Fixing A Murray Mower That Won't Start
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 พ.ย. 2022
- Links to products I have in my tool bag.
Compression tester. amzn.to/2NMgeze
Spark Checker. amzn.to/3jEcZH3
Inline Spark Checker. amzn.to/3bnXjmA
Air Filter. amzn.to/3v5cFUX
Chemical squirt bottle. amzn.to/3eWcGVs
Lithium Grease amzn.to/3BAMsnX
Above are affiliate links which means we receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products via those links.
Thanks for watching. This Murray mower, took a bit more to fix, than usual, but it's worth it.
The fun is definitely in the ones that don't have the usual problems.
you got that right.
I had a mower like this for many years. It gave me no problems what so ever. Occasionally I come across these. I happily fix them up and sell them cheap. As you said, these are built so much better than the crap built today.
completely agree, these are wonderful mowers from a long time ago.
As I live in Florida, the season is never over. Prices stay relatively higher, but if one popped up for cheap, I'd jump on it.
Thank you so much for such a clear video, I was very frustrated with how much small engine tech was going to charge me just to clean my lawnmower carbonator , and I watched your video and decided to do it myself, followed your easy instructions step by step and my lawnmower was back to work amazingly, me and my wife are so thankful for your video, we were so happy to save $100 🙂🙂
Glad it helped and thank you for your time
These engines are what I learned on as a kid, early '70s.
They didn't change much. Wish they still made them...
I know right, why mess with it. unfortunately environmental got in the way.
These old Briggs engines are fantastic, I love working on them as they are so simple and easy to wok on. Please do more videos with lawnmowers with these engines.
If I can find them I definitely will.
I love this type of mower, very simple and easy to work on. My 35ish year old 3.5 Briggs is still going strong, except now it is at my daughters. Change the oil regularly, keep the filter clean, and drain the fuel at the end of the season and they will last... well, at least 35 years.
Thanks for the video, my only "complaint" is that once the tank was off, I would have flushed it out to get rid of any remaining gunk in the bottom. I have seen a lot worse though.
yes you are correct about the tank flush
I’m glad seeing an engine like this around and you working on it as I been procrastinating working on 3 mowers with this style of engine cause I didn’t really have any idea how to take it apart, thanks for your vids and keep it up! Looking forward for more like this! 👍👍
no problem
there really comon in the uk good engine as there really simple when you get used to them
Just a tip, stay away from the aftermarket diaphragms. I've always had a miss with them. I only use Briggs ones. Its worth it in the end.
thanks for the tip
They can certainly be hit or miss. I found a decent aftermarket supplier for them, and haven't had any issues after 2 or 3 years, and probably close to 40 or 50 used. I managed to pick up some OEM ones a couple years ago for $3 each (I saw them on clearance at my local Lowes for around $5 this week).
I could sell a ton of these mowers. It takes 15 minutes to rebuild the carb, so easy to do. The sell on marketplace in season, In less than an hour.
yes you are absolutely right, these are money makers.
You're right that these sidevalve Briggs engines aren't too challenging to fix but that makes them great to own as generally they just work.
Well said!
I had one just like it, what a work horse. I hit a rock in tall grass and bent the crank.
that's a shame
I’ve found when I clean em up people come back and recomend me to friends!
nice that seems to be the way these sales work
I had a Murray lawnmower for rough gardens and areas of brush. It took it all and lasted about nine years.
wow very nice!
I'd buy it!! I'd stockup on use mowers for the summer
me too!
It's amazing how much neglect and abuse these little motors will endure. I have never bought a lawn mower. I just bring home
these "battlefield pickups" when my neighbors threw them out with stale gas in the tank each spring. They usually put in a new spark problem
(never the problem) and saved me some money.
you are correct these things are tanks,
This is a good backup mower now. Your fix was very efficient, and now you can feel good about selling it. Even the wheels and height adjusters look good on this one, so it's a good choice for the next owner. I'll bet the current crop of low-end Powersmart mowers won't last nearly this long, and also, if you had an old one of those some day in the future, parts would be much harder to find than for this lovely old B&S / Murray model.
thank you Tom Lewis.
Gday from Australia...Great video mate...You have some very good skills with small engines.
thank you Gary Markham.
Free mower you can not go wrong. easy fix.
you got that right.
nice to see the deck polished up and some of the plastic hit with protectant
you are correct it's never to late to make it look good
Those little engines with that on top of the tank carburetor are some of my favorite Briggs and Stratton machines. Quick cleaning.. Make sure the diaphragm is still supple.. Clean the pickups and boom.. They always work
I know right, very easy to work on
Great video as usual!! Interesting to see plastic carbs. Not much to do with them except clean or just replace a few parts of not the whole thing. Overall, nice job, again!! Easy to work on and good results. These mowers are a thing of the past but work well when kept up. Great filming to show the smallest of parts clearly! Thank You!! 😊
thank you Mr G, I appreciate that.
Yes I would buy it for sure. Fix it up over the winter and get a few ready to sell come spring.
thank you William Snow.
had a murrey rider mower, musta ben designed by some old retired mechanics. Never had a lick of trouble with it.
I replaced the gasket/pump on the kids mower and it ran like a new one. It was sputtering and gagging before and these are GOOD mowers for what they are. Not all the corner cutting like the new ones have. Good fix and Blessings!
you got that right, these are wildly overlooked, when looking at new mowers.
Great video, those old Briggs flat heads are great engines, I would definitely consider keeping a mower like that around as a back up if I didn't already have one.
me too thank you WildeFox
Hey bro what's up? I like how simple the repair to this mower was bro. A little cleaning up and it looks almost new bro but as for the oil, that was an eye opener bro.
yes it's a lot simpler than it looks
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE nice. All you have to do is try and if you don't know what to do, that's what You Tube is for bro.
If I had the opportunity I would purchase a mower like this as a back up. These mowers are pretty basic which is what I like. Thanks for the videos.
Right on
When checking the condition of those old school briggs carb diaphragms check that the check valve flaps are flat and parallel with the rest of the diaphragm just like on a pumping diaphragm and if they are fine you can reuse it if they are bent up or down you need to replace it, i did this on my 1989 norlett mower's carb and it was bad so i replaced it 😄
thank you Lucas Bergfors.
I have the same type mower that I need to work on. Great to see that the fix is fairly easy.
thanks Slippery Blue Clay, it's not as tough as I thought too.
Nice job a easy fix I think the older lawnmowers are better then the oversea lawnmowers I remember my grandfather had a 80s craftsman lawnmower with the cast aluminum deck and that thing lasted for years that engine refuse to die even when we threw it away it still ran and not even rusted out thanks to the cast aluminum deck the only reason we threw it away was he wanted a self propelled lawnmower I wish we would’ve kept it
yes it's a shame you don't have it still. thank you Scott Dunn.
I recently picked up a used mower that was Frankensteined. It is a Lawnboy boy with a Briggs engine from a MTD mower.
nice!
For sure those classic Briggs engine are hard to beat for simplicity. I picked a couple up for free recently. Both were fuel issues one needed a primer bulb.
nice work!
Good day Yea i would buy it if I needed it. Thanks good looking mower.. Thanks
Thanks Don Voll
450 are an easy mower to work on they go well every one should know how to fix these have a great day.
thank you Kevin Powell.
I'd buy one I had one when I done neighbors yards as a kid it was bullet proof oh the memories
thank you Kenneth Drown.
Thank you SO VERY MUCH I was given one like that now i know how to fix it be bless and thank again😊
You're welcome!
Our Murray wouldn't start second time out. Turned it over. A flap was caught under the blade. Freed the flap and started like the new machine it is. Love Murrays and expecting to get years out of it. Better than a PowerSmart!
you got that right
Even though I have several mowers, I'd definitely jump on one of those mowers if the price was right!
me too.
I would definitely buy it. 👍🙏👍🙏
me too, thank you RayFpv
I bought a Murray big wheel OHV in 2012 or so for my grandfather, the OHV engine makes them so easy to use on an oddly shaped property with a random hill due to a road cut. They are halfway decent
thanks for the information Steve Greer.
Those engines are pretty good. With a little extra care they can last for a while
you got that right.
Good BASIC Machine!! Got one like it 20 inch.. Currently looking for the left & Right rear Height adjust assemblies. My right side cracked...Ebay is pretty high for them..
good luck finding them
Yes,I would buy it to use as a backup mower !
thank you Russell Booth.
Husqvarna made this particular Murray branded mower, fun fact about Murray - in 2005 Briggs & Stratton took over Murray when they filed bankruptcy after owing Briggs & Stratton nearly 40 million, over the years Briggs contracted out many different mfg's for their mowers, MTD made some of the riders, z-turn's and hand held equipment and Husqvarna Outdoor Products (HOP) made certain models of equipment, if the model tag on a push mower says McRae,GA it was made by HOP, riders would say Orangeburg,SC.
Not a fan of those decks, but give me that B&S Classic any day! Easy to work on, take a beating and keep on going, and cheap to "tune up". Keep an eye out at your local Lowe's, as they have started the OPE parts clearance process - at least near me. OEM filters for these around $2, diaphragm kit around $5. I also try to clean most of what I fix and sell. When I sell them, I get less hassles from buyers and they tend to show up more timely with a nice, clean mower.
I can understand that.
Yes are they easy to work on to get running again . U might run into one that has more problems. But sometimes I don't mind a challenge to get my knowledge from it.
I agree.
For me these mowers are the best no frills 21/22" deck side shoot only no Bagger no self propelled crap to break and stop working. Then leaf blow large piles or clumps after the cut that's my kind of mower. Just got a deck similar to this can't wait to put my auto choke Briggs motor on it. That motors from 05. Have a mower from 08 just needed a new deck. Got it free luv having multiple mowers to switch back and forth from. Trimmers as well.
you got that right.
Lol while my neighbor doesn't even have a mower of his own yet in 3 yrs of living there lol. They're jerks from NYC don't feel bad for them.
The biggest problem I ever had was trying to fix one of these with the carb on the tank. It ended up in my scrapper friends pickup. Maybe I'll try again but I have to have gotten it for free. I need more room then my 8x12 shed to do my work and keep my other crap.
I feel your pain Ed Rodrigues
Check spark plug too. Can make a difference.
absolutely
A friend of mine put too much oil in their mower!! They started it, & the smoke was enough to obscure her house from view!! A couple of minutes later, I got a phone call. I soon had it fixed, after draining the engine, & putting back the proper amount. She put half a litre too much in!!
nice work!
Yes I would buy it. Those mowers lasts & last
thank you Mike Jones.
I would buy an older mower like this over today's push mowers.
agreed
Did you change the oil dip stick to the yellow cap? Mine comes with a longer spout style. I would like to convert to the yellow because there are threads inside the engine case and it seems to have the yellow style would be a tighter fit rather than relying on just an o ring to seal. But does the yellow cap still have a dip stick?
no that's the way It came to m e
Great video with lots of good detail, filming and narration! I have a Murray mower with a Briggs and Stratton 625EX. When I tried to start the mower, it started for 30 seconds and then let out a big puff a white smoke and quit. After a brief inspection, I noticed that the air filter is soaked with oil and there is some oil on the top of mower and some on the spark plug - there appears to still be adequate oil in the oil reservoir. I know that is limited information, but can you speculate on the most probable cause of the oil and the most likely solution?
interesting, I don't think you mentioned, if you tried to start it back up? If I had to guess, with the limited information, would be the piston is cracked, or the blade hit something hard enough to shear the flywheel key, causing a backfire thru the intake
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I'm thinking head gasket and fouled plug?
no I don't think so.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Why not?
not enough info
I got one of these mowers trash picking a month ago. They have a design flaw with how the handle mounts to the deck and one 1/2 centimeter stamped steel tab holds them into position on each side and when they break the handles become useless and floppy. I need a couple of brackets but was thinking I may just put a few self tappers in to replace the broken tabs.
I wouldn't call it a flaw, the metal is just thin.
I have the exact same mower and have done this procedure in the past. It has very few hours on it ..since it is simply a back up. Always has been dependable with this basic cleaning. However, just this past year it runs for about 10 minutes then kicks off. It is easy to restart second third pull runs 10 minutes then clicks off. Any thoughts? Thank you again for these great videos! Love your approach on what you do.
could be the spark plug, ignition coil, or the gas cap.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE thank you ...guess I will start with loosening the gas cap since it is the easiest.
I love those simple mowers with the Briggs flat-heads on ‘em. Hey not to be a jerk or anything but you should never ever use a vacuum to pick up flammable solvents or even fumes from an empty gas tank, they truly can and do explode.
no you're not being a jerk at all, and I've done it plenty of times, and most of me is still here.
Great video.
Just wondering about vacuuming up the fuel, and the carby cleaner: Are you not at risk of a gas explosion in the vacuum cleaner, assuming it has a brushed motor?
yep it's a brushed motor with lots of spark. Most of me is still here so no it didn't explode
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE
I hope it *NEVER* explodes, but all of the required conditions are present, each time you do this.
With my woodgas powered engines, I have had quite a number of vicious explosions, and, as much 'fun' as they are, I wood knot recommend them, as they will really mess your hair up!
What was the last year of production for these flat heads? I have a collection ranging from years 1975 to 03 . Also two 3.5 flat tops and 3 Quantums from 5-6.75 hp.. I just picked one of these up off the curb as well. Had no compression. Pulled the head and had to peen the valve seat, then compression went back to 90 psi and it took right off. They were great little mills and as you said run forever, with a little TLC. Better engines then the modern throw away OHV mills
I wish I know myself
I have two questions:
1) What do you do/use to prep before you wash equipment? What do you use to keep water out of the tank and intake?
2) What website do you use to find these for free?
Thank you! I've been obsessed with your videos for about a week now!
1. I typically remove the air filter, and if need be block the exhaust port, if it's possible. I sometimes wrap the intake or muffler, with a plastic bag, if I'm that worried about water intrusion
2. I use FB market place or craigslist.
No problem and thanks for the questions
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Thank you so much!
no problem
Backwards. Make sure you can get it running before Cleaning it up. Looked like original Plug.
Bottom of the Fuel tank looked pitted (5:40) and should be coated. Fuel Tanks are not readily available. Grease or rebush (make new bushings) for wheels. Coat underside of deck with used oil if available. I just got a 3HP 20" Murray running. Right Price.
my mower my choice backwards and forwards, got it running.
What did you use to make the decks really shiny like you did on this mower? always trying to find new stuff to help with that. Light oil works but dosent last and seems all the dust sticks to it.
it's a product you can find at the autocrats store, but unfortunately I'm not at liberty to say.
What do you use to shine up the things you get
unfortunately I'm not at liberty to say but you can buy it, at any store, in your town.
Another great video. What did you shine it up with? It makes a big difference in resale $.
I comes in a bottle from the store, and is super inexpensive. unfortunately the name escapes me.
Automatic transmission fluid works wonders for old, oxidized paint. Just a little on a rag, wipe on and rub off all the excess!
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE if you remember, pass it along.
Thanks,
Jim
May I ask for your opinion on used machines in regards to oil changes?
Mineral oils vs Semi Synthetic oils?
New engines my belief is mineral as they where made for it, plus for warranty purposes.
I do believe there is a huge difference, between mineral oil and Semi synthetic Oil, as far as "heat" I don't think mineral oil, can take the same heat abuse, as automotive oil.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE let me ask question again, I may have caused some confusion.
Small engine mineral oil vs Small engine semi synthetic oils.
Which would you suggest sticking with mineral oils or changing to semi synthetic blends (usually 20% Synthetic component in mix).
This question could apply to two stroke oils as well.
hmm.. I don't know. why are you asking?
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE in Australia we have an option to use Semi Synthetic oils for 4 stroke engines, why I was asking is it worth using or just use mineral oils like we always had.
What do you do with your old oil, I take mine up to a junkyard that has a oil burning furnace
I would like o do something like that, burn it for heat but I take it to a recycling center.
nice!
In Australia second hand mowers are expensive but I have to laugh at some of the prices people are asking....😊
very true
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE with Honda’s exit from the USA market in 2023 will increase sales now and in second hand market.
The old pulsejet
yes sir
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE becareful of those 4 cycle can fuels such as True Fuel they have a tendency to decintgrate the pulsejet gaskets. Now I haven't had a issue with the pre-mixed can fuel for about 2 years now
thanks for the information
Whats a good engine cleaner for mowers?
any degreaser you use for cars will work. I use the degreaser from Harbor Freight and I really like using it.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Thks. Bro, that^s a big 10-4. By the way,is it possible to add a throttle control like the older mowers used to a lawn mower that uses the modern basic lever to operate the mower.Not to add but to replace with.
I'm just one person but I like knowing what products you use like the cleaner you said was from dollar store but I'm curious what you used to make the color pop?
the cleaner from the dollar store is LA's Awesome cleaner but you can get it anywhere. I use "Color Pop" it's mean to make colors brighter.
Hi. I was wondering. I have a project a 4cycle Ryobi weed eater I replaced the fuel lines and bulb. But when I put it together I pump the fuel bulb and no fuel goes in it but I take the gas cap off and it builds up pressure in the tank. IDK what the problem is.
I do believe there's a problem with the carb that's not allowing fuel to move thru the lines and carb.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE ok thank you so much. Love your videos sure do help me out a lot.
I appreciate that.
Can someone tell me what the website is? I wanna see if I can get some mowers like this
sure, Craigslist and FB marketplace
I rebuild one of these carbraters and replace the head gasket on one of these mowers
nice
I have a Briggs and Stratton 3.75 engine all that it needs a new gas tank and foam Air filter
nice, it's not that expensive.
Spark plug lead needs to go back into its open g in the middle to prevent getting cut by the shroud.
yes you are correct
I want one
they're nicer than you think.
Its a good mower, at least the chassis had no real signs of rust. I used to like Honda mowers but they rust away quite quickly it seems.
you got that right, this ones pretty good .
👍🏾
Thank you William F.
Excellent work bro.🤟🤟👍👍🤙🤙
Thanks ✌️
If it was a 2014, I'd say it's a museum piece because that is the last year for those engines. I have a gray 20" never used display model. Has the Murray sticker and ayp rear handle brackets that crack the deck. It's not going to get used. All the rest will. What's annoying and expensive is building an engine from parts. Especially older designs. Namely the Tecumseh with different crankshafts for the old points and electric start systems. I had to find a correct model number for my short block. After that I decided I didn't want to pay$50 just for a flywheel.
wow nice example you got there!
do you also do videos on home garage i think is the channel name?
yep same guy, they channels were originally supposed to diagnosis other repair but people didn't like it.
I need to find the springs
they sell the kits online
multi grade oil?
quite possible
I had a mower like this years ago, it wasn't great but it did what it did. I find these engines irritating to work on as they have to be primed and growing up with a Honda HR214 mower I never had to prime but manually choke it and I think that's a better way to start these machines. The carburetors rely on a diaphragm system and I am not a fan of pumps on something that can be gravity fed. And of course, ethanol or not the diaphragms degrade over time and need to be replaced. I would rather spend money on a good mower (and I did, each of my mowers over time have been Honda, some of them 30 or more years old and more recently a Commercial Honda that cost me nearly $1800 Canadian. Was it worth it? Totally. I use it from early May to mid to late November when the grass stops growing but the leaves fall to pick them up.
everything you mentioned is correct.
The worst thing about any lawnmower engine is that dumb primer pump. I have a Murray 22" with a 5HP B&S Quantum Engine and it is a PITA to start. It takes at least 5 tries and 6 to 10 primer presses each time to start.
Back in the day, all you needed was to choke the engine, pull the starter rope a time or two and it would start. The carb has a float and needle valve to shut off the gas.
The Primer is redundant. Intake vacuum will suck the gas from the bowl.
thank you Doug Adams.
Yes give me that style of engine and mower over the new stuff, every time, the new stuff is not worth messing with in my opinion .
me too Alan Lake.
I might think about putting a drain in the bottom of the tank
nice idea.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Then you could drain/flush the tank, without removing the tank/ carb assembly. In your case though I understand why you did it. Your video gave me hope for getting snow blower started.
nice, thanks
Thanks goofball
anytime bozo
I had one of these last year, but I had to scrap it cause it had a bad knock and the gas tank broke.
that's a shame
Yeah I got it for free so I was kind of expecting something like that happening.
The muffler was also missing
that Briggs identifies as a 2 stroke
LOL!!!
Honda mowers are getting disconnected as of 2024. Super sad to see them go. Now only toro is the mower brand I would buy.
yes it's really sad
Did you notice the tape on the spark plug wire
yeah, but sense it works, I'm not going to investigate it.
I don't like that style carburetor and tank setup I had one years ago and the tank broke where the carburetor attached to the tank and I stuck it under the deck and left it behind after I moved the tank seemed to be made of cast aluminum or some other cast don't know how it broke but it did
yes because there are only 2 mounting points any excess vibration causes tank damage
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE yeah I was really upset at the time it happened cause I was mowing and it happened seemingly out of nowhere and at that time I didn't have another mower so it was a little upsetting that it broke but no big deal I got another one from someone don't remember who all it needed was the brake cable so two lawn mowers became one working lawn mower lol
Owner couldn't be bothered to keep dirt out of the gas tank.
you got that right.
Did you hear Honda is going to stop production of their push mowers next year? It's true.
yes it's true, and very sad but very understandable
Briggs just make junk these days they used to be one of the best though.
you are correct
The plastic carbs are just trash. All the parts just snap or break off.
yes they eventually do that.
$99 bucks and would last 15/20 years
you got that right.
The rear wheel bracket design on this mower is terrible. I drill a hole and add a 1/4 in bolt to keep them tight. Funny how the engineers couldn’t figure it out
nice tip!