getting an old tree branch/tree chipper running again?

[vash]

i can potentially end up with a freebie chipper. old school, hard core grinder, that weighs alot. the old lady used it for her oakland hills home, but when the hillside burned in that wildfire, it has been sitting ever since. looks rusty and crusty..

if i dont get it for free, i can insure free use of the thing, which is somewhat a better option. storage areas are rare at my home. what would be the smartest game plan on seeing if it starts? flush carbs/tank, fresh fuel, fresh oil, new plug...let it rip? here is a pic. putting on a new engine looks like a no brainer as a last resort.

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

looks like that ole engine may have points, so theres rust under that recoil cover. it will probably have to come off anyway to lube the racheting system of the starter anyway, and maybe a new rope. If there is no spark with a new plug grounded to the engine when you pull, just switch it over to electronic ignition system, available at local mower parts house.

the carb is full of crap, so take it off and apart and soak it. soak it, soak it in liq wrench, then clean with gumout cleaner.

If it has terribly pitted aluminum, you may have to get a used carb body, maybe just a kit will fix it up. the bowl will need to be cleaned out, ansd a new gasket, maybe a float if it sinks, and maybe a needle valve if it will not clean up (i use green scrubbe). Use a guitar string or a bristle from a wire brush to clean out all the channels. the needle valve has a rubber seat, so try to go in the center thru it when using the wire to clean.

remove the air and idle screws and clean accordingly.

remove gas tank, replace all lines and clamps, if tank is plastic, clean with penetrating oil, and dry with alcohol. if metal, add a cup of deisel fuel and shake it with screws inside, shake , shake, shake upside down, sideways, etc. rinse, repeat, wash and dry. coat with oil or penetrating oil to prevent immediate rust.

that MIGHT do it.

if its a tecumseh, expect to replace the iggy system for sure. add an inline fuel filter and gas shutoff valve. fill with clean fuel

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

i had a small chipper like that, but it was a waste of time for the wood i usually have to chip.

maybe a drop or two of marvel mystery oil or penetrating oil in the cylinder NOW to loosen the rings and surface rust.

[KevinP73]

If you get it running can I bring my ex wife over to test it out?

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

if that is her in the avatar, i'd chip her up for ya...

[gr8fl4porsche]

I own a wood chipper which I consider small. It is the pull-behind rental store model. Same brand as the big boys but with an electric start Kohler (27hp) as opposed to diesel.

I can tell you from experience that the rig you are looking at is a waste of time. It is for yard twigs - not branches.

Mine is a small beast that you can tell is behind the truck when pulling down the highway, it can barely handle a 4" branch.

[RPKESQ]

Remember:

Even fairly arge chippers have trouble with steel rods and larger than 1/32" steel plates. Steel screws and bolts also are capable of seriously harming your chipper.

The only sure damage prevention method is to deal with them before metal implants or if they have an unknown history, only a full body xray will suffice.

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

or just spin those metal parts with a nice MRI magnet.

[Hugh R]

If you do get it going, DO NOT wear gloves and DO wear goggles and a face shield. I'm not kidding.

[LWJ]

The most dangerous tool I have ever owned! Scared the hell out of me. I got rid of it ASAP.

As to get the thing running. New gas. Check plug. Pull rope. I bet it starts. If not, shoot it with ether. Those old briggs style engines are pretty bullet proof. I have seen many examples where they run great with total neglect and abuse.

Be safe!
Larry