Why does my mower sound too powerful?
I have a briggs and stratton i/c gold 14.5 hp engine on my 16 year old lawn tractor. I recently replaced the head gasket along with adjusting the valves. When I started it up i noticed that it sounded like my idle speed was too high. I then adjusted the idle speed screw and it sounded better than it did before, but it was still too powerful. I then messed with the governor but no change came from that. Now, I have the idle speed screw set as low as possible and can't further adjust it. I then went to the Mower Shop and asked them about. I was told that i either have too small of a gap between the valves. I adjusted the valves to where they said and started it up. It still sounded too powerful. I was baffled by it's non changing condition. Is there anything else i can do to fix my mower?
When u put it back together did you put the muffler back on?
Also, you stated you did some repairs, if it was getting old it was losing power and by fixing it, of course it is gonna to run stronger than your use to.
Also check the carb and float. Sometimes something can get stuck in there and if the pin isn't closing, it gets constant fuel and runs to rich.
Other than that without looking at It that is the best I can offer
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US $4.99
My old farm tractor is the best toy I ever bought. I'm a simple man, I used to enjoy working on my car, changing the plugs, tuning the carburetor, just plain 'ole tinkering; that changed (along with the rest of the world) when computers entered the picture. And while they have revolutionized the way we live and work, they made tinkering a thing of the past. I refused to let that happen when I bought my first old farm tractor. I'm not a farmer by trade, but I love the land and enjoy dragging my bush hog, it keeps me in touch with the land. And tinkering? Well that keeps my old farm tractor running smooth and gives me some time away from the keyboard.
I learned a lot when I started looking for my first old farm tractor. Old is just a term if the older tractor runs good and does the job intended, but be certain to check thoroughly when shopping. In my case, I brought a neighbor of mine along who just happened to be a John Deere rep, feeling certain he'd give my potential old farm tractor purchase, a good "once over".
Of course what's a good older tractor for me, might not be your bailiwick at all, different strokes for different folks. So ask yourself (like you didn't already know) are you buying the old farm tractor for work or play (restoration)? Are you looking to save money with an older tractor, or are you waxing nostalgic and looking to create a pristine show tractor?
Another thing to consider is the kind of service you'll expect; will you be working the field, tinkering like I do, or only bringing the old farm tractor out for county fairs. In any of these cases, when you're looking an older tractor, you'll want to make certain she's mechanically sound. If you're actually a collector (or tinkerer) chances are you'll know a local mechanic to bring along, they are worth their weight, believe me and could help you find a gem, or avoid a lemon.
First thing my John Deere rep did was climb on the old workhorse to see if she started up easy, telling me if she did, that's a good indicator that the battery, compression, ignition and fuel lines are in working order. Now if it doesn't start, don't head for the hills, just make sure the price is right, since it will need a bit of work.
The farmer who owned the old farm tractor told us to go ahead and... "Take 'er for a spin", he smiled then walked away to do some chores. While all sellers might not be so friendly, it's very important to test the tractor engine when it's warmed up; are then any leaks, how does the engine sound? Then, shut her down, and see if the old farm tractor starts again.
While you're warming the old farm tractor up, and assuming you have the go ahead to actually take her out of the barn, check the brakes, if there okay, great, another mark for the plus column, if they're mushy and might need work, ask how difficult a brake job is, some older tractors have brakes that are very difficult to work on; this is where that farm tractor mechanic friend will come in.
Check to see if the exhaust is, a little blue or black smoke might just indicate a needed tune-up, blue smoke may say ring job. If so, plan accordingly, or find another old gem to buy.
Listen closely to how the old farm tractor engine sounds any unusual deep throated clunking sounds? Let's hope not, but if do, time to thank the owner for his time, and head for the next prospective choice.
Years ago, back when they had "full service" gas stations, I remember the attendant saying... "Check the oil sir"? And that is definitely something you should do with your older (antique) tractor. Oil in a tractor is the lifeblood, does it look clear (indicating a recent change); or is there foam or water present. If you see drops of water that might be the head gasket and serious problems might exist. Water in the oil is NEVER a good sign; again, time for a "thank you and goodbye".
Anytime you purchase a piece of machinery with the "new" worn off, take the time to be certain your purchase has aged gracefully. None of us want to see an old antique tractor rusting in a field, but neither do we want to buy a "pig in a poke". Ask, look, examine, test; and if you're satisfied, whip out the checkbook, put a smile on a farmer's face, then take the old farm tractor home and get some work done.
Tangopang is the author and editor of more lawn tractors resources published at [http://www.economytractorsupplystore.com] Find more publications about lawn tractors [http://www.economytractorsupplystore.com] at his website.
Yard Man Lawn Mower Overhaul Part 1
