B&S tune-up after unintended bath

[tonycarguy]

A few weeks ago I foolishly left my B&S push mower out in the rain. Naturally it wouldn't start anymore. I was going to throw it out but thought it'd be fun to try to fix it (I like DIY stuff).

First thing was to clean the spark plug but that didn't fix anything. Then after removing the cowl I could see the flywheel magnets and coil magnets had rusted out badly. I cleaned them thoroughly. Since I had the mower partially disassembled I decided to remove and clean the carb as well. Then I replaced the air filter.

Now the mower starts with just one low-effort tug and with only one prime. It runs very well. So next time you forget your mower outside in the rain, don't throw it away! Mowers are quite simple to work on

 

[duaneb9729]

Thats great to know, thank you for "testing" this out for us!

 

[ProfPS]

Thanks for sharing. I'm going to include putting a coat of oil on the magnets since it appears to be a vulnerable to rust component under the engine cover that would impact starting.

 

[eoghan]

I would have never even thought of throwing away a mower just because it got rained on!! LOL!

I had a walk behind one that was left outside all the time year round. I did not have a garage. And it lasted me 10 years and it was an old used one I got from a buddy that had it for a long time too. The deck finally rusted out and the wheels were falling of so I decided to get rid of it then.

But yes those magnets can and do rust and that will keep it from starting, simple cleaning them is all that it takes!!! I usually just use a piece of light grit sandpaper or even a fine wire brush will do it. You just have to buff them to a shine.

 

[eoghan]

be careful of oiling the magnets! you can over do it and get them too greasy and that will cause starting problems too. maybe just a light spritz of WD40 or something, nothing too heavy!!!

 

[RF Overlord]

I accidentally leave my walk-behind mower with a Tecumseh engine out in the rain once in a while and it never seems to care.

 

[Steve S]

Got wet wouldn't start . Dried out now it starts. It happens everytime My lawn mower gets washed or sits out in the rain because I was to lazy to put it undercover.

 

[tonycarguy]

Originally Posted By: ProfPS
Thanks for sharing. I'm going to include putting a coat of oil on the magnets since it appears to be a vulnerable to rust component under the engine cover that would impact starting.


I don't think oiling it will help because it'll fling off once you run the mower (and possibly catch fire). You'd have to reapply very frequently... quite a hassle.

 

[boraticus]

If you want to leave the mower out in all weather and don't want the engine exposed to the elements, get a big plastic tote box and throw that over the engine. It'll be like portable garage for the mower. You might want to bungee it down on windy days.

 

[tonycarguy]

Originally Posted By: boraticus

If you want to leave the mower out in all weather and don't want the engine exposed to the elements, get a big plastic tote box and throw that over the engine. It'll be like portable garage for the mower. You might want to bungee it down on windy days.


I used to cover the engine with a plastic tarp held down with rocks. In retrospect I don't think it will keep the mower from rusting slowly because there's still a lot of moisture on the ground during and after rainfall, and that moisture will rust the engine. You don't need liquid water touching metal to cause rust. Saturated air can do that too, just a little slower

 

[tmorris1]

Originally Posted By: tonycarguy
Originally Posted By: ProfPS
Thanks for sharing. I'm going to include putting a coat of oil on the magnets since it appears to be a vulnerable to rust component under the engine cover that would impact starting.


I don't think oiling it will help because it'll fling off once you run the mower (and possibly catch fire). You'd have to reapply very frequently... quite a hassle.

And collect dirt like mad...

I have had mowers and tillers that sit out in the weather all the time. They start right up.