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View Full Version : FC420V Locked up, but not locked up???


bc3xx0
07-17-2009, 01:28 AM
Ok, here is the story. I have an Encore 36 inch fixed deck mower with a good FC420V motor on it with very low hours. The deck itself isn't all that great.

I was searching Craigslist and found a 2004 Exmark Metro with a floating deck in really good shape for 500 bucks. The only problem was the motor they went to change the oil, drained it, forgot to put new oil in, and started mowing causing the motor to lock up.

I thought about it, think I would take the motor off of my Encore piece together a nice mower, so I offered the dude 400 bucks for it and he took it.

I tried pulling the rope, but it was locked up. I removed the starter, and top cover and gave the fly wheel a wiggle. It was locked up. I took out the spark plug and wiggled the flywheel again. This time it started turning. I cycled it around and it was free. I put my finger over the spark plug hole and it built compression. I pulled the oil filter and dumped it on a paper towel. It still had some oil in it and no signs of metal (I didn't cut the filter apart though). I then put oil in it and put the cover and starter back on. After putting oil in it I pulled the rope about ten times or so, put the plug back in, added gas, and pulled the rope. It fired up! There was a little smoke on the initial fire up, but it went away immediately. After mowing my grass with it, I let her cool, then fired it up again, and there was no smoke this time.

It has about 45 minutes of run time since I fired it up and plan on changing the oil before I use it again just to flush out in case there is a little metal in it.

My question is this: Was this like a soft seize where it just got hot and expanded and was just enough to **** a ring or something?? I'm thinking that when I wiggled the flywheel backward, it set the ring or something.

Do you think this motor is hurt and just a timebomb, or should I not worry about it?

I'm no small engine mechanic, so let me know what you think!!

Thanks.

Breezmister
07-19-2009, 10:48 PM
, forgot to put new oil in, and started mowing causing the motor to lock up..

:hammerhead: This is why I check the oil lever on every machine that comes into the shop.


Do you think this motor is hurt and just a timebomb, or should I not worry about it?
Thanks.

I think you got a great deal ! And I wouldn't worry about the engine. As long as it is not smoking, a little TLC will go a long way.

bc3xx0
07-20-2009, 02:49 PM
I think you got a great deal ! And I wouldn't worry about the engine. As long as it is not smoking, a little TLC will go a long way.

Yeah, I'm trying not to worry! Usually I buy something new or running and it blows up!! I'm not used to buying something thats junk and it ends up running really good!! I've changed the oil twice now, and no metal so my confidence is going up with it!! Its only got three small yards to mow, so I'm thinking it will last forever.