First Start in 20 Years - MTD Riding Mower w/Briggs IC Engine

This MTD riding mower was used in Nebraska the first few years of its life before coming up north where it sat in a garage for almost 20 years. It appears to be in very good condition, but has some issues from being in storage for all that time. Will it run and cut again?

MTD Model: 136B560B000
Briggs Model: 28D707-0123-01 Code: 950907ZA

Blade: Oregon 98-032, MTD 942-0256A, Stens 335-646, Rotary 3354

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10.5 HP, 136B560B000, 28D707, Briggs I/C, Briggs IC, Briggs and Stratton, Carburetor Rebuild, Fixed, Fuel Tank Leaking, How To, How to Clean Carburetor, How-To, MityVac, Mower Blade, Seating the Bead, Small Engine, Spark Test, Spark Tester, Tank Busging, Troubleshooting, Valve Stem

[ijnfleetadmiral]

Those old MTDs are true workhorses. Glad you got it running, and I hope you give it a good home!

[perrywesthaus]

I did not read all the comments so I don't know if anyone brought this up. The blade brake has been removed from the deck. It's a small part that uses a cable and spring to push against the blade pulley when disengaged, and then pull away from the blade pulley when the blade is engaged (spinning). Manuals and parts guides are available on-line and if you look at one you will see what I am talking about (MTD p/n 16053). I purchased this exact model in 1999 and used it for 14 years. When the tires were inflated properly and the the deck freshly leveled according to the manual, my lawn looked as smooth as a billiard table after I cut the grass. Man it looked good! The problem was that the deck did not remain level throughout the mowing season and needed quite a bit of adjustment the following Spring. I sold this mower in 2013 because the 4-foot long clutch rod (p/n 747-0560) broke off at the engine side and a replacement was not available. This clutch rod eventually wears out because there is no bearing or bushing at the pivot point near the engine and it "saws" its way through the pivot attaching bracket (p/n 15585). Also the differential leaked near the brake assembly and I removed it entirely (twice in 14 yrs) to replace copper bushings (p/n 741-0336 & 741-0337) for the aux axle shaft (the shaft with the disc brake attached to it). Not a big deal but still a PITA to replace the bushings. You might consider removing the engine/mower cover because it will rattle itself to death. The corners will crack and the aft end will vibrate like a paint shaker when the engine is running. This mower uses a twin-belt CVT drive system and is by far the smoothest mower I have ever used (except for a hydro drive). Keep some spare belts on hand cuz you will need them eventually. Nice job bringing this mower back to life! EDIT: One more thing - this mower could cut going in reverse just as fast as it could going forward and I liked that a LOT!

[somerandomguy]

The pressure washing alone is a very satisfying watch

[anthonyfesta]

Your remark regarding the mowers' lack of a blade brake led me to visit the MTD site. I was able to locate and download the owner's manual for this machine; In it I discovered that on page 14 of the manual it describes the adjustment of the blade brake. It appears that the brake is an assembly attached to the mower deck nearest the rear of the machine and that it pushes against the belt on main pulley. The brake appears to be activated by a cable connected to the 'brake assembly, (although I'm not certain where the cable attaches to the engine). You may wish to contact MTD to determine the availability of the brake assembly. Given the size of the blade on that machine I would be very leery of operating the machine with such a vital safety feature absent from the machine. As you say at the end of your videos "I hope this helps."

[Willy]

Watching your videos reminds me of when I was a kid 60 years ago, before OSHA, Insurance regulations and legal issues, I would go down to the local car repair shop sit back in the repair bay and watch the mechanic work on the cars. It was a great experience as he would take the time to explain to me every thing he was doing and why. Too bad those days are gone.

[dirtroadsailing]

This mower brought back memories. My first ever riding mower was the Sears Craftsman version of this mower that was made by MTD. It was essentially a cheap piece of junk, but it beat push mowing. After a few years of using it the engine would randomly shut off and sometimes would re-start, but usually not. The following week it would fire right up and once again randomly die somewhere in the yard. I finally got sick of it and started tracing down the magneto kill wire from the ignition switch and found the insulation slightly rubbed through where they had ran it down through the engine cooling fins. Vibration would cause the wire to occasionaly ground out and kill the engine.

[frankmaida]

James I have watched your videos now for 3 years. I must say that you have amazing skills to figure out and complete the repairs to what ever engine or generator comes to you.

[hattrick]

Use to work for MTD building these mow ers on the assembly line. Brought back fond memories.

[jumpmasternd.]

I have my grandfathers1968 Massey Ferguson lawn tractor. Its only an 8 horse Briggs but it's a beast! 3 gear driven blades, hydrostatic transmission.
Going to start on it soon.

[FluffyTheGryphon]

These engines are practically bulletproof. I've got this same engine in an '89 Murray lawn tractor and that engine runs like it's new.

[steverogers]

My grandpa bought one just like that. It was his first brand new mower and I would cut his lawn on it for several years before he passed. Such a great memory!

[rogerwinterley]

The best advice presentation I have seen on YOUTUBE for fixing an an old mower

[peteg]

As a retired die _sel mechanic I have enjoyed your videos !

[maxhernandez]

Another great job. What a cute little lawnmower 27 years old runs really well. Thank you for the video as always we all learned something along the way.

[tombauer]

I wouldn't have expected a good outcome for an MTD but looks like they built a better machine 30 years ago. Good video. thanks!

[watermanone]

Great job James. I have serviced many of those Briggs I/C engines over the years. They are great engines. Wish Briggs still made them. Thanks for the video.

[SG-gcmn]

For 10 years of use, this mower looks amazing!! I bought mine last year and it already has some rust spots.

[Dovey]

Don’t look bad condition for 27 years old, I’m new to the channel look forward to new content and go back and watch older ones

[ramongonzalez]

I wish I had more room in my garage to buy stuff like this to fix I love doing stuff like that, great channel 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[dloregon]

I am glad to see that you actually washed it before working on it, , Have seen some people that say they are going to restore and find the dirtiest nastiest thing they can find and then work on it while dirty, saying it draws more people in to watch it. LOL