Engine - Air Leaks

Do It Yourself Tips
 
DIY Tip - Air Leaks

Air leaks are common problems in two-cycle engines.  Air travels through the air filter, carburetor, and intake port.  After being compressed and ignited, an air and fuel mixture leaves the engine through the exhaust port and muffler assembly.  If air enters the engine anywhere other than this path, it is considered an air leak and will affect the air to fuel ratio.  This change in the air to fuel ratio causes the engine to overheat and possibly to seize (seizure is caused by material from the piston, piston rings, and cylinder overheating, melting or welding together).

When looking for an air leak, check the crankshaft seals, cylinder base gasket, carburetor and intake mounting gaskets.  The intake mounting gaskets are the most likely culprit of leak, but occasionally a crankcase seal may leak.  If the crankcase seal is to blame, it is necessary to remove the flywheel of the engine to maintenance the leak. 

Belts - How To Measure

Do It Yourself Tips
 
DIY Tip - Belt Measure

How to measure a belt

If the old belt is not present you can use a 3/8 or 1/2 inch diameter rope. The only pitfall to this is it is not as accurate. When using a rope you run the rope around the pulleys the same direction as the belt would run. This will give you the overall length. Measure the rope and add 1 to 2 inches to the over all length of the rope. This is because the rope will ride lower into the pulleys than a belt would. You also have to measure the width ofhe v-pulleys(not the flat idlers) where the belt rides. By measuring the rope it gives you the length of belt that you need and by measuring the pulleys it gives you the width of belt that you need.

To measure a belt you will need three things. A measuring device (tape measure, yardstick, etc......), a marker, and the old belt. To begin draw a reference line on the outer diameter of the belt. Then take the measuring device and measure from the line all the way around back to the line. This will tell you the overall length of the belt. Also measure the width, most belts are going to be in 1/8 inch increments such as 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4 for the width. The majority of belt manufacturers are going to produce a belt by whole inch sizes and not by fraction lengths(such as 85"or 86" not 85 5/8"). The only way to get a fraction length belt is original equipment manufacture(oem) or aftermarket replacement such as rotary, stens, laser, or thermoid.

 

Belts - Size Matters

Do It Yourself Tips
 
DIY Tips - Belt Size

3L,4L,5L — These models represent the outside width of the belt. 3L = 3/8 inch, 4L = 1/2 inch, and 5L = 5/8 inch. The width and the angle on the side are what drives the belt in the pulley. Therefore using the wrong width can cause serious belt and pulley issues. Also using a belt with a different angle will cause problems. There are styles of belts, such as straight "V", HA, AA, B. All these different styles correspond to the angle on the belt. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct belt width. Our 3L, 4L, 5L belts are listed by length.

All belts have a part # stamped or printed on the belt. This allows you to identify the belt and select the correct replacement. Occasionally, the manufacturer's part # will differ if the replacement part is from a different manufacturer. Usually they can be cross-referenced and a correct replacement provided. In the event that the numbers are missing from the belt, the correct part can be found if you have the Manufacturer's model I.D. number off the piece of equipment.
 

Why doesn't my Briggs and Stratton Starter engage?

Do It Yourself Tips
 
DIY Tip - Starter Fails to Engage 

 Why doesn't my Briggs and Stratton Starter engage?

One of the most common problems on the "28" series (11.5 to 15 horsepower) Briggs and Stratton engine these days is failure of the starter to engage. After checking the starter and finding no apparent problems, you look up and realize that the ring gear on the bottom of the flywheel is missing a few teeth. This happens quite often on the flywheels using the composite (plastic) ring gears. We are not here to debate the intelligence behind composite ring gears, believe me this has been a hot topic in small engine shops for years. What we are here to do is explain how to change the damaged ring gear.

How to replace damaged Briggs and Stratton Flywheel ring gears.

 The first thing to do is purchase a replacement ring gear set. The Briggs and Stratton part number is BRI 696537. To remove the original ring gear you must remove the rivets holding the gear on the flywheel. Briggs and Stratton's advice is to drill out the rivets. We have found the easiest way is to use a cold chisel and cut off the rivet heads, then punch the rivet bodies out of the flywheel with a pin punch.

All that is left is to install the new ring gear using the provided bolts and nuts that come in the kit. Pay attention to the orientation of the new ring gear and everything should fall in place. The most common mistake when reassembling the flywheel to the engine is failure to properly time the engine using the flywheel key. When installing the flywheel make sure the keyway (slot)on the crankshaft and the keyway in the flywheel line up and that the flywheel key fits snugly.
 

ZR08107 Vac-Attack Handheld Blower

MODEL: ZR08107
Vac-Attack Handheld Blower-Vacuum-Mulcher

HOMELITE
25cc Zip Start Powerstroke engine, 160 MPH air velocity with 360 CFM air volume, extra large 1 3/4 bushel bag included and a shoulder strap.
 
 
Dave's Special Price: $69.99

ZR15703 Expand-It Hedge Trimmer Attachment

MODEL: ZR15703
Expand-It Hedge Trimmer Attachment

Expand-It
Double-sided dual action reciprocating blade, cutting capacity up to 3/8". 17 1/2" blade length for easy control and less weight.
Fits Ryobi CS Trimmer (ZR30000), Ryobi SS Trimmer (ZR30002), Ryobi Commercial SS Trimmer (ZR51932), Ryobi Commercial Brushcutter (ZR51934), Ryobi Electric Trimmer (ZRRY41002), Compatiable with any split-boom unit.
 
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ZR15518 Expand-It Edger Attachment

MODEL: ZR15518
Expand-It Edger Attachment

Expand-It
9" double-edge hardened steel blade, quick and easy height adjustment, large rubber wheel guide for stability and control, no tools required for connection to powerhead and shaft.
Fits Ryobi CS Trimmer (ZR30000), Ryobi SS Trimmer (ZR30002), Ryobi Commercial SS Trimmer (ZR51932), Ryobi Commercial Brushcutter (ZR51934), Ryobi Electric Trimmer (ZRRY41002), Compatiable with any split-boom unit.
 
Dave's Special Price: $51.99

ZRRY41002 Electric Trimmer

MODEL: ZRRY41002
Electric Trimmer

RYOBI
Top-mounted motor for improved balance, 15" cutting swath with .080 dual line, Expand-It Attachment Capable.
 
Dave's Special Price: $41.99

 

ZR30002 Straight Shaft Trimmer

MODEL: ZR30002
Straight Shaft Trimmer

RYOBI
30cc 1.0 HP engine, Zip Start Plus, 18" Cutting Swath with .095 dual line, Anti-vibration handle, Expand-It Attachment Capable.
 
Dave's Special Price: $90.99

 

ZR30000 Curved Shaft Trimmer

MODEL: ZR30000
Curved Shaft Trimmer

RYOBI
30cc 1.0 HP engine, Zip Start Plus, 18" Cutting Swath with .095 dual line, Anti-vibration handle, Expand-It Attachment Capable.
 
Dave's Special Price: $67.99