Cub Cadet lawnmower sounds like a steam engine.

Our 18-year-old Cub Cadet lawnmower sounded like a steam engine. I replaced the driver side head gasket this Winter as the compression was low on that side. Now I was able to actually feel the pressure escaping from the passenger head gasket. It is actually a rather big job to remove the intake manifold screws to the head unless one takes the motor completely off. And taking the motor off would also be a bigger job. 

I completed the job enough to cut all the grass today. Now I need to put the tools away and look for a few missing screws, mainly for securing the hood. It sure sounds and runs better. I kicked a can of screws by mistake, losing the order of reassembly. Lots of different sized screws in separate cans but still a difficult assembly.

Also replaced the broken throttle cable. 

Special tool to get intake screws out and in. 

gasket leak at bottom. 

Replace the damaged section of laminate flooring in kitchen.

 Several years ago, a large bowl or something fell off the top of the fridge and damaged the laminate floor. Today I thought it was time to replace that section of flooring. We needed to make a little tool using wire probably from an old coat hanger. The wire tool enabled us to tilt the first panel that was under the kick plate of the kitchen cupboards enough to unsnap and remove the panel. After that it was rather easy getting enough panels removed and to simply replace the damaged panel. Reassembly went quickly. 

Damage

Using wire tool to lift the first section to unsnap and remove.

Cleaning floor.

Beginning reassembly. 

All done except moving the fridge back in place. 

Al's lawn mower would not start

 

Worked on Al's lawnmower that would not start after Winter (Feb 9, 2023). Using starter fluid or gas poured into the carb it would run for 3 seconds. Took carb apart and cleaned, no help. Found a good video on-line which showed how to take the carb further apart.

New plastic carburetor - easy cleaning parts teardown Briggs & Stratton Ethanol clogs - Bing video

After following the video and cleaning the ports with small wire and carb cleaner motor started great. 

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Husqvarna Model 221A with Briggs & Stratten Motor 675EXI 163cc. (675 series)

Spark Plug RC12YC

GE microwave oven fan on with door open?

Our GE microwave and stove vent has a problem. When one opens the door, the fan turns on. The door latch has 3 microswitches and on one YouTube video they replaced the bottom two switches to correct the problem. About 4 months ago I took the switches out and tested them when the failure occurred and they tested good. After reassembly all continued to work fine until now. In the meantime, I ordered new replacements. Today I replaced the switches and all works correctly once again. Hopefully the problem is solved; only time will tell.

We purchased the microwave in 2002. I replaced the magnetron with a free warranty repair in 2011. It is a great microwave. 

Puget Energy Electric Bill for Jim and Linda

I added our electric bills from Jan 27, 2021 up to Dec 14, 2022 and get $1,048 cost for the two years. Solar created $2,824 over two years creating a net profit of $1,775. We had 9 months over the two years where we did not pay for electricity but just the connection charge of $7.49. Bottom line our solar panel electrical generation plus rebates easily pay for our electricity usage. The net profit goes into refunding the initial cost of the panels which are supposed to break even at 8 years. Solar panels are a great deal if they get lots of sunlight and the State maintains their generous incentive program.

Fall Maintenance

 I usually go over the cars in the Fall after the Summer trips and enjoyment. I just completed the verification of the 2006 Odyssey and the 2013 Prius C. All in good shape. Changed the oil in both along with the coolants.

If I remember right, we have had both cars for about 6 years. This is my first coolant change for these cars. I remember when we had to replace coolant every year in the old days. While the cars are up on the ramps, I always inspect the undercarriage. All was good.

YouTube sure helps even though most of the videos are done by back yard mechanics. Both cars used different coolants and also different oil weights. Since the Prius is 10 years old, I researched the battery life which said 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles. I found a site that had the whole refurbished battery pack for $1,900 with upgraded new batteries installed. And they would give instructions on how to install. It looks like it would not be hard. Such a deal. We still get 46 mpg and are at about 80,000 miles on the car. We really like the little car.

Next, I need to replace the head gaskets in my riding Cub Cadet lawnmower. I think it is a 2004 and it is the tougher 2000 series. A really nice mower over the years. I bought it when it was 2 years old. It is in great shape but I can hear the head gasket leak when I turn the mower off.

Then off to the motorhome which needs new coolant and the hydraulic / steering proportional valve cleaned. The motorhome overheats if it is 90 degrees outside and climbing a hill. The rig is 29 years old and the bolts on the proportional valve are rusty. So, there will be some adventure in working on this issue.

Stihl 029 Chainsaw Stopped

 My Stihl 029 chainsaw failed. Replace two fuel lines no help. Rebuilt carburetor no help. Found replacement fuel line was 3/8 inch too long and was kinking when installed. It fits so tight it was very hard to see kink. Cut off 1/4 inch and was able to install carburetor and now all runs fine. The original fuel hose is brittle and cracking causing no fuel to the carburetor.

Original

Original bent showing cracks better

New with 1/4 inch cut off end