I rescued?? from local tip a mountfield sp470,However item starts&does,nt stop,and vibrates ??
when i did an oil change ,oil was black?? and amount appeared to be more than required.
Have i Saved a dud

graham mccurley, November 2008

Hello

I have solved the above due to your answers
sorry i am very late in replying

Happy new year to you all

Graham

grahammccurley@yahoo.co.uk, January 2009

Er - that's what I said......

Phil Saunders, November 2008

Bad vibration on a rotary mower could also come from a bent crankshaft (expensive repair poss why mower at tip) caused by the blade hitting an object eg a hidden brick or large tree root whenin use.
With spark plug removed (to prevent starting) tip mower up and rotate blade. Check if the blade runs true or if it tilts/rocks when turning. If you get someone to gently pull the starter cord while you watch the blade, if thecrank is bent, you will see it wobble out of true.

smudge, November 2008

Do NOT start the engine without a blade fitted! Remove spark plug wire, pull in OPC control and rotate blade. Check if if hits any part of the chassis. Chack also that the engine crankshaft does not rotate off-centre. If the blade is bent, replace it. If the crank is bent, take it back to the dump (or drop me a line for a cheap replacement engine).

Oil level should be indicated on the dipstick. If it's over-filled, chances are it's been stood outside in the rain and the sump is full of water. Drain and refill.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, November 2008

remove blade and start up it may be out of balance

glen, November 2008