So...I'm not very mechanically inclined. Frankly, that is an understatement. I have always been intimidated my any car, mower, appliance, etc. repair. I'm great with computers, but engines give me the willies.
All of my life I have wanted a motorcycle, but on principle I believe that if you can't do your own basic repairs, you don't have any business owning a bike.
My push mower...I bought a cheap push mower a few years ago to do trim work around the yard. Last summer it wouldn't start, so I didn't use it at all. This spring I called a small engine repair shop and asked how much it would cost to fix it. They said it would be cheaper to buy a new one.
With new resolve I went to the used bookstore and bought an old book on small engine repair. I read most of it and grasped about 1/2 of it theoretically. Last evening came the time to try my new knowledge out practically. I pulled the spark plug, the air filter, cleaned out the carburetor, inspected and cleaned other parts as necessary. I dumped all the old oil and gas; then refilled both. I put everything back together and gave the pull chord a good yank. Believe it or not, it started up. It blew gray smoke for a few minutes, but then settled down and ran like a champ.
My first engine repair. I'm quite proud of my accomplishment. Then, because I'm feeling so much better due to weightloss I mowed all the areas that I can't get to with my riding lawn mower. My daily exercise must be paying off, because I didn't huff and puff like I thought I would. It was a good evening all the way around.
Later daze,
Marc
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