repairing the mower

Yeah, you lost the pin. If you can find a substitute that fits without too much loosness, use it. It has to have one. Keep in mind that most repairs involve some expenses. A new pin might cost a dollar. While you are at it, get a new carb gasket also.

You just had to go screw around with the carburetor didn't you. If it was full of crap, then you really did need to go there. Now you have the added mechanical problem of the lost part. Make a pin or buy one and fix that. However, I suspect the reason that motor won't run is that the fuel passage out of the float bowl is plugged. The passage is very small and might be mistaken for a piece of dirt the size of a printed dot. Clean that with a wire or a pin and blow some air or carb cleaner through it.

PS. I guess your other fixes are OK, but I would have favored sheet metal and POP rivets for the body repair. It would stand up better to the vibration and fuel. You can always do that if needed later.

If you have an abrasive cutoff tool, a small drill bit shank makes a perfect replacement for the carb float pivot pins. But don't try to cut with a hacksaw, you will just frustrate yourself. Or if you have a small engine supply place nearby they probably have the right part (one thing I miss about Detroit, you could actually find parts for stuff... actually the small engine place was closer than the nearest decent FLAPS)

nate

Thanks Chaps!

As it turns out, the pin had just slid off to one side and lodged up against the motor. So, I've now refitted the fuel bowl, a new spark plug and sprayed the carby with cleaner. Still won't run!! It will start first pull when I spray the cleaner in the carby, but won't continue to run.

I really don't want to pull the carby apart... any other suggestions?

you'll need the pin, it is a l m parts house item, a paper clip will do, a little small.

you need to clean the fuel system, maybe a can of auto stuff will help.

clean the air intake filters or replace, and install a new condenser and points. (kit)

the air adjusting screw on the carb, screw it in easily, bottom-out, and back-out 1-1/2 turns. (fine tune if necessary)

and, you'll be up and running.

mho v=83e

get it over with and pull the carb. Your problem is just a clogged venturi fuel nozzle from gummy ( old ) fuel, and check the air filter for cleanliness. Use a sliver of wood or a toothpick to clean the fuel jet in the venturi. This takes all of 10 minutes.

Lg

If it runs on carb spray only, then it is obviously not getting enough gas through the carb. This engine may have a crank case pulse operated fuel pump (usually a small rectangular device that the fuel line from the tank goes to before going to the carb). If it does, then it may be clogged or need repair. You may even have a clogged fuel line or fuel tank. Does the carb fuel bowl fill up with gas? If it does, then that leaves only the carb as the culprit. The only remedy is to remove and clean it thouroughly. New seals and gaskets will be required. A new needle vave and seat is also usually required. If the carb is corroded bad enough it might have to be replaced.

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This part is REALLY IMPORTANT! You have to have an absolutely airtight seal between the carb mounting flange and the engine. Use some kind of gasket and coat it with Permatex or something before mounting. Trust me on this. ANY air leak here, and you won't get the proper venturi effect to suck the fuel from the float bowl.

Lg

More and more I feel my first suggestion was right and others do to. If you don't want to take the carb off then try to clean the outgoing orifice with a pin or wire with the bowl off. Turn the mower upside down if necessary, but don't get oil on the wife's carpet.

Your ex-centric puns are mower than I can handle. And I ain't no pussy.