Riding lawnmower confusion (lawn, grass, lawn mower, how to)

[pahanorlando]

Hey. I have a working riding lawnmower, but what's strange is that later on it gets steamy and seems like it's overheating. I am not sure though. I worked on it couple times and so far had no performance issue, but when I raise the hood, it looks like everything melting yet it doesn't smell like plastic.

What do you think it is?

[Hemlock140]

Yes, it's overheating badly and melting. Since those cooling fins are all pretty much gone, you need to replace that flywheel.
Check the oil, is it full and clean? Usually some parts will fail and it will break inside if the oil is low or really old, but see what it looks like. With an air cooled engine there are a few things that can make it run hot. I'd also check that you have the right spark plug and that the gap is accurate. You may also have a clogged exhaust, clogged air filter, bad air/fuel mixture or clogged carburetor jet, or even badly clogged up blade area, perhaps string wound up onto the blade shaft. I would not use it again until you figure it out and fix it.

[Hawk J]

See if there is grass built up around the blade area.

[pahanorlando]

Thanks a lot. I'll check on it tomorrow. You said flywheel fins are pretty much gone. If they're made of metal, how can they be damaged? So on this machine flywheel is actually what cools it down? There is no radiator or anything like that, right?

[fisheye]

To me it looks as if the screen covering the flywheel somehow got caught in the flywheel and damaged the fins. But I agree; replace the flywheel and the screen that keeps out pest and debris. The missing flywheel fins are causing the over heating. I just don't understand how the screen got into the flywheel? Perhaps something dented the screen?

PS The top motor housing could have been damaged when the screen went into the flywheel. You might have other hidden damage?

[pahanorlando]

Thanks, I bought it for $400 when new one is in walmart for $1200.

I'll keep you updated

[Hemlock140]

If that ends up costing more than it's worth to fix, look at a rear-engine model, under $1000. I have seen a Murray for about $800.

[pahanorlando]

Thanks. I placed an order on partstree for just the fan and screen for like $30. Never replaced something like that, but I am sure it won't be too hard.

[pahanorlando]

Does anybody know where I could find a how to regarding replacement of the flywheel fan? I looked through google, but couldn't find anything. It seems I have to remove the body (red metal) and from there it should be easy, but not too sure.

[Ghengis]

poor old lawn mower