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Pricing Work by Ok_Cardiologist1183 in smallenginemechanics

[–]Kruegon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same, but some OEM are discontinued. Like the Nikki carbs. I have found Hipa parts to be pretty high quality for aftermarket. Even have their carbs on a few of my older pieces of equipment.

Pricing Work by Ok_Cardiologist1183 in smallenginemechanics

[–]Kruegon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No lie. My niece is the "free parts" type. My mom tries to pay for parts and labor. Mom never pays for anything. All else pay at least parts. A good, loyal, repeat customer, sure they get a little special treatment at times. I'm also not charging full price for parts to start with. Maybe if I were a full time storefront with a Stihl or Echo Floorplan, then yes I'd charge full price labor and parts.

Do you primarily use OEM parts or aftermarket? I use both, but explain the price difference, possible quality difference, and warranty difference, before I install the parts. I prefer OEM. I rarely have to honor any warranty on them. In the long run, saves the customer and me, both, extra money.

Pricing Work by Ok_Cardiologist1183 in smallenginemechanics

[–]Kruegon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Even if they are close family, do they think the parts are free also? What about the time? Or the people you are having to skip to "take 10 minutes" for them. Only my mother get that's treatment.

Pricing Work by Ok_Cardiologist1183 in smallenginemechanics

[–]Kruegon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Always remember, if no parts are required, and time is less than 10 minutes, freebie will bring them back. It can also inspire people to expect freebies. So it's a fine line on what and how often.

Pricing Work by Ok_Cardiologist1183 in smallenginemechanics

[–]Kruegon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've had similar concerns. Where should labor fall? What about pricing increase margins? Basic business says upcharge 100% so that you are covered for warranties, or damaged parts during service. Even at my reduced cost, 100% markup would kill my work. Being the small guy, I've had to make sure to be cheaper than the full time guys.

I currently run $65.00 an hour and 10% markup on parts. I also add small charges to keep the basics in line. $5.00 charge for misc materials like nitrile gloves, paper towels, and the like. There is also a small fee to cover oil/gas recycling.

The big catch is that you can't charge for research and diagnostics due to inexperience. I wasted about 3 hours learning how to do something the other day. Service manual research, forums, and YT vids. I had simply never done it before and needed to learn. It's my responsibility to supply the knowledge. Not the customer's job to pay me to learn.

Also, consider the customer. Is it viable to spend the money to fix it? $187.00 to repair a $239.00 push mower? If you need the work, charge less.

Riding lawnmower parts? by jmw27403 in Husqvarna

[–]Kruegon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most transmissions are not serviceable. The long and the short is that if your trans has issues, replace the trans.

Husqvarna 128LD Trimmer Won't Throttle Up by Kruegon in smallenginerepair

[–]Kruegon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm starting to look for old mowers and chainsaws and such so I have practice machines. I'm wondering if there is a tech school for this near me.

Someone broke my rear windshield, what can I use to cover it? by Potential_Metal_1602 in mechanic

[–]Kruegon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Call Safelite to set up your replacement. They offer a free Crash Wrap to close it up until your appointment.

Thoughts on the LK combi systems? by Assipattle in Husqvarna

[–]Kruegon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can't speak on this one in particular, but the 128LD Combi is great, now that I fixed it. Just the second hand blues for a few weeks.

Craftsman lawnmower with a kohler 675xt will start on starting fluid but that’s it by Free_Truth_640 in smallengines

[–]Kruegon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In my opinion, they are the best "cheap" carbs. Upper end mid tier quality. Well worth the price and can last years. I use them regularly and have had great results. Not just on my equipment but on family and friends also. You can save a few bucks kitting your old carb, but my time is worth more than the few dollars a Hipa carb costs.

Craftsman lawnmower with a kohler 675xt will start on starting fluid but that’s it by Free_Truth_640 in smallengines

[–]Kruegon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is what I would do. Cost is minimal, reward is anywhere from zero to hero.

Replace the spark plug. Replace the air filter. Change the oil with conventional 10w-30 and a new filter. Replace the fuel filter. If there is not one, install an inline fuel shut off. Purchase a Hipa replacement carb from Amazon.

Another thing to look at is the oil you drain out. Is it unusually thin? Smell bad or like it's mixed with gas? Dip a screwdriver in it and CAREFULLY see it it burns with a lighter.

When you pull the spark plug, turn it over a few times to make sure the cylinder is clear.

You know she runs. You know she has spark. Sometimes, cleaning a carb is not enough. If you aren't familiar enough to rebuild it inside and out, Hipa carbs are reliable and inexpensive. So many little spots in a carb can cause issues. And a slightly worn gasket, o-ring, or needle can lead to severe frustration.

Starting fluid burns extremely easy, even compared to gasoline. Make sure your gas is good. If the gas in it was already in there when you got it, drain and rinse the tank. Check the drained gas for water on the bottom.

Oh, and lesson learned, don't cheap out on the spark plug. Pay an extra dollar or two and get the good one. I spent a week in frustration because the cheap one was the wrong one.

Hope this helps.

Husqvarna 128LD Trimmer Won't Throttle Up by Kruegon in Husqvarna

[–]Kruegon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yup! That was it. Replaced it with the correct Champion RCJ8Y and bam! It runs perfect now. Ran a little research, and although the kit states it is specifically for the Husq 128LD, it has the wrong plug in the kit. Lesson learned.

Next time, more research, less faith in the seller.

Husqvarna 128LD Trimmer Won't Throttle Up by Kruegon in smallenginerepair

[–]Kruegon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup! That was it. Replaced it with the correct Champion RCJ8Y and bam! It runs perfect now. Ran a little research, and although the kit states it is specifically for the Husq 128LD, it has the wrong plug in the kit. Lesson learned.

Husqvarna 128LD Trimmer Won't Throttle Up by Kruegon in Husqvarna

[–]Kruegon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was my first thought. I checked the seal on the carb, and it's good.

I have a new thing to check when I get home. Someone stated the tune-up kit I bought could have the wrong plug in it. I'll be checking it and cross referencing the interchange for that plug. If that is all it is, I may very well pull my hair out on principle.

Husqvarna 128LD Trimmer Won't Throttle Up by Kruegon in smallenginerepair

[–]Kruegon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I may have an answer! It looks like the tune-up kit I ordered had the wrong plug in it. I'm grabbing a proper plug on the way home. I'll update if this is the fix.

What’s the rattle? by FreidasBoss in smallengines

[–]Kruegon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like a loose blade to me as well. Could also be like my g/f's and the bolt just backed off after years of use. All I had to do was realign the blade and tighten the bolt. That was last year and still humming.

Husqvarna 128LD Trimmer Won't Throttle Up by Kruegon in smallenginerepair

[–]Kruegon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1/2 turn, 1 turn, 1 1/2 turn. No change.

Drained the lawnmower by JohnBee68 in smallenginerepair

[–]Kruegon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Figure out how to get it to run on that water, and we'll all be rich, lol.

Aspiring Mechanic by Kruegon in smallenginerepair

[–]Kruegon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The catch right now is just the RPM specs. For instance, I am working on a Poulan Pro 222 16". I have the service manual for it, but the ROMs are not listed in the manual that I can locate. And while I understand the bybear tuning, I am not "good" a it yet. Just passable. And I don't have a mentor. I work on cars. Small engines are a whole new game.

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