DIYJohn
07-16-2004, 12:39 AM
I'm in possession of an older (about 15 yrs. old) 36" Snapper walk behind. It has a Kawasaki 12.5 HP engine (FB460V) that has been sitting for years. I plan to rebuild the engine and repair or replace the mower parts and paint. I'm a rookie at this but have some mechanical skills. I'd love the opinion of the professionals. Is this a waste of time? Is that engine worth the time of rebuilding?
A few details:
I purchased the mower in late 1999 for $200 from a guy getting out of the business (again) in Nashville, TN.. This was his backup mower. It was not running at the time, I never heard it run. My intension was to "restore it" as a fun project.
My mechanical skills are average or slightly above average, with no experience with small engine repair. I have plenty of tools (I'm sure I'll have to buy more tools for this project, yeah!!), air compressor, a great workbench and work area, and I have time. I'm recovering from two broken legs (15 foot fall when an extension ladder slipped out - ouch)
I purchased a workshop manual for the engine. (I purchased it online, it's a photocopy. They copied it from cover to cover including the paragraph that says..."No part of this publication may be reproduced...and then charged me $20. Oh well.) It appears parts will be available, at least for the engine and hopefully for the mower.
When complete I'll use it to cut my lawn. I'm not looking to compete with the pro's. I'd love to make a few sharp stripes in my lawn with my restored mower.
So, whadoyathink??
John in Plymouth, MA.
A few details:
I purchased the mower in late 1999 for $200 from a guy getting out of the business (again) in Nashville, TN.. This was his backup mower. It was not running at the time, I never heard it run. My intension was to "restore it" as a fun project.
My mechanical skills are average or slightly above average, with no experience with small engine repair. I have plenty of tools (I'm sure I'll have to buy more tools for this project, yeah!!), air compressor, a great workbench and work area, and I have time. I'm recovering from two broken legs (15 foot fall when an extension ladder slipped out - ouch)
I purchased a workshop manual for the engine. (I purchased it online, it's a photocopy. They copied it from cover to cover including the paragraph that says..."No part of this publication may be reproduced...and then charged me $20. Oh well.) It appears parts will be available, at least for the engine and hopefully for the mower.
When complete I'll use it to cut my lawn. I'm not looking to compete with the pro's. I'd love to make a few sharp stripes in my lawn with my restored mower.
So, whadoyathink??
John in Plymouth, MA.