Page Turner Posted September 19, 2020 Share #1 Posted September 19, 2020 AS many of you may already know, I fix stuff. That's how I ended up with al the bikes. For many years I did all my own car repairs, and when I was exploring ways to make money other than working for Social Security, I took both a full credential set of courses in car mechanicals, and threw in a course in small engine and lawnmower repair. I have been mowing my lawn (front and back) here in River Park for the past 20 years with an old Snapper Hi-Vac that someone left out for the annual curbside household junk pickup the year after we moved in here. For the first few years, I just used the bag, and the blade it came with. It burned a lot of oil, and smoked a little bit, but it started and ran on the first pull ever time. I finally decided one winter in the off season to upgrade and customize it a little, so I tossed the bag, covered the spot in the deck where it sucked up the grass with a plastic decking cover, and installed a mulching blade. I think somewhere along the line, one or more of the wheels needed replacing, and when I put on the mulching blade, I bought and installed a more powerful Honda commercial engine, that I bought on sale over at the mower shop here. I think I might have also added a fuel shut off valve in the line ahead of the carburetor So in the past couple of weeks I've noticed the deck is starting to rust out, over near one of the front wheel supports. this is something I could probably repair too, but it would require some cutting, bracing, and welding I am loathe to undertake. and rust never sleeps, so it would probably fail somewhere else soon if, even if I did that. The obvious answer is to finish out this season, junk this mower, and just go buy another mower that will do the same thing on my lawn...probably a little better. But I am traumatized by the thought of finally sending this one off to the landfill, especially with the engine still in pretty good shape. I don't really want to look around for another junked out mower and take it for the deck. The money to buy the new one is not a big deal. I think it's more that this mower deserves some consideration after its long life n service to landscape. And there's this annoying part of me that thinks I ought to fix every god damn thing, instead of replacing it. That's all. I just wanted a chance to rant at myself. Obviously, there is something wrong with me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airehead Posted September 19, 2020 Share #2 Posted September 19, 2020 Find a new deck. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rattlecan ★ Posted September 19, 2020 Share #3 Posted September 19, 2020 Well done for keeping it going this long. I think it deserves to rust in peace. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longjohn ★ Posted September 19, 2020 Share #4 Posted September 19, 2020 Here’s one on my junk pile that is a good solid deck. If you are out this way stop and get it. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted September 19, 2020 Author Share #5 Posted September 19, 2020 36 minutes ago, Airehead said: Find a new deck. ...is what my most annoying inner voice keeps saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted September 19, 2020 Share #6 Posted September 19, 2020 With a good deck, you could take some time to paint it like one of your frames, see if you could cobble it into a self propelled machine, put a bit of framework on the back so you could stand behind it while it moves and maybe bore and stroke the engine to handle the extra load, 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bikeguy Posted September 19, 2020 Share #7 Posted September 19, 2020 1 hour ago, Page Turner said: And there's this annoying part of me that thinks I ought to fix every god damn thing, instead of replacing it. You must be old. I kept our Maytag washer and drier running for 30+ years. Way beyond what is probably 'normal'. When we built our new home WoBG wanted to move the old washer and drier. I insisted, they remain back at the old home. My JD lawn tractor is about 20 years old. It still works just fine. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted September 19, 2020 Author Share #8 Posted September 19, 2020 4 minutes ago, maddmaxx said: With a good deck, you could take some time to paint it like one of your frames, see if you could cobble it into a self propelled machine, put a bit of framework on the back so you could stand behind it while it moves and maybe bore and stroke the engine to handle the extra load, 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted September 19, 2020 Share #9 Posted September 19, 2020 That's alright. I have a John Deere lawn tractor and I want to make it radio controlled. Resisted the urge so far. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdc2000 Posted September 19, 2020 Share #10 Posted September 19, 2020 https://www.ereplacementparts.com/housing-cutter-nh462-vintage-gray-solid-p-1443665.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInIS88oT26wIVtBx9Ch3kfwgmEAQYASABEgIrQPD_BwE https://www.ereplacementparts.com/housing-cutter-nh190m-vintage-gray-metallic-p-1444635.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInIS88oT26wIVtBx9Ch3kfwgmEAQYAyABEgKqI_D_BwE https://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Deck-Assembly/787-01278-0638/1620843 https://www.ebay.com/b/Honda-Lawn-Mower-Decks/82248/bn_42772698 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted September 19, 2020 Author Share #11 Posted September 19, 2020 32 minutes ago, jdc2000 said: https://www.ereplacementparts.com/housing-cutter-nh462-vintage-gray-solid-p-1443665.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInIS88oT26wIVtBx9Ch3kfwgmEAQYASABEgIrQPD_BwE https://www.ereplacementparts.com/housing-cutter-nh190m-vintage-gray-metallic-p-1444635.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInIS88oT26wIVtBx9Ch3kfwgmEAQYAyABEgKqI_D_BwE https://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Deck-Assembly/787-01278-0638/1620843 https://www.ebay.com/b/Honda-Lawn-Mower-Decks/82248/bn_42772698 ...thank you. This is just as crazy as the pricing structure for old bike components. I should have known that there were crazy olde farts with a collection of "classic" lawn mowers out in the garage. Those guys are always looking to restore another one. I will part mine out, put a little JB weld on the old Snapper deck and paint over it, sell everything on ebay, and use the money to buy a new Honda commercial mower. This is why I come to this forum....for the wealth of information and solid practical advice. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted September 19, 2020 Author Share #12 Posted September 19, 2020 ...I will resist the temptation to buy self propelled, though. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkpow Posted September 19, 2020 Share #13 Posted September 19, 2020 Have you got yourself a good quality buffer? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smudge ★ Posted September 19, 2020 Share #14 Posted September 19, 2020 Keep the engine, let the deck RIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted September 19, 2020 Share #15 Posted September 19, 2020 There is another complete hobby available to you at this time Page if you so wish. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoseySusan Posted September 19, 2020 Share #16 Posted September 19, 2020 2 hours ago, Page Turner said: ...is what my most annoying inner voice keeps saying. As well as two, lovely and completely unannoying outer voices. Get a deck. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted September 20, 2020 Author Share #17 Posted September 20, 2020 ...there is quite a cool collection of mower gif's linked to the forum software. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Silly Posted September 20, 2020 Share #18 Posted September 20, 2020 21 hours ago, Page Turner said: So in the past couple of weeks I've noticed the deck is starting to rust out, over near one of the front wheel supports. this is something I could probably repair too, but it would require some cutting, bracing, and welding I am loathe to undertake. and rust never sleeps, so it would probably fail somewhere else soon if, even if I did that. Can you grind the rust off and paint over it with a decent metal paint? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted September 20, 2020 Author Share #19 Posted September 20, 2020 29 minutes ago, Mr. Silly said: Can you grind the rust off and paint over it with a decent metal paint? ...sure, but the front wheel will still eventually fall off, because it's rusted through completely in the photo where the grass shows through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Silly Posted September 20, 2020 Share #20 Posted September 20, 2020 4 minutes ago, Page Turner said: ...sure, but the front wheel will still eventually fall off, because it's rusted through completely in the photo where the grass shows through. I think you deleted all your photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted September 20, 2020 Author Share #21 Posted September 20, 2020 19 minutes ago, Mr. Silly said: I think you deleted all your photos. ...Square Wheels made me do it, so he could make this month's BMW payment. I think I'm probably gonna go with just buying this one up at Bliss Power and Lawn Equipment. HRS216PKA HRS2165PKA,HRS216K5PKA 21" Side Discharge Mower, Push Push type Side discharge Easy starting Honda GCV160 engine MSRP $389* Shop Online Compare Products Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted September 20, 2020 Author Share #22 Posted September 20, 2020 ...one of the reviews. I'd like to go for the upgraded commercial engine (which is a better engine), but they don't make a side discharge mulching mower with that engine. ★★★★★★★★★★5 out of 5 stars. · 4 months ago Best mulching all-steel -deck push mower money can buy I looked long and hard for a simple push mower, no bag, no drive system, with a sturdy deck. I even made the mistake of buying a Craftsman with a Honda engine; it was a piece of junk and fortunately Lowes took it back after it was used once. I could tell when I opened the box that this Honda HRS216 was just what I was looking for. I wish you could still buy a 2 stroke Lawn-Boy with a cast aluminum deck but those days are long gone. This is the best all around trimming mower I could find. This may sound like one of those fake reviews but it's not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MickinMD ★ Posted September 20, 2020 Share #23 Posted September 20, 2020 Any chance of finding the deck for cheap on eBay? My brother-in-law did small motor repair as a part-time sideline while working and is doing more as a recent retiree. With Army and TSA Pensions and Soc.Sec., he doesn't need the extra income, so it's more of a hobby, but he makes a nice profit because of eBay. He gets lots of stuff that's returned to Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, etc., costs $450 new but is marked as low as $50 just to take the returns off their hands. He determines what's wrong and the new replacement part(s) may cost $150 but he finds them for $50 on eBay. So he invests $100 total and sells it for $250. He spends a lot of time patiently waiting for the part to show up on eBay - he's got 5-10 no-hurry items to repair at any given time and fixes whatever part shows up first - and you'll have a good while to look occasionally there until spring if you know just what you need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Page Turner Posted September 20, 2020 Author Share #24 Posted September 20, 2020 13 minutes ago, MickinMD said: Any chance of finding the deck for cheap on eBay? ...one of those links upstream is to lawnmower decks on e-bay. Maybe if this was some fancy-dancy, self propelled , advanced guidance system mower, it might be worth it to pay $75 and another $50 shipping for a deck, but in this case with a brand new Honda side discharge equivalent mower available for under $400, and I can pick it up locally for free, it makes no sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted September 20, 2020 Share #25 Posted September 20, 2020 Well you will certainly be better off than waiting for kzoo to come mow it for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Further Posted September 21, 2020 Share #26 Posted September 21, 2020 I think Briggs is making a better engine than Honda 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 21, 2020 Share #27 Posted September 21, 2020 5 hours ago, Further said: I think Briggs is making a better engine than Honda I got a Briggs with my Toro. It's pretty slick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Silly Posted September 21, 2020 Share #28 Posted September 21, 2020 My Craftsman mower has a Briggs. After 20 years, it started on the second pull last spring. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parr8hed Posted September 21, 2020 Share #29 Posted September 21, 2020 This is a struggle that I understand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted September 21, 2020 Share #30 Posted September 21, 2020 2 hours ago, Mr. Silly said: My Craftsman mower has a Briggs. After 20 years, it started on the second pull last spring. what took so long. In 20 years couldn't you find any competent mechanic? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kzoo Posted September 21, 2020 Share #31 Posted September 21, 2020 17 hours ago, maddmaxx said: Well you will certainly be better off than waiting for kzoo to come mow it for you. I don't understand what you're trying to say here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted September 21, 2020 Share #32 Posted September 21, 2020 4 hours ago, Mr. Silly said: My Craftsman mower has a Briggs. After 20 years, it started on the second pull last spring. This was my first year with a new Craftsman. Very nice mower, I sure hope it lasts that long. The Briggs engine starts on first pull most times. I am still amazed there are no throttle or choke controls at all to mess with. Elegant simplicity is cool! There is one adjustment for self-propelled speed. It is currently set to drag my sorry ass along at a nice brisk pace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted September 21, 2020 Share #33 Posted September 21, 2020 13 hours ago, Further said: I think Briggs is making a better engine than Honda Why do you say that? I am a great fan of Briggs engines. Never had a Honda mower but I can't imagine any problems with their engines. My generator has a Subaru and the sneau bleauer is a Tecumseh. Actually none has ever had a problem, but Briggs impressed me by being able to run even with the intake manifold falling off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
team scooter Posted September 21, 2020 Share #34 Posted September 21, 2020 Free to new home, my old mower. It's a self propelled and starts with one pull. It's a mulcher, side discharge or a bagger, the bag is like new as I've never used it. It functions perfectly, it just a little rough around the edges. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Further Posted September 21, 2020 Share #35 Posted September 21, 2020 2 hours ago, Philander Seabury said: Why do you say that? I am a great fan of Briggs engines. Never had a Honda mower but I can't imagine any problems with their engines. My generator has a Subaru and the sneau bleauer is a Tecumseh. Actually none has ever had a problem, but Briggs impressed me by being able to run even with the intake manifold falling off. I bought a Troy bolt mower with a Honda motor, it surges a lot and sputters a good bit, keeps running but doesn’t inspire confidence. Some googling found this is fairly common problem, with no clear solution 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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