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

I have a Toro two -stage, 1978 vintage. It was originally a 5/24, 31625. This fall I had it repowered with a rebuilt Briggs 8Hp

Initially, it ran great. now I'm having a problem with it stalling and the recoil locks up. I'm thinking that the recoil locking is causing the stalling

I go to restart it manually, and it takes 3-4 heavy pulls to get the recoil to release. Once it does, it starts and runs fine

Suggestions as to what the problem is? no other problems other than this

thanks

Doug

When you say the recoil locks up, does it happen with a cold engine or after the engine has run for a while, stalled and you try to restart it? If it's the latter, it sounds like your engine is experiencing partial seizure. Most seizures are caused by inadequate lubrication. Considering that your engine is a rebuild, it could be caused by an improperly sized piston. Just because a piston fits into a cylinder, doesn't make it the right size. A certain amount of piston/cylinder wall clearance is required for heating expansion. What are you running for oil? Try a synthetic and see what that does for you if you're not using it already.

It happens after it's run for awhile. The fellow who rebuilt it is a retired machinist who rebuilds rotary engines for a side business.

So,I'd assume the tolerances are good and he knows what he's doing. It's got dino oil in it now, I will try the synthetic-any recommendations?

Dougfur wrote:

Sounds like a seizure problem. Assuming the tolerances are good, isn't going to make the problem go away. You can try the synthetic oil to see if it helps but, if condition continues, you had better open up the engine to see if you have cylinder scoring and possible friction melting on the piston. Either way, if it isn't attended to, the engine won't have much of a future.

most common mistakes made from rebuilding is the piston rings being the correct size, does it do it within the first 5 mins of running?. as borat mentioned the piston or rings will expand while running causing it to seize, but in my expereince the engine will quit within a few minutes of running, let sit for 5 or 10 min then will restart. when it stops running u could try taking the starter off quickly and turn the motor over by hand or with a tool, take the spark plug out when u do this the engine should turn over easy. if not l would say u have a big problem.