1990RangerinSK
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2016
- Messages
- 2,346
- Reaction score
- 1,312
- Points
- 113
- Location
- Saskatchewan, Canada
- Vehicle Year
- 1990
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger
- Engine Type
- 2.9 V6
- Transmission
- Automatic
- 2WD / 4WD
- 2WD
Define "old". Every Tecumseh engine I've had over the years, I've had problems with. The last one I got rid of in 2014 (but I was dumb enough to buy another one). My first one I got in about 2004. I ran it for four years, but I think it was the one I changed the brake cable on. The second one I got in about 2012. I ran it for two seasons before I got rid of it. THAT one, I wish I knew what I know now. Tecumseh engines have a design flaw in the brake cable setup. Instead of the CABLE moving the lever on the engine, the HOUSING moves the lever. Over time, this causes the cable to stretch to the point that the mower won't start. I think it was last spring that I finally fixed the one I got in 2014 (that was nothing but trouble!). I had a neighbour look at it. He looked at the bottom end of the brake cable, disconnected it, and wired the brake in the released position with a piece of welding rod. Ever since, that mower has been a treat to run. I'd have kept it, except that I have a bad shoulder, and I needed to buy a self propelled mower (bought that today for $250.00). If this mower (Honda) is anything like Honda's cars, I'm going to get a lifetime out of it.Bring back the old tecumseh engines.
I've also had a Briggs & Stratton that I really liked. Bought it brand new in 2008, it was even self propelled. Unfortunately, in 2009 I started having trouble with it (if there wasn't enough gas in the tank, it wouldn't start (probably needed more than 1/4 tank to start). I might still be using it if I hadn't bend the shaft in 2012.
If Tecumseh would fix the brake cable setup, they'd have a really good engine.