[Dave_Lee]

My 3 year old little TM died on me yesterday, part way through a job. Not the whole TM, but the main part, the Engine. I knew it was getting low on oil and I was going to get some on the way back home, but after thinking about what caused the disaster, had I had my wits more about me it could have been avoided. I parked up outside the house, which was on a steep hill. I opted for facing uphill, so that the TM faced away from the property. This most likely meant that the lowish oil in the sump was drawn by gravity away from the internal strainer and the engine working parts were starved of it. I dont know the full extent of internal damage, but it is obviously very bad. The local Briggs & Stratton service centre suggests broken Con Rods and Cam Shaft. Weighing up my options, it became clear that the best answer was to go straight for a new full engine, which is going to set me back around £1400 with me fitting it myself. This one will be the most pampered engines ever, but it should so easily have been avoided. Dont you, put things off because you are too busy. Pay attention to the basics.
Dave

[BRSL]

woops, gutted

What T/M have you got ?
Have you spoke to Hydramaster as most of there T/M's are fitted with Briggs engines usally bullet proof if maintained and serviced 

Sorry James

[NZ Lee]

It doesn't matter what TM you buy, if you dont look after it, it wont look after you

[Dave_Lee]

Well said NZ Lee,
Ive only been a CC for nearly 27 years and served my time as a maintainance fitter. If you hadnt have told me that I'd never have known. Bet you never sail close to the wind.
Dave.

[NZ Lee]

It wasn't a comment directed at you, it was just a general comment.

[Ian Gourlay]

Dave,

Sorry to here your bad luck.

Last year I failed to arrange for a Cam Belt change on my wifes Car


That was another £1300 mistake.

[John_Flynn]

Hi Dave

If you want a Grease Monkey when you change the engine give me a yell and I'll come across..

John

[Dave_Lee]

Dont you mean Grease Gorilla. Thanks for your offer John, Ill be in touch if I have any probs. While I am at it, I'd just like to say a huge Thank you to Colin Bright at Blackpool for the loan of his spare Pro Plus porty. One phone call on a Sunday and a couple of hours later I was back working at the house where the incident happened and was able to finish the job. I have been using it during this very busy week, and have not had to put anyone off or turn work down, so once again Thanks Colin, very much.
Dave

[COLIN BRIGHT]

Always willing to help a fellow c/c
especially one who has given no end of advise in the past

glad you have'nt had to put off any work

Colin

[Eureka Ventures]

Colin

An email I sent to you has been bounced twice!

The question I asked was: is the Alltec Fasttrack worth the money, in your view?

Freddie

eureka-ventures@hotmail.co.uk

[COLIN BRIGHT]

every penny

[Dave_Lee]

Removed old and installed new engine yesterday (5 hours) back up and running today after a week back on porty. I love my TM, but I tell you what, using that porty for the first time in three years, brought back just how good a result you CAN achieve with less power. The biggest downside was the clearly longer drying times, oh and of course the BUCKETS. I'll be bringing it back soon, Colin, cheers.
Dave.

[John_Flynn]

Glad to hear your good news Dave and you did manage without  the Gorilla!!

[Eureka Ventures]

Colin

Thanks for that. I've since seen your other comments elsewhere about fasttrack, so I know you like it.

I wonder how the Piranaha Marketing Kit compares. I will be in for one or other in the new year.

Freddie