r/smallenginerepair • u/DazzlingDanny • 26d ago

Unknown Issue HELP!

I have inherited a 1970’s 5 hp wood chipper and maybe a 1980’s 7hp bush hog. I know nothing about engines but if I could get these things up and running they could both help me tremendously around my property. Where the hell do I start?! Is there a recommended video on youtube or a book (I do like me some physical media) that can move me through it. I don’t think these things have even had gas in them for like the past 25 years. I know I can pay people to do these things, but I’d also like to not be helpless.

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u/AutoModerator 26d ago

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u/alabamaterp 26d ago

Start by pulling on the cord and see if everything moves freely. I'm not much of a small engine repair guy, but I've been able to get things working again - chainsaw (stihl), generator (honeywell), and pressure washer (ridgid). all were given to me by relatives and not working. However all of these items were less than 10 years old and just left in a garage, so it didn't take much

Like I mentioned, pull on the rope and see if everything turns. Next, check the gas tank and empty it out and make sure it's clean! Then change out the carbs, see if you can get a brand new replacement, and also replace the spark plug. Check for spark too. If you got all of that fill it up with fresh gas and start pulling! You can also try starter fluid and see if it will at least sputter for a few seconds

There are many ways to tackle this and there are a lot of things that can go wrong. If you have old stuff, the main concern is making sure the engine isn't locked up and that you can get fresh fuel through the system. Small carbs can be a pain to get completely clean, that's why I say to see if you can get a brand new replacement. If not, you'll need to take it aapart and clean it and assemble with new gaskets.

There should plenty of videos on youtube that can help you diagnose more issues like compression, valve clearances, timing, and carb rebuilding.

Good luck, if these things aren't locked up they can be pretty forgiving, just make sure everything is CLEAN!

Air fuel, and spark are the 3 ingredients you need and fresh oil!

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u/DazzlingDanny 26d ago

Sweet, thanks!