Forrestall Tool Repair

12/21/2021

Ariens Compact 24 snow thrower

Engine would rev uncontrollably high (which can cause damage to the engine)

Attempted to adjust governor, but did not fix the problem indicating that the governor has failed

Opened the crankcase cover and confirmed that the governor had failed

First governor I have seen fail on these style engines

10/01/2021

October is here and now is the time to get prepared for the coming snow season!

Don’t wait until the first snowfall to find out your snow blower needs servicing and get stuck shoveling!

Now offering preventative maintenance and repairs on all makes/ all model snow throwers.

07/25/2021

New Craftsman T110 riding lawn mower purchased earlier this year.

No drive/ shredded drive belt.

Also had to removed a mouse nest from the engine, fix a couple things that were installed wrong from the store/factory, and check all general adjustments.

Time lapse just makes it look so easy!

07/19/2021

John Deere D105 Transmission Repair

Tractor uses a General Transmissions model RS400

Screw that holds down the compression spring on the secondary drive pulley came off causing a loss of drive.

Reported to be a common problem on these transmissions.

Order pulley kit (part # AUC15714)

Dropped transmission from tractor frame to install.

Hopefully this goes smooth!

Happy mowing!

07/09/2021

Honda portable generator. This machine came in for service to have the battery replaced for the electric start.

Upon removing the covers to access the battery, it was discovered that the unit had a massive mouse nest and several wires that had been chewed by mice.

The chewed wires were affecting the generator’s power output (@85 Volts AC) and the battery charging system.

07/07/2021

Very rarely is the spark plug ever a cause of failure. In all the years I have been doing small engine repair, this is only the second time a spark plug was the cause of a no start.

Carbon build up on the on the center electrode eventually reached the side electrode filling in the spark plug gap and causing a loss of spark.

This excessive carbon build up on the spark plug was likely due to the mower being run on a dirty/clogged air filter causing the engine to run rich (too much fuel) because of restricted air flow through the intake.

This is why doing preventative maintenance is important! Especially on lawn mowers that are up against both dirt and heat!

Now offering lawn mower tune ups and repairs!

07/03/2021

Outboard motor carburetor cleaning. Float needle stuck. Emulsion tube clogged. Let’s see how this cleans up in the ultrasonic cleaning tank!

07/01/2021

06/30/2021

Tip of the day: If your riding lawn mower tires seem to leak air you can use some soapy water in a spray bottle to find the leaks!

Spray the tire with soapy water and it will bubble where the leaks are. Most commonly, the tires leak due to dry rot cracks.

If the tread is still good, you don’t have to replace the tire. The tires are tubeless from the factory, but installing an inner tube cost significantly less than replacing the tire. Then, the tube holds the air and no worrying about any potential future leaks.

We have inner tubes for a variety of different size tires in stock and offer inner tube installation!

06/29/2021

Another heat wave! Don’t forget to check the oil in your lawn mower before each use!

Engine failures due to lack of lubrication are 100% preventable!

Small engines are different from the engine in your car in many ways. One differences is in how the engine cools. Most small engines are air cooled. The fan on the flywheel is blowing air passed the cooling fins when the engine is running. When it’s hot out, this can affect your engines ability to cool itself.

Oil also does more than lubricate the engine. Oil also cleans and cools the engine. Dirty oil does not lubricate, clean, or cool the engine as well. It is also not uncommon to experience a little oil consumption in the hot summer months and may require adding oil to the engine.

This engine has a broken connecting rod due to being run on low oil.

Now offering lawn mower tune ups and repairs!

06/16/2021

If you have a Honda lawn mower or a lawn mower with a Honda engine, check the clips on the air filter box.

The cover hinges on the bottom and snaps in on top. When the cover is snapped in, it seals the air filter.

If one of the clips are broken, the air filter will not seal. This can become very problematic, especially on a lawn mower that generates dust when you operate it.

The engine will be ingesting dirt and this will eventually score the cylinder and cause a loss of compression. Sufficient compression is a critical factor in order for an engine to run.

This is a fairly simple fix that can save you a lot!

06/15/2021

Walbro carburetor on an 18.5 HP Briggs Intek engine

Carburetor is leaking fuel

Removed carburetor and pressure tested the float valve. Failed pressure test. Float valve leaking.

The float valve stops the flow of fuel into the carburetor, once the float chamber is filled.

Installed new float valve needle. Slowed the leak, but still leaking. Needs new brass seat.

Brass seat is pressed into the carburetor body.

To removed, I use a 1/4-20 tap and thread the seat. Then, I use a socket I cut a notch out of, a 1/4-20 screw, and a nut (as a lock nut).

Install the socket as a spacer. Thread the screw into the brass seat. Then tighten the lock nut against the socket. Now by turning the screw it pulls the brass seat out.

Press the new seat in. Install the float, float needle, bowl, and fuel solenoid. Reinstall the carburetor and problem solved!

I’m sure they make a specialized tool for this, but whatever works!

Happy mowing!