QuestionI have an inexpensive Rally lawnmower with a 4.5 Briggs & Stratton motor. It is basically used to mow along a ditch bank. It has started to blow oil out of the muffler and will not start. I have to assume, this mower has seen it's life span. At $120 new, and now 4 years old, is it worth trying to fix? Or is it even fixable, in your opinion?
Thank you,
Steve
AnswerHi Steve,
As you pointed out in your message, your mower has a very-low ticket value.
Even so, given how much garbage is dispensed with every year, I will try my best to offer some tips, so you don't have to trash yours prematurely.
When you note oil consumption is too high: here's my recommendations.
1. Check the level of oil in the oil chamber. If it is too high then this can occur.
2. Check the fins to make sure the engine is being cooled properly.
3. Check all shrouds and blower housings.
4. Check the carburetor to make sure it is set properly.
5. Check to see if the muffler is not obstructed in any way.
6. Check if the engine is running too high for too long. this type of thing can occur.
- IS the governor set properly.
7, Check the cylinder head for a large amount of carbon build up.
8. Check the valve tappet clearances.
9. Make sure the correct spark plug is inserted, and gapped properly.
After completing the above checks let me know how things checked out.
Regards,
Howard
