Small engine rebuilding. Looking for simple advice.

[Alle_Gory]

My dad's lawnmower is crustier than a coal mine. Inside and out. So I'm rebuilding it. Damn thing won't start.

I've begun disassembly and cleaning/degreasing. Now when I rebuild it, I'm going to need to lubricate the moving parts until the oil gets to work. Haven`t been able to find engine lubricant. Would vaseline do?

Also, would I need treadlock. I didn't notice any on the bolts I pulled.

It's a 4-stroke 3.5hp engine.

 

[piranha45]

http://www.perr.com/phpBB3/

 

[ketostix]

This sounds like a Briggs and Stratton valve in block engine right? As far as reassembly lube 30W motor oil will suffice. You can use moly assembly lube that is sold in tubes. You do not need threadlocker. Just torque the bolts to spec and they will not come loose.

Usually when a mower won't start the carburetor just needs cleaned out and reassembled assuming that it has spark. But when rebuilding an engine like a Briggs you would normally just take the cylinder head off and scrape the carbon off, disasemble and clean the carburetor with carb cleaner, new spark plug and engine oil. Adjusting the throttle linkage/choke linkage and the governor can be tricky without a service book and a tach.