First huge business mishap.

[SouthallMowing]

Thursday, I was changing the oil, gas filter, and spark plug, well, I pull the plug out, and I was like hmmm.... it was cross threaded. So, I go to Autozone, not in stock. Advanced Auto Parts, they have one. Back off to the mower, I go to screw it in, and it just pushes in like a thumb tack. I then compared them, they are the same size.(not engine savvy in case you can't tell by now) I look at the hole and it's stripped. Right after that I realized I pushed all the shavings into the cylinder. AWESOME!!! So after a phone call to a relative mechanic for a hundred years, I took the head off, sure enough, they're in there. So the next day I go to the local Toro "master" dealer, and get a new gasket and a HeliCoil in the hole. Around $30, total for that trip. While there I bought $650 worth of push mower. I get home, and start torquing the bolts back, as I get to the very last bolt to do the final torque...BAM. Snaps. After a toss of the wrench to the neighbor's house, I start drilling the bolt for an easy out. Just as the name was, it was easy to get out. So tomorrow, I'm getting another new gasket, and 8 new head bolts. I'm going to start the season off $775 in the hole. Last year was only 300. Woo! However, business is growing. I have a $1,300 retaining wall project in the works to pay it off. Anyone else have this crap happen all in a row?

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[willshome]

Lawn care business tips

I wish that was the worst thing that happened last year but had to replace my plow trucks gas tank in my drive way during a snow storm. Just wait you will look back at this and laugh (or maybe cry)

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

Originally Posted by willshome

I wish that was the worst thing that happened last year but had to replace my plow trucks gas tank in my drive way during a snow storm. Just wait you will look back at this and laugh (or maybe cry)

I had a transmission go plowing a parking lot. I had to wait a day to tow because noone had a truck that would take a loaded dump with plow. Fixed it a few days later and now I needed a new set of injectors.

The very next week I lose 3rd gear in a different truck. So after fixing the tranny. I was so eager to test it, I forgot to plug my o2s back in. For whatever reason that ruined them. I Replaced them and had to drop the tank to do a fuel pressure sensor to pass emissions. While I was at it, I decided to do a fuel filter and broke the gas line trying to get the filter off.

Even doing the work I still racked up $2500 in repairs.

[Steve]

I get home, and start torquing the bolts back, as I get to the very last bolt to do the final torque...BAM. Snaps.

What do you do to torque your bolts? Are you using a torque wrench or just feeling it out?

For the new guy having the same issues, would you advise them to do anything differently if they had to follow in your footsteps on this?

[SouthallMowing]

I was using a torque wrench going in 10lb increments. Going up to 30lbs, like the dealer told me.

If a new guy was doing it, I'd say take it to someone who knows what they're doing. Engines aren't a DIY project by yourself if you are going into it blind. At least have help there.

[Steve]

Do you feel more empowered now though that you have experimented with them more?

[CHEESE2009]

My tractor caught on fire during the fall. I win.

LOL

Also, good morning forum.

[Sprinkler Buddy]

I had a great year after looking at all the troubles listed here. lol

Just the normal stuff for me. A few bearings and tire issues.

[Sea Lancer]

I had that same spark plug issue before and i just took a shop vac and sucked out the shavings then i reversed the hose and blew out the top of the piston and repeated the process several times.so far no surprises.However i think i was able to do this because i didnt run the engine at all after i dropped the metal shavings into the cylinder.

[Steve]

i just took a shop vac and sucked out the shavings

Good idea! I'll have to remember that the next time I crank down on a spark plug too tightly.