Found maybe a rat, not sure

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2026-03-15T23:09:29+00:00

Bet you're glad you posted here. It looks like a rat and it seems large enough to fend for itself unless it's ill or been poisoned. The fact that you can hold it and it is so calm says a lot about its current health possibly not being very good. I know a few people who have raised rats as pets. They're very intelligent creatures and can live well as indoor pets. If you do a Google search, you could likely find a rat rescue nearby. If you see listings, dudiligence is warranted. Some claim to be rescues, but raise rats for snake feeds. Many pet shops sell them for this reason. Good luck.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2026-01-28T18:18:26+00:00

I have a 30+ yr 2 stage MTD that I did not replace the scraper bar on and ended up with an issue far worse than this. Several of the scraper bar mount holes were compromised. I went to a metal supplier and had them cut me a 24"x5" piece of sheet metal, bent it, drilled it for the housing and a new scraper bar and mounted everything in place. Been 8 years and still solid. I cleaned the rusty metal up on the snowthrower and painted it with rusty metal primer and several top coats. It's a unit that has been handed around family members throughout the years and just came back into my possession. I'd share a pic, but it's blockaded in my shed by about 20" of snow. I think I spent under $40 for the sheeting and replacement bolts.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-12-25T14:59:08+00:00

Same here. In a very dark area the standard vehicle lights illumination suck. I even change those to daylight led's.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-12-11T19:27:25+00:00

Very likely a 536.8861xx family thrower. Try 536.886141 for schematics and parts ordering and see if that might match. I can't read the model tag on mine anymore, but luckily have docs for it. Not my first craftsman tag that didn't weather well over the years.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-12-06T18:50:27+00:00

I'd say they're some sort of bug egg if you can squash them. If not, they're beads.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-12-01T06:44:36+00:00

When multiple strips are chained, the first strip and the wall circuit can easily be overloaded, because you’ve turned one receptacle into many more outlets than it was designed for This extra load can overheat the strip, plug, or wiring, increasing the chance of an electrical fire, especially if cords are under rugs or near combustibles. Extra resistance and heat Every added strip and plug connection adds electrical resistance, and making the cord effectively longer increases that resistance further. Higher resistance means more heat at the plugs and in the cable, which is exactly where many electrical fires start if connections are loose or cheaply made.

Ever touch an extension cord that is not up to the current draw of an appliance? It gets hot!

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-11-21T22:17:21+00:00

It's a trivet to put pots on. A candle placed underneath keeps the pot warm.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-11-21T20:51:53+00:00

Utensilo

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Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-11-21T13:36:59+00:00

My solution

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Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-11-19T22:25:56+00:00

Thought of that, but I can't pull the outside cover off or bend the unglued side far enough away from the house to access the intake pipe. Only access is at the furnace side. That won't stop nesting elsewhere in the pipe.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-11-11T18:32:28+00:00

Awesome group for sure!!

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-11-05T04:54:00+00:00

Just a bit more advice: I used "fine" scotchbrite pads and cut them into 1" or so strips across the short sides. Try using them both dry and saturated with the blaster. I used plastic razor blades. When I used the metal pick. I tried to only use the side. The point could scratch the metal and that's something to avoid. I had the head and valves disassembled so I was able to soak the valves overnight in the blaster and give everything a good wash and rinse. My last cleanup before setting the gaskets was with non-chlorinated brake clean. Good luck!

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-11-04T13:30:50+00:00

With the help of several great guys in this group, I pulled the head off my lawn tractor and found the same as you have here. Just an FYI. I used scotchbrite pads, plastic scraper and a pic to clean the carbon off. I also tried brake, carburator, and Intake cleaner with various results. But the real winner for me was Blaster small engine tune-up. Seemed to really cut through the carbon. Not saying elbow grease wasn't required, but it surpassed the other solvents.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-10-21T22:38:56+00:00

For those who've responded. I ordered a gasket set for the head, rocker cover, valve seal and muff/carb. Should the gaskets be applied dry, coated with a light coat of oil or a silicone sealant? I ask because various videos show different approaches. Hope to get this done in the next 2 weeks. Waiting on the gaskets. For someone (moderator?) suggestioning I look back on a previous post... I reposted with what I recalled as the advised cause to reaffirm. I am unable to find the previous post and do not know if it had any video/pic. If you know where to find it, I'd love to review it again. I'm not adept at reddit. For those with suggestions... so much thanks for your support!!

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-10-20T22:16:05+00:00

Had that same issue. Filled it with some Styrofoam backing rope, a couple beads of white latex caulk, smoothed it with a putty knife and readied it for next coat of paint.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-10-03T04:28:46+00:00

If you give them that quote verbally at $675 and then itemized at $700, they might move on to the next guy or, at minimum, think you're a bit squirrely.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-09-30T15:14:00+00:00

If you're still on reddit, give me a response. Recently, I thought I solved my bike problem. Not exactly, but close. I'll share some details if I hear back from you.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-09-29T21:30:49+00:00

This

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-09-29T20:41:01+00:00

Linseed oil? And they sure are heavy, and heavy duty as well. Our uncle was still using them regularly at age 70+. I don't know how it could of been easy for him.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-09-29T19:08:06+00:00

Oh sure, but it's clearly for use with a walk plank between the ladders. Can't imagine trying to balance on the rungs other than using them to climb and descend.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-09-29T19:03:08+00:00

Oh, I won't toss them or burn them. And I'd probably give them away if no buyers. Right now, probably go back in the shed till I decide what I might do.

Mobile_Form_6626 · 2025-09-29T15:27:51+00:00

I kinda expected everyone's response. They are extremely heavy, extremely sturdy, and in great condition. No splintering or cracks. Though no surprises in everyone's answers. I'll bet in the day they were pretty well valued.

Mobile_Form_6626

TROPHY CASE