Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Spin Your Mower

Have you ever tinkered with your lawn mower, or leaf blower, or chain saw, and wanted to spin it without pulling the cord?

Sure, you can get a socket on that flywheel nut, but how do turn it around and around? I ended up cutting a 3/8" extension in two so I could chuck it in my drill and put the square end into the socket on the motor. Sure, this works, but there's an easier way.

Harbor Freight (home of the single use tool ) has just the ticket...in 3 sizes no less, for less than $5.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Starting My Volvo Penta 260A (Small Block Chevy)

I've got a carbed 260A (SBC) in my boat. On my motor there is no connection between the choke and throttle...you don't give it throttle to set the choke because there's no connection. Likewise, WOT does NOT unload the choke - there's no connection between the choke and throttle. The choke is on manifold heat and is a totally independent entity.

I rebuilt my Q-jet complete with JB Weld on the plugs. My carb still dries out after sitting. My fuel tank level is above the top of the carb so the anti-siphon valve is not a consideration. My starting procedure is to set the throttle to about 1/3 and crank her until the float bowl fills and she lights up...<30 1="" about="" back="" bring="" cold.="" doesn="" help.="" her="" i="" nbsp="" p="" pumping="" s="" seconds="" she="" t="" then="" to="" until="" warm.="">
No problem starting warm just above idle...then pull her back to 650 rpm.