Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Neighbor came over today with a Little Wonder Deluxe edger he found for $20. He figured we could tinker with it and see what happens (like we know what we are doing.. yeah right!). Apparently the unit is in the ballpark of 12 or so years old. Supposedly ran last season but has been kept outside exposed to the elements. Looks like it too! Anyway, we figure the external rusted stuff can be sanded and painted or lubed. AMost parts moved. The belt driving the blade is obviously worn but not dry as there are no cracks. Gas tank is metal and is about half full. Who knows if it is stabilized or not? There is rust on the inside steel parts of the gas cap.

We were going to start it up and I did the first thing I do before starting a four stroke up..... check the oil. This is a 3 hp Briggs by the way, series 80202. And this is why I came to this forum even before pulling the cord. The oil has the color of coffee mixed with milk. Kinda like a light brown. What does this mean as I have never seen it before?

Now before we go the route of fresh gas and new plugs and fresh oil, we want to know what the significance of that oil color is. We will base our next move and expenses on your expertise and recommendations.

We would both like to get this thing going as I have a 175 foot front and 150 foot rear sidewalk to do. He has about 75 and 100 foot front and rear sidewalk as well. Figuring the cost and hopefully minimal total investment, it would last us a few good years and beers between us.

Thoughts anyone?

Hey guys , Thought I would run this one by ya. Anyone ever heard of running diesel  fuel in the case for a few mintues? Then putting new oil in it?  HE told me he does this everytime he changes the oil in his car.  Seems to still run good lol.   Later Mike

Mike,

I use synthetic. The inside of the engine usually stays really clean.

I would think if the engine did not over-heat or run overly hot, the oil was changed with the correct grade at recommended intervals, and the other maintainence, like breathers and filters were changed with good quality parts at recommended intervals, it would be real clean. Even with dino oil.

I would not run an engine with diesel as a lubricant, even for a short time. Because I can't think of a reason to.

I also do not like engine crankcase flush products (with execeptions of course). I feel they may release a lot of crud at one time and clog something up. For this reason I am careful when switching to synthetic also.

Do you have something with a sludge problem?

Hey Rob, No I was just reading where they said it takes sometimes like 3 oil changes to get all the water out of the oil. I did'nt know if maybe what that man told me about the diesel might help flush out the water and oil. It doesn't seem to good to me either but I just thought maybe one of you guys have heard about it or know someone who does it.  later Mike

Mike,
It might work great. But just not something I would do.

To answer your question, I've never heard of it.

"No I was just reading where they said it takes sometimes like 3 oil changes to get all the water out of the oil"

That's the only reason I mentioned the engine flush products. I haven't run them.

Drain out some oil & put 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of automotive type, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) in the crankcase. EIther DEXTRON or "Type F" is fine. Run for about 5 minutes. Drain crankcase completely. Repeat process with appropriate oil capacity MINUS 4 ounces, add 4 ounces of ATF. Run 5 minutes. Drain completely & fill with just oil this time. I have done this on several small engined OPE with good & UNHARMFUL results. ATF is very high detergent & does offer lubricating properties, so its safe to use.

Marty