[Groovy]

I just wanted to post my recent experience involving the engine overhaul of my 1979 Lawn Boy Supreme model 8238AE - self-propelled, electric start, rear bag - "top of the line." It was purchased new in 1978 (even though it is a 1979 model year - must have been one of the first produced). I was 12 years old when I "received" this mower and have loved it, used it and kept it for 34 years! Always well maintained and nourished with proper lawn boy oil in the fuel mixture, it started acting up last year. The mower was getting a little more fickle to start. After running for a while and then a stop - say to empty the grass bag, it was very difficult to start. Did the basics: carb overhaul, new ignition module, exhaust ports were clean, check the crankcase seals. Then finally two weeks ago, it just died and would not start for anything. I didn't do a compression test, but I suspected the rings were shot. A compression tester was around $35 and I figured I would put that into rings instead. I opened her up and found some piston damage - probably from a chunk of carbon (?) although the exhaust ports were always relatively clean and I kept them clean. The top ring was crunched down pinching the second ring in place. With the second ring not able to move, there was combustion blowout on that side of piston. Obviously no more compression for combustion. I put in part no. 92-4925 which was a new piston, rings, wrist pin, connecting rod, needles bearings; essentially everything needed change out connecting rod and piston. I changed the connecting rod because I couldn't get the old wrist pin out of the old piston due to carbon buildup, plus I figured the connecting rod was tired and why not change it all at this point. The crankshaft bearings were still perfect and I didn't change those out. My cylinder was perfect - no damage, no need to hone - just cleaned it with a light scotch brite pad. I cleaned up everything and reinstalled and put back together. She fired up on the first pull - fires up with just a touch of the electric start motor. Compression is noticeably better as you can hear the engine sucking in air from carb. when off and pulling the cord. I used Loctite 515 with primer per mechanics manual when putting crankcase back and let set 24 hours - longer than necessary. There is a Loctite 518 that is faster curing for aluminum which I found out about after the fact. Engine runs smooth and sounds great. She has many more years left! Yeah! Cause I dislike the new mowers and love the light-weight lawn boy 2 cycles! I wanted to share this in the event anyone is experiencing similar symptoms. I should have changed the rings years ago, probably - who knows. I also think the crankcase was leaking air - failed Loctite - over 30 years old - probably. Anyway, these old engines are fixable and worth it. Took me only a day to fix and all the new parts are still available online or e-bay.

 

[Austen]

Hey Groovy, welcome to the site!

That's one awesome story! I love hearing stories like this.

It must have been fun reviving it and getting it all back into shape again. What a rewarding feeling after when it started up on the first pull! It sounds like the engine is as good as new again, you did a great job and should be proud.

I think it's great how you've had it this long! It's a neat thing to be able to appreciate antique mowers and compare them to newer ones of the today. I always enjoying using the vintage ones once in a while as they have so much more character to them in every way which I can you can understand.

Thanks for sharing your story! It would be a lot of fun to see a photo or two of it as well if it's possible.

 

[Groovy]

Thanks Austen !

I have attached two pictures of the mower. I was able to get a new rear bag for it recently as well.

I couldn't bring myself to buy a new mower when I like this one so much and it is so easy to work on and fix (parts availability a big plus of course). These older lawn boys are awesome machines that can't compare to the new mowers of any brand.

I wish I could find a new plastic shroud for it. I was thinking of painting the shroud with the engine enamel "grabber green" after a primer coat made for plastic. I wonder if anyone has ever had long term success in painting a plastic shroud .(????) It should work. I have replicated the decals on my computer using Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft Paint, I haven't printed them yet. I found great vinyl decal material from www.papilio.com. They have decal sheets for laser and inkjet along with sheet laminate for additional protection - all great for authentic restoration.

 

[Brad]

Nice looking machine. You should be very proud bringing your LB back to life. Good for another 30+ years.

 

[Austen]

Cool, thanks for posting the photos! It really looks like a brand new machine.

Regarding paint, I think the "Grabber Green" is a pretty popular color that many LB aficionados use when they restore their machines. That's neat how you've even designed new decals for it too! I'm sure other folks who have this same model would be interest if you decided to put them into production.

Keep up the great work and keep us updated! :cool

 

[liquid93]

Where did you get th decals Groovy.
I need decals,repair manual,and operators manual for 1991 L21ZPNC.

 

[lzn197]

Not really sure your crushed ring land problem was addressed. It takes quite a bit of force do do that to a piston. Did you have a lot of carbon on the piston? Correct spark plug heat range? Poor grade of fuel? Injested water in the engine? Quite often these days some of the 4 cycle engines will blow a head gasket for some of the above issues but the Lawn_boy 2 cycle has no head. Just a heads up!