the petrol. In this case there may be instructions embossed on the lid. If it is not a 2-stroke, then you would expect to find an oil filler cap on the engine. It is important to get this right before you try to start it.

If you can photo where the carburettor joins the engine, that may confirm what it is.

I think the ticket might be a Servicing label.

 

[olly_k]

Thanks for your help John... does this pic help?

just coupole more questions if you don't mind?

The cylinder head looks like a 2-stroke to me,but it has a metal shroud up the side... I don't know if that could be.

did you mean to continue this sentence? i.e. "I don't know if that could be...."???

Also, if I established whether the engine was two stroke / single or whatever then should I attempt to start it without any attempt at servicing?

Thanks,

Olly.

 

[JohnD]

I meant "I don't know what that could be" (I would not have expected an external cambelt or camchain and I don't see room for ohv gear).

Servicing will be advisable, but what you have to do depends what sort of engine it is. Do not even kick it over yet (if a 2-stroke, seals will have dried out)

Thanks for your help John... does this pic help?

What pic?

This describes the some of difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke
http://www.dansmc.com/basics1.htm

This describes how an engine (and bike) "should" be laid up for the winter, but I can't find the one on how it should be started up
http://www.dansmc.com/winterize.htm

 

[Thermo]

looks like a two stroke, engine doesnt look the right configuration to have an oil sump. Also the filler plugs tend to be on the front of them for easy access when they have one. im guessing since its got a label on from 2004 that its more likely to be able to run on unleaded as it sounds like a servicing label. A clean up and service wont cost you much, but youd be better finding a local guy who takes them in ad does them rather than a new swankey agents who will charge you a bomb or try to sell you a new one. i bet it will give a very good cut once its going. Suffolk punch mowers are built to last and are easy to work on.

 

[andyandy2]

I'm fairly sure it will be a four stroke engine (petrol only) the valves are upside down to conventional engines, like the old side valve engines, if you remove the spark plug you should be able to see the edge of the valves, the engine oil filler will be low down on the other side out of view of the pic, and the metal canister looks to me like the exhaust

 

[olly_k]

ok thanks for the help folks John sorry about photo but I don't think it would have been worth linking now anyway...

I think I will take the mower to the place that my grandfather bought it from, after all, they serviced his machines for many years and they are a small company as mentioned above...

I will let everyone know whether it two or four stroke!

Olly.

 

[Ricky2]

Used to have one of these Olly; great old mowers

Designed originally to run on leaded 3star petrol but will run on unleaded 95Ron

Suggest you:
1. Take out the plug and pour a teaspoon of engine oil down the pughole
2. Turn mower over slightly with plug still out to get the oil down sides of piston
3. Clean plug, check gap (prob 20 thou) and spray WD40 on plug connection to remove moistute and put plug back in
4. Throw away old petrol (lost its volatilty after 2plus years in the tank) and refill with fresh 95 Ron (no oil)
5. Try starting in the morning. Probably have to prime the carb by a lever underneath.
Don't be sururised by the smoke that burns off when you do start. That will be the oil you put down the plughole to free the piston

 

[JohnD]

but if it is a 4-stroke it ought to have an oil change as well.

 

[Ricky2]

Very much so John
Sorry I forgot to say to change the oil
But best to warm up the old oil before draining

 

[olly_k]

Very much so John
Sorry I forgot to say to change the oil
But best to warm up the old oil before draining

Thanks Ricky how would I warm up the oil?