Here is my dilemma. I bought a mower in 2011 that is pretty much like this one for this year (specs and all) here:
http://www.sears.ca/en/mowers/21-3-in-1-push-lawn-mower-148376_I.html?cgid=wh3_outdoor_mowers
A 21" Craftsman mower with a Briggs & Stratton 163cc 675EXi Gold Engine for $230 +tx.
(if you are interested, you can see my analysis on "How to compare mowers rated in HP vs ft-lb?", here:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/2274273/1
The problem is it died. It worked only a week or so ago. The history is that last year my son refilled the oil reservoir with car engine oil (5W30) instead of mower oil.
I did not know how to remove it
so we tipped the machine over to get what we could out (not much) and re-topped it with lawn mower oil since then. So I chose to live with it as is
, with all the heavy billowing smoke in first few minutes of operation.
This year, my wife thought the smoke meant there was not enough oil so she overfilled it with lawn mower oil.
This week, tried to use it and the cord won't budge. Not exactly sure the problem but the pull cord is seized, so not sure if it is the mechanism or the engine being seized. Called some lawn mower guys and they said they would service it for $120-150 + tx. The question is, is it worth trying to repair it or buy a new one as listed above for $300+tx?
Any feedback is welcomed.
http://www.sears.ca/en/mowers/21-3-in-1-push-lawn-mower-148376_I.html?cgid=wh3_outdoor_mowers
A 21" Craftsman mower with a Briggs & Stratton 163cc 675EXi Gold Engine for $230 +tx.
(if you are interested, you can see my analysis on "How to compare mowers rated in HP vs ft-lb?", here:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/2274273/1
The problem is it died. It worked only a week or so ago. The history is that last year my son refilled the oil reservoir with car engine oil (5W30) instead of mower oil.
This week, tried to use it and the cord won't budge. Not exactly sure the problem but the pull cord is seized, so not sure if it is the mechanism or the engine being seized. Called some lawn mower guys and they said they would service it for $120-150 + tx. The question is, is it worth trying to repair it or buy a new one as listed above for $300+tx?
Any feedback is welcomed.