Mechanic Needed (Not Cars)

Sassinak · Mechanic Needed (Not Cars)

We are accumulating poorly machinery and need to do something about it.

We have a relatively new ride on mower which appears to have a piston/piston ring gone.
A relatively new large petrol flymo thet splutters and farts and won't run and
a 2 stroke strimmer which refuses to run.

Any mechanics out there who want to earn some extra cash or does anyone know of a reasonably priced man who could tackle any or all of them?

Smooth Hound

norally yes, but unfortunately im not up to it yet, they probably just need a service and fresh fuel, except the ring of course.

Ironworker

Hi Sass
Here are a couple of things you may try before you go the expense of a mechanic.
The strimmer first. 1st make sure you are getting a spark you do this by removing the sparkplug hold it against the cylinder head and pull the starter cord, you should get a big fat spark. If you don't then clean the plug with a wire brush, then hold the sparking end in a flame and allow it to get really hot to burn off any oil that remains. If you have a spark and the plug remains dry after several atempts to start it there is a blockage in the fuel system ( normally a blocked jet in the carb).
If the plug is wet, empty the fuel out and replace it making sure you have the correct mixture your manufacturer recommends, sometimes I get a bit generous with the oil and our strimmer becomes a devil to start. We had a McCulloch strimmer once that almost impossible to start, the best thing we ever did was throw it in the bin

The Flymo sounds as if the slow running jet in the carb is blocked, if you can, remove the float chamberon the bottom of the carb ( this is normally held on by a bolt or 4 screws) and clean out any dirt or grit then blow out the jets that are set in the body of the carburettor. Once you have done this will hopefully sort it.
Hope this is of help.

Smooth Hound

i should where a good thick rubber glov or 2 when you hold the spark plug,unless you want an instant punk hair do

Lord_Azrael

I remember once testing a spark plug out on a mower whilst at school, holding the plug lead with the plug still in against the mower to see if it worked.
Unfortunately, there was residual petrol on top and a nice little fire ensued.......

Needless to say, my vehicle work has greatly improved since those days and I would be happy to have a look at stuff that needs fixing, but I seem to be well out of most peoples areas over here in the west.

Ironworker

So thats why I'm losing my hair