Recent content by GMB74

It's been awhile since I worked at a JD dealership, but here goes: The bracket on the mower deck that anchors the end of the control cable may be slotted. Loosen the bolt and slide the bracket to tighten up the cable a little. If it isn't slotted maybe you can modify the bracket to provide some...

It's an oldie for sure. Many of the parts are NLA from Sears, but once you have the part number for the item you are looking for, you can search online for it. Many parts are out there, NOS or used, or still available new from one of the other AYP brands (Poulan, Husqvarna, etc.)

Parts fische? Oh,my....... That brings back some memories.

You really need the model number, which is likely to be 917. xxxx. The engine tag gives you a time frame- around 1995. I don't know if some RKI here on this site can use the engine numbers to figure out what you have.

That looks like a Poulan-built (model 917.xxxxx) saw. #4 cord ( 1/8 inch, 3mm) should work.

Go to searspartsdirect.com . Insert your model number in the search box, numbers only, no dot after the first 3 digits. That should bring up the IPL and give you a part number for the cord. Google search for the part number and see what comes up. Also search ebay, you may find a listing that...

Measuring the width of the sheave can be a misleading method. Usually the sheave is made a bit wide to guide the cord into place. I have found the best way to determine the proper size is to look it up in the IPL for that piece of equipment. If the diameter is not stated in the listing, a quick...

A compression test on a small 4-cycle engine will give a misleading low reading due to the automatic compression relief. A leakdown test is performed by bringing the engine's piston to TDC on the compression stroke and locking the crankshaft to prevent it from turning. The cylinder is then...

stretch5881 is correct about the leakdown test. These engines have an automatic compression relief for easy hand starting. A compression test will give a very low and misleading reading.

Is your replacement carb a genuine OEM carb or aftermarket Chinese carb? Aftermarket carbs are hit or miss. You may have a "miss" here.

Does it fail to start only when cold, or also fail to restart when warmed up? Choke closing fully? Weak spark due to failing coil? Air leak in the intake system? Low compression from being run low on oil? Plugged muffler/exhaust?

I agree with Shane, check those items first. Also be aware these single-cylinder Briggs engine blow head gaskets when they get old or have been run hot. The gasket is not well supported between the cylinder and valve pushrod area. Do a leak down test and see if air is going into the crankcase...

what Tractors do AYP, Jonsered, McCulloch, Poulan, Poulan Pro, RedMax, and Weed Eater make? AYP (American Yard Products) is the parent company or is associated with of all the makes you listed, plus Husqvarna, some Craftsman, Rally, Roper, Dixon, some Ariens, Ryobi, Black Max and other chain...

DM sent

If you are using it on small single cylinder 4 cycle engines like lawnmowers, wood splitters, etc. it doesn't matter because they spark at TDC every time, just like 2 cycle engines. It gets more complex with multi-cylinder engines. Most tachs can toggle through different settings to give an...