Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): TROYBILT LTX1842, internal engine components, briggs and stratton

Question
QUESTION: Hi Mr Jones,

Q: My mower loses power when you engage the blades. When mowing it almost wants to die but if I stop and wait for a little bit the engine speeds up and runs right. But it does that the entire time I mow.

I've replaced the fuel filter, soak/cleaned carb, changed oil, spark plug, air filter, belts, adjusted valves, new fuel, nothing works. Need Help Please..

2003 TROYBILT LTX1842
model_number: 31D777-0233-E1

ANSWER: What is the valve clearance set at?  Did you blow compressed air from an air compressor through all the carburetor orfices when you cleaned the carburetor?  Have you performed a cylinder leakdown test to see if the internal engine components, rings, and/or the head gasket is bad?

Here is a link for leak down testing:

http://engines.myfaqcenter.com/Answer.aspx?p_faqid=1864&body_0$tbKeyword=leak down

You do not have to have the Briggs and Stratton version of the leak down tester...they cost a lot of $$.  You can use a Harbor Freight version which is about 1/4 of the price.  Usually if a leak is bad enough you will hear air leaking past the faulty component.  You can even use baby powder to verify the leak as the powder will "fly" away from the leak such as around the head gasket.  Just sprinkle a litte powder around the cylinder head when performing a leak down test.

Let me know if this helps.
Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Eric,

Well I toke my mower to a mechanic and they said the valves were not opening all the way and sounded like internal engine problems. So I've removed the engine today and so far fold a silver like paste at the bottom of the sump. The valve and cylinder are full of carbon. I'm not sure way to go from here or what I need to look at that has caused my engine power failure. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,
Rodney

Answer
Have you removed the cylinder head and engine sump to inspect the internal engine components?

Do you know if the shop performed a leaddown test?  Did they check to see if the problem may have been a bent push rod?  How old is the mower?  Did you change the oil per the manual? These engines are pretty reliable and will usually last at least 5 years with little to no maintenance other than adding oil.  Proper maintenance and oil changes and the engine can last twenty years.

Let me know.
Eric