Small engine mechanic question

[john.k]

Thin hard (HT) steel .....welds do crack ,but typically replacements decks are costly...weld is cheap.............i would never buy a contractors mower ...full stop.

 

[humber2]

I’m keeeping 40 year old B&S engines running down here, nothing is metric on these.

Essential tools are....

15/16 deep offset box end wrench for the flywheel nut.

13/16 spark plug socket with 3/8 drive ratchet.

9/16 6 point box end wrench for the blade holding bolt head.

1/2 box wrench if removing cylinder head.

1/2 6 point socket with 3” extension for pull cord bolt, 1/4 drive ratchet.

7/16 6 point socket for cover removal, 1/4 drive ratchet

5/16 6 point socket for governor blade removal, 1/4 drive ratchet.

1/4 6 point socket for tappet chest cover screws, 1/4 drive ratchet.

Screwdriver for air filter screw.

Feeler gauge set.

Hammer to jolt flywheel free.

Valve spring compressor.

As Taryl would say, “And that’s your dinner”

YMMV

 

[Drunkonunleaded]

I do a lot of powersports and small engine work. 90% of the time I'm using 1/4" due to access. Personally, I'd start there. I also echo the other post for a t-handle. The ones from Motion Pro and Carlyle have a ball bearing in them, which makes spinning even easier. Rarely do I need/use a ratchet on a lot of these fasteners and if I do it's usually a roto head or flex head. Again, due to space constraints.

 

[john.k]

I have a 1976 B&S on a mower ...still runs ,but I got a new mower ,not cause I needed one ,but it has a nice seat instead of a board with 1 '' of foam .

 

[Ohio Andy]

I have no skip Tekton sets..

1/4" is under $100 (barely)

56-Piece 1/4 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set | TEKTON

Includes: 5/32-9/16 inch (SAE), 4-14 mm (Metric) 6-point standard and deep sockets, ratchet, extensions, magnetic hex bit holder, u-joint, spinner handle, and case. No skipped sizes. SKT05303.

www.tekton.com

Their 3/8 set guess down to 1/4" so if the ratchet size is fine, $175 is a great range no skips shallow and deep, SAE and metric

73-Piece 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set | TEKTON

Includes: 1/4-1 inch (SAE), 6-24 mm (Metric) 6-point chrome socket with large stamped markings, 90-tooth ratchet, extension, universal joint, and case. No skipped sizes. SKT15311.

www.tekton.com

Set is not too heavy. If the ratchet is too heavy, add a stubby 3/8.

I picked up a really nice combo set with no skips from SK, put with no skip, shallow and deep. It's really heavy.

If you can handle the steps, just grab your favorite set.