I have a mower that is probably 12 years old. The Honda engine is a 5.5HP I believe. I keep the oil changed, and it doesn't use a drop, but it would probably benefit from a tune-up. What's involved? I believe there's a electric part by the flywheel, and of course, the carb is probably really dirty. I do change and gap the plug yearly, but I know there's more. Thanks

Basically, sparkplug, air filter and oil changes are the major items to look into, and personally, I leave functioning sparkplugs in place unless they need changing.

At the beginning of each season, it's a good idea to remove the fan shroud/cowl to ensure the cooling fins on the cylinder are all clear. Lube the control cables if that's needed (they should operate freely and easily).

The ignition module is maintenance free.

If the engine is running well, the carb is NOT dirty. However, if you'd like to do some light preventative maintenance, you _could_ shut off the fuel, remove the carb's float bowl (catch about 1/4 cup of gas), and wipe out any sludge from the bottom of the bowl. I do not bother to do this until a problem arises with the engine.

The rest can be left, until the engine begins to show signs of needing service, like hard starting or requiring choke for longer.

Decent care in use and preventative maintenance basically takes care of small engines. Most important is to use clean, fresh fuel (preferably with regular stabilizer use), and keep up on oil and air filters.

J

Hi Jason, Thanks for the information. I clean the air filter, change the oil, use fresh gasoline, keep the blade sharp, and lube wheels, etc., I also keep the dirt off the engine. I guess I'm not doing so bad !! I'll check the carb bowl, and in addition, is there an additive you can add to the gasoline to clean the carb? Thanks for your prompt reply. Bill

Seafoam, about 1-2 oz per gallon of gasoline, will clean it out. CC has another product he swears by too, though I cannot recall its name.

Is the engine starting easily and performing well for you now?

J

Hi jason, For the most part it runs well. It sometimes can be a little hard to start. I just figured that after many years of operation, it might be a good idea to clean it. I made the mistake of leaving gas in it, over the winter, several times. Now I either run it dry or I put stabilizer in it, and the gas I have left in the can. Thanks for the info about the Seafoam. I just searched around and CC was talking about B12 Chemtool. He also mentioned that it's harder to find. I'll check for both and see what I come up with. I'll post it if I find it at a chain store.

Chemtool, that's right. Somehow, I keep thinking chemtrail, a looney conspiracy weirdo sort of idea, LOL.

Either should do a nice job of clearing out any old varnish from the carb. That should, in turn, ease your starting, if it's at all carb related.

For what it's worth, a small 4 cycle engine should never require more than 3 tugs to get going, if the operator does his part with priming or choking in the correct way.

J

Thanks from our country to yours. Canada is a beautiful country. Last year we went to Alaska, and took a train up the mountains into Canada. Beautiful June weather, and beautiful country, along with seeing a bear walking along the tracks. We want to do a cruise from New England up into Canada. Fun, and cooler !

My pleasure!

I've not yet been west of Toronto (barring a trip to Vegas with a stopover in LAX), but I know I've always dreamed of a train ride in the remote northwest, with the White Pass railroad seeming particularly beautiful. That must have been great!

I live near Saint John, NB. We're a common cruise stop these days. Disney, Carnival and Princess are regular visitors. Disney Magic was here yesterday.

J

Got to tell you there is a lot of history here in Eastern Canada too...not to mention the excellent lobster and seafood

Indeed.

Very relevant today, there is a coastal defence system remnant on the in-town end of my road remaining from the War of 1812. It was "discovered" only a few years ago, though the locals, of course, long new of it. Coastal defense earthworks for harbour gun emplacements with still in-tact ammunition storage tunnels. They were common around the harbour, but this is the only one that wasn't overbuilt with defence emplacements from more recent wars.

Mispec Beach, 5km from my home, was one end of the harbour defense system during WWII, with a sub net and gun emplacements. That site recently became inaccessible when they built the LNG terminal. The beach is still there, and we visit it regularly in the summer.

My favourite local historical site is Fort Beausejour, near the NB/NS border. An earthen fort from the 1700's, very interesting to explore. Bring a picnic and a kite.

J