SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> The Cafe >> craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1458856678

Message started by maverickfhs on 03/24/16 at 14:57:58

Title: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/24/16 at 14:57:58

Folks-

As many of you know I am a complete noob in carbs. I have no problem in admitting it :)

Now, I have 'almost' picked up this power washer and it's not starting up.

As per owner it was working fine till last Fall: It's an older unit that I paid to have serviced last spring and was working fine.

Owner poured regular gasoline in it and I think left it, as is. My question is, is worth picking up for 'FREE'?

Is there anyone who knows these power washers well and can help me troubleshoot? Or if you know a forum/group specific to power washers would be great too.

Thanks for the help.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/24/16 at 15:05:16

For FREE? Of COURSE you take it. You want to learn, what's better?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by Ed L. on 03/25/16 at 06:30:27

Probably has a float type carb that is gummed up or has a stuck float. If it was running last year it should be an easy fix. It would be a good way to learn carbs. Free? get it!!

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/25/16 at 08:20:24

Yes, it's FREE, i-e $0.

I am going to pick it up tomorrow and will consult you guys for help and assistance.

Do you guys know any specific forum dedicated to power washers?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/25/16 at 10:27:51

Unless you have a problem with the pump, all you're gonna need is engine repair information.
Id check the oil, pull the plug, get some oil in on the rings, pull it over slowly a few times and get the cylinder wall lubed, then pull it hard, blow as much oil out as possible. A drop in the plug and she no go.
How you have to orient the engine to get oil where you want it? I can't see it.

I wouldn't worry about the carb, just shoot ether at the intake and see if it promises to run.
Once you have reason to believe it will run.
Drop the carb bowl and look.
I'm gonna guess it's just been sitting..

Some pressure washer pumps DIE if the engine spins and they don't have water in them.
Know what you have. Pumps cycling without fluids are usually not too happy. Mine came with specific warnings about that.
I would not even turn it over without providing the pump fluids.
You Might consider pulling the pump off and inspecting it. Maybe the pistons are starting to sieze,,
Depends on how long it sat. A few months, no biggie. A couple of years? Why not have a look.

It's a Free gizmo that you can use to learn on. Screw it up, you lost nothing but gained experience.
Disassembly is the important step. Being organised makes putting it back together much easier. Set every part down and note the position and orientation to the last part.

Any fuel is probably trash, so I'd empty and clean the tank if it looks needy, but if you have spark and compression, with carb work,you're probably in business.

The hose? Age, heat, sunlight, it's likely to be ready to die,
Lowe's sells stuff for pressure washer.

Check the engine manufacturer and hunt for a forum specific to it.
Tecumseh engine can be hopped up. They sell all kindsa hop up parts. And there's a forum for all Tecumseh engines.

http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/tecumseh-engine-forum/

Sears used them in lots of mowers. The carb on the riding mower I recently retrieved from the side of the road was a mess, but simple enough to save. The rubber tip on the float valve needle had dried out and hardened, allowing the fuel to flood into the cylinder . When I pulled the plug, gas poured out on the floor. Adjusting the lever on the float proved impossible, but heat shrink tubing was enough to press it into the seat. That, and I soaked it in silicone oil to soften it, but probably transmission fluid or a product sold that is supposed to seal leaky seals would work. If not, then you can buy new, but, I avoid spending when there is any other way. Cleaning the bowl, treating the rust with ospho, and cleaning the jets, shooting Berrymans B-12 through passages, and it worked.

Eye protection is a Must and proper ventilation can't be over emphasized. I use rubber gloves. Nothing that will do the job is exactly good for you.

A tip cleaner for a torch is handy.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by old_rider on 03/25/16 at 12:56:24

You Tube is your friend...

I just typed craftsman power washer won't start...

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCSrTIamUIY[/media]

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/26/16 at 11:06:05

Here is the power washer, I picked up.

Planning to replace old gas, clean spark plug and maybe oil too?

Any idea what oil do I use for it and also where should I put starting fluid?

http://s15.postimg.org/kzefwh14r/IMG_7945.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/4oec05omv/full/)
photo uploading (http://postimage.org/)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/26/16 at 11:11:55

First

Slow down.

Read my post above.

Starting fluid? Think about where it goes.

I would Check the oil. If it's scary low , add. Don't change oil until you have it running.

Don't ruin the pump

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by DesertRat on 03/26/16 at 11:30:25

dude, you f#ckin SCORED !!!! 8-)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/26/16 at 13:56:44

514E484F52556454645C4E42093B0 wrote:

First

Slow down.

Read my post above.

Starting fluid? Think about where it goes.

I would Check the oil. If it's scary low , add. Don't change oil until you have it running.

Don't ruin the pump

What oil should I add? Any oil would be fine which is 5W-30 or something?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by DesertRat on 03/26/16 at 14:58:16

here's a link to the manual, looks like it was scanned from those paper thin manuals, but it's still readable.

http://www.manualslib.com/manual/490981/Craftsman-580-768210.html#manual

Quote:

Engine Oil
IMPORTANT: Any attempt to crank or start the engine before it has been properly serviced with the recommended oil may result in an engine failure.

NOTE: When adding oil to the engine crankcase, use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF, SH, SG, or SH/CD rated SAE 30 weight.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by Ed L. on 03/26/16 at 15:32:54

Oil, put some Rotella in it. Been using it in all my air cooled engines. Folow JOG' instructions and make sure you have water going into the power washing pump before starting.
Beside that give it some fresh gas and see what happens. Don't forget the Sea Foam. ;)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/26/16 at 17:34:34

Can I simple say you guys are freaking awesome ;D

Thanks so much for all of your help and guidance. Without looking at the manual, I was trying to drain to oil and it was like coal!!!

Really nasty and bad colored, anyway I utilized my own method and was able to remove all the old fluid. Removed spark plug, cleaned it up using carb cleaner. Now going to use dielectric grease and anti-seize before putting it back on.

Used carb cleaner in the fuel tank and removed float bowl, it was full of debris and gunk. Cleaned all of that, as well as a sleeve thing(main jet or pilot, maybe)? Removed air filter and it was soaked in very fine thin oil, is it normal?

Going to look for air filter based on manual and clean that up as well.

Can I use 5w-30 or rotella 15w-40 for oil, instead of SAE 30? Going to put some seafoam, stabil and put new gas in it. Then hook up water inlet and will try to fire the baby to see how it goes. Will try to find ethanol free gas(problem is it's bit far from my house :( )

Else, I might have to pull the carb apart and see what can be done with it?

Any other tips or warnings, please keep sending them my way. I am going to hopefully fix that thing up!

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/26/16 at 17:37:43

6E4F594F585E784B5E2A0 wrote:

here's a link to the manual, looks like it was scanned from those paper thin manuals, but it's still readable.

http://www.manualslib.com/manual/490981/Craftsman-580-768210.html#manual

Quote:

Thanks for sharing the manual, appreciate it :)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/26/16 at 17:39:10

253A3C3B2621102010283A367D4F0 wrote:

YOU SIR, YES I AM TALKING ABOUT YOU, are awesome and very very helpful and kind. Thanks a lot for your sound advice and help. I appreciate it.

Going to follow your orders and hopefully, I'll be on the right track, sooner or later! ;D

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/26/16 at 18:16:21

Two more question, can I use fabric store foam for air filter? Also, should I replace spark plug or no need for it?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by DesertRat on 03/26/16 at 18:19:56

fabric store foam is NOT safe to use. More than likely it will dissolve around the oil/gas

just clean the plug and put it back in without bending the tang

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/26/16 at 18:22:04

Great, thank you. Actually, just saw this video and going to follow it :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5LnhMh5Ppo

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/26/16 at 18:42:25

I watch the car shows. They don't spend a dime for a spark plug until they have to.
Get it running, if you have to remove the air filter, pull it. It's not gonna ruin it to run ten minutes without one. After you Prove it IS a working pressure washer, blow the old one out. No way it's actually dirty from use unless someone used it commercially.
My pressure washer is five years old and has under three hours of use...
Your kind words are appreciated.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/27/16 at 10:16:14

Alright guys update form today:

1-Added 10w-30 oil.

2-Added fresh gas, stabil and seafoam

3-Squirted oil into spark plug well

4-Hooked power inlet hose

Tried to start without air filter, after like 3rd try it started for a sec, then died. Continued using 'prime/choke' and tried to start it for like 87 times. Removed float bowl, cleaned it and then put it back on.

It's only starting at 'Prime/choke' and if I keep pressing it, it'll continue to run for 1-2 mins.

Finally, after many attempts I switched the lever to 'Run' position and it'll run for 2-3mins but then dies. What could be the problem? Why it's not running for longer? Any tips or help?

P.S: Pump and everything else is fully functional, water pressure is great :D

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by old_rider on 03/27/16 at 13:05:08

Sounds like the spring for the governor might be too loose or too tight.

Most small engines have a large flap and arm assembly that are attached to the carb butterfly valve that control the air intake.

When the motor is started in the "start" position, the throttle arm spring pressure holds the butterfly closed.
After it starts and you put it in the run position, the governor springs then take over.
The flap (governor) catches the air coming from the spinning balance wheel (which also has your magneto to control your spark timing) and keeps the valve at a specific angle to keep the rpms steady.
If the engine slows down the spring tension increases and the butterfly closes, choking the engine and adding more fuel.
If it speeds up the spring tension decreases to open the butterfly and let in more air, slowing down the engine.
Does it just quit or rev up and down?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by old_rider on 03/27/16 at 13:26:42

One other thing....

Are you sure you drained the engine oil???

My pressure sprayer has TWO drains.... the one easiest to get to is the pump crank case.... not the engine... they are two different oil systems.

I actually have to drain my engine oil via the fill tube! unless I dismantle and remove the engine off of the pump system.

When I first serviced it, I could not figure why when I drained the oil out, it was still FULL! I had drained the water pump crank! Talk about a pain to fill back up, I had to tilt the sprayer on its side.

If you ever get tired of pulling that rope.... you can remove the top section and use a battery powered drill and a 3/4's socket to start it with.
But you do have to be careful because the spinning balance fins are a bit hazardous if you drop something on them :D

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/27/16 at 14:08:21

Thank you OR.

Yesterday before looking at the manual, I could not have figured in my entire life how to drain old oil? Many of the bolts which I suspected are drain ones, were difficult to access. I used a syringe and sucked all the fluid, then tilted the engine completely to make sure it's completely empty. After looking at the manual, filling hole is also a drain hole too. ;D

Now to your questions, if I put it on to run at the highest speed, it'll run for a few mins and will just shut off. A quick search tells me there's a possibility of vacuum(gas cap need to be loosened up or even removed) or there is less oil in the engine.

I just made sure that there's enough oil and I can see it's up to the 'Full' mark, going to test gas cap too.

When it runs, runs just fine and continue for a few mins.

Thanks for all the help and support.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by old_rider on 03/27/16 at 14:29:03

Did you pull the tank off and clean it? or the hose from the tank to the carb?
It might just be a piece of dirt somewhere in the system plugging a hole or a jet after it circulates and gets drug into the fuel path.

You mentioned taking the float off and cleaning it, did you run a wire up the jet under the float needle? or take the needle off and clean the rubber and seat? It could be sticking after the gas is burned out of the float bowl and just dying because the needle is not dropping back down.

Most lawn mower fuel systems are gravity fed and the gas cap is to just release excess pressure to keep from putting too much gas into the carb.
The cap on my pressure sprayer doesn't even have a relief hole, pressure just overrides the seal and runs down the threads.

Hope this helps...

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/27/16 at 14:57:18

I did not pull the tank off, just removed fuel supply line and clean that thoroughly, as well as tank with carb cleaner.

Removed float bowl, cleaned few holes(not sure what are they though? ) Also, tried to clean all the dirt/debris/grime from carb and main pilot/jet, I think?

I am happy to report, I just tested it for almost 10 or so minutes with input water, as well as releasing pressure from the system. Only different thing I did was to lossen up the gas cap and it did the trick, go figure!

But most importantly, I am very very and very thankful to all of you guys, every single person who posted his valuable input.

For now, I can safely say it's fully functional and working like a charm!!!

Of course, I'll consult you guys again if I have trouble/issues.

Thanks again folks 8-)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by old_rider on 03/27/16 at 15:09:59

Sounds great!

And now that I had to explain to the wife what I was writing about on this post, she says, "you going to finish spraying our house this week?" LOL ;D ;D

And being down here, the water is "sulphery" and stains the vinyl siding, so not only do I have to pressure spray, I have to de-stain it...sigh... :(

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/27/16 at 15:14:29

That's so funny and hilarious. Since, I just acquired a power wash and am watching a lot of youtube videos about it.

But let me ask you guys, what cleaner/solution should I be using to clean the deck and driveway? I am thinking, dish detergent, mixed with bleach, vinegar and some baking soda.

After power washing the deck, should I stain it too or just leave it for natural aging? At the moment, there is no stain or paint or anything.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/27/16 at 15:35:42

You might wanna get a piece of wood and see what it does to it. A pressure washer can wreck wood. And rip skin off.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/27/16 at 15:37:12

Yeah, I know it can rip skin off and can be dangerous but my question is, is it not safe to use on a wooden deck?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by Ed L. on 03/27/16 at 15:39:27

I wouldn't run bleach through the power washer, the stuff is murder on stainless steel and will eat out parts of the pressure pump. If I need to bleach a deck or clean up my boat I mix one part bleach with eight parts water and scrub it on using a long handled brush. Then give it a good rinsing with the washer, it works great on most surfaces but will bleach out any jeans you wear. Hit the power washer section of a big box store and you will find a lot of different cleaners for wood and concrete also.
If you are up north where it freezes in the winter you should drain the pressure head or pump a little antifreeze into it and drain the washer line and wand. I cracked a power washer once by not winterizing it.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/27/16 at 15:42:00

Tip choice, distance from wood.

Trial run on comparable wood, find out. I've wrecked wood.
I've gently cleaned wood. Technique matters.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/27/16 at 15:44:11

I am in Northeast, temperature definitely drops to single digits or even below zero.

But how do you drain pressure head or pump antifreeze? Or drain washer ling/wand?

Before storing, I'll just remove inlet water pipe, as well as outlet one and that's it. isn't it?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/27/16 at 15:46:26

627D7B7C61665767576F7D713A080 wrote:

Tip choice, distance from wood.

Trial run on comparable wood, find out. I've wrecked wood.
I've gently cleaned wood. Technique matters.

Really great tip, makes sense and I know what you are saying. Technique and keeping an eye on pressure to make sure I am not going to drill a hole in the wood. Thanks JOG, you are very knowledgeable Sir ;)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/27/16 at 16:02:29

Yeah, and I only destroyed half a million dollars worth of stuff and hospitalized myself seven times to get here!

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by Ed L. on 03/27/16 at 16:07:22

Draining the wand is easy, just take the hose off the pump, hold the wand pointing up into the air with the hose on the ground then pull the trigger. The water will run out of the wand and hose. Just like draining a garden hose.
Getting antifreeze into the pump is a little trickier, I would just take a short piece of garden hose and hook it up to the water inlet, pour a little antifreeze into it and then fire the washer up for about 15 seconds and watch the antifreeze get pulled in.
They make a RV antifreeze that is non toxic which is what I used.
JOG is correct about holding the tip farther away from the wood. farther away gives a lot less pressure at the work.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/27/16 at 16:50:40

I hear you and makes sense. I usually always completely clean every water hose whatever I have used so far, just to make it a second nature.

Thanks for the tip about antifreeze, that's helpful :)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/27/16 at 16:51:36

594640475A5D6C5C6C54464A01330 wrote:

Yeah, and I only destroyed half a million dollars worth of stuff and hospitalized myself seven times to get here!

500k damage, along with 7 visits- You definitely are some RICH guy and maybe a BIG man 8-)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by stewmills on 03/27/16 at 19:35:11

79756271667D777F727C67140 wrote:

But let me ask you guys, what cleaner/solution should I be using to clean the deck and driveway?

oxalic acid is also called wood bleach. it's the main ingredient in wood deck cleaner. i don't think you can buy the raw powder at the stores. can order it online. mix with water, spray on with pump sprayer or mop on, soak for a bit and brush in real good then pressure wash off.

another product it TSP. trisodium phosphate. getting harder to find at lowes and HD. powder you mix with water, mop on wood and let it soak for a while, pressure wash off. it is often used to revive hardwood floors (i did it) and is good about lifting stubborn stains.

after your wood is clean and dry, a decent deck sealer sprayed with a pump sprayer will help keep it looking better than doing nothing.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/28/16 at 05:58:53

Since me being an 'el cheapo' what would be the best/cheapest cleaner for deck, as well as driveway?

Anything natural or made with things already present at home would be best!!! 8-)

Any thoughts?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by Ed L. on 03/28/16 at 07:05:33

TSP is used as a pretreatment for paint. It only removes organic oils, doesn't really clean the surface well. Oxilatic acid is good for rust stain and is pretty mild when compaired to muratic acid which is a mixture surfuric and hydroclhoric acid, keep away from it, it's real nasty.
I would try a bleach mixture with a little dish washer soap mxed in for concrete or wood, just use it in a well ventilated area. The soap will clean the surface and the bleach will lighten it. Been using that mixture for years on just about everything. Scrub it on with a long handled brush and power wash it off.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/28/16 at 12:54:20

Thanks, could I add vinegar and baking soda to it too?

Or it'll be an overkill? Thanks

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by Ed L. on 03/28/16 at 13:13:00

Why? vinegar is a acid while baking soda is a base, all you will get is CO2 gas, water and some sort of crud left over. Just keep it simple, 1 part bleach to 8 parts water and a squrit of dishwashing soap mixed together outside. Scrub then power wash off. Don't use any amonia, it produces a real toxic gas when mixed with bleach, keep it simple like I've been saying. Luck with it

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/28/16 at 13:25:17

Thank you. Sure, I'll try your recipe on wood and concrete, then report back :)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/28/16 at 19:18:45

I picked up a craftsman lawn mover today, again for $0 and FREE.

Model number 917.388201, B&S 550 Series Silver edition.

Looks in relatively good condition. Not running and blade needs to be adjusted/balanced or something, I have no clue what that is?

Any idea? I am going to follow the same procedure as power washer and see how it goes!

http://s22.postimg.org/6oz4ovi7l/IMG_7956.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/3uvzbfg19/full/)
picture share (http://postimage.org/)

http://s7.postimg.org/qwz07rkcb/IMG_7957.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/vvmimao53/full/)
image upload (http://postimage.org/)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/28/16 at 19:44:05

Before you start messing with the blade, unhook the plug wire.
Nuns and a ruler ain't got Nuthin on what a knuckle spanking you can get.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by old_rider on 03/29/16 at 04:20:07

Looks like the start spring is busted, so it didn't reel back in. (you can reshape the spring end and make a "T" if its broke there)
Either that or its froze up :(

As far as the blade balance thing goes, some have alignment pins, some have a keyway for an adapter that aligns the blade, and some just have a big ass bolt and spring washer that hold the blade on.

Good job on the finds, if it comes down to not working, you can always sell it for the scrap metal. ;D

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/29/16 at 05:04:31

Thanks for the tip and advice, will do.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/29/16 at 05:08:12

OR, how can you tell if start spring is busted? As I think, all the parts are there, as far as I can tell.

Froze up in terms of the engine or start spring?

I'll consult you guys for balancing the blade, fosho!!! Have never even seen a gas lawn mower before in my life! :P

I didn't know I can sell it as scrap metal. Probably not worth much, I guess?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/29/16 at 08:18:31

I cut up a pick-up cab and part of the frame. 975 pounds.
$14.25.... stuff is down right now.
The recoil start spring is a bear wrestling event the first few times. Bit of a learning curve..
The slack Could be because of the handle being off.

If you haven't seen it run, why do you believe the blade is messed up?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/29/16 at 08:21:19

Yes, slack is because of handle being off(removed it for transportation) joys of having no truck ;D

Is recoil start spring different than power washer or no?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/29/16 at 09:51:59

Concept is the same,, part numbers may vary. I'm sure that, like every manufacturer, they are gonna use as many
Off the Shelf items as possible, using the same part on as many different engines as possible to minimize the need to manufacture and stock parts.
The job of the spring is the same, suck the cord back in. I would not be surprised if the same spring is sitting on both engines, if the same name is on them.

Until you get the handle on and see how the pull start cord works, don't go digging into it up there.

Pull the plug wire off and make sure it's clear of the plug before you reach under and turn the blade.
Questions above not answered.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/29/16 at 10:24:20

Thank you again.

I am far from that point, but I once I have made it running, how can I make sure that mower blade is not running, while engine is starting up fine?

Anyone has a link for the manual, please? :)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/29/16 at 10:34:47

Every time the motor turns, the blade turns. If not, you better get that figured out... You don't want it getting loose. It's bolted into the end of the crankshaft.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/29/16 at 10:37:20

2D3234332E2918281820323E75470 wrote:

Every time the motor turns, the blade turns. If not, you better get that figured out... You don't want it getting loose. It's bolted into the end of the crankshaft.

Makes sense, I can't appreciate you guys. Maybe I am an idiot or just late in terms of knowledge. Thanks for all of your patience and help.

Will nail this one too! ::)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/29/16 at 14:24:06

I can't appreciate you guys.

It's always nice to not be appreciated.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/29/16 at 14:51:50

Sorry, I meant: I can't apprdciate you enough!

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/29/16 at 15:10:23

Uh Huhhh, that's what you say Now...
You done exposed yourself.
Freudian slip, they call it.
Unappreciative snipperwhapper...

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by old_rider on 03/29/16 at 18:53:02

Good eye JoG.... LOL didn't catch the pile of handle...
Since it is a newer one, it probably has a start clutch handle too. It is inside the main handle after you rotate it up you can hold it along with the main handle.
It won't start unless you hold that inner handle up against the main one, there should be a cable attached to it, there for, you need to assemble the handle on the mower to trouble shoot it.
You can run it without the blade, but it will over rev, so i would make sure the blade is a full blade and not a broken one, to keep the balance correct, I would run it with the blade on... to make sure it runs right.
Make sure the bolts that hold the engine to the deck plate are SECURE... before you try starting it :)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/29/16 at 18:56:59

332C2A2D30370636063E2C206B590 wrote:

Uh Huhhh, that's what you say Now...
You done exposed yourself.
Freudian slip, they call it.
Unappreciative snipperwhapper...

Only you can understand me JOG, just because we have a few things common ;)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/29/16 at 19:00:42

3F3C342239343522500 wrote:

\

Yes, it does have a handle and a long cable attached to it-more like a throttle, maybe?

I'll make sure to attach all the parts, going to change oil, remove gas, clean spark plug and everything same as the power washer. Need to start it up first and then will see how the blade is acting and performing.

Is that a right approach or should I first troubleshoot the blade?

Thanks so much again, I APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU!!!! Clear, in CAPS :D

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by old_rider on 03/29/16 at 20:32:03

Just make sure the bolt on the blade is tight..... it should be ok... but make sure the blade is in one piece and equal lengths from center :)
That inner handle is a clutch, not a throttle.
The newer engines like that are single speed, to start it you just need to push in the primer bulb about 3 times (mine doesn't even have a primer bulb).
Then squeeze the inner handle up against the outter handle with your left hand.
Last, pull the rope( with your right hand while keeping the inner handle squeezed up against the outer one with your left), hopefully only about two or three times :)
To stop it, just let go of that inner handle, the clutch tension will stop the engine.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by Ed L. on 03/30/16 at 06:39:05

Looks a lot like the old Murray mower I've been using for years. The inner handle is a dead man switch unless the mower is self propelled then it also acts as a clutch, the mower will not get any spark unless it is pulled tight against the push bar. For testing the mower you might want to tie the inner handle against the push bar so you don't have to mess with it while yanking on the starter cord. Just a thought to make working on it easier. It's a nice safety feature so don't bypass it while cutting the grass.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/30/16 at 07:19:21

I have a wire I built into a swinging trap on mine. Holds it in, I mow, grab sticks, keeps running. A flick of a finger and it's loose.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by Ed L. on 03/30/16 at 13:39:53

JOG, I've the same setup you have with a wire, go figure. ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 03/30/16 at 13:42:21

5E7F4457351B0 wrote:

JOG, I've the same setup you have with a wire, go figure. ;D ;D ;D

Can anyone of you share a pic of it?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/30/16 at 14:23:16

Dear Ed,

Mine is prettier, works better AND will last last longer. I say All that without seeing yours or showing mine. ( Getting Awfully close to the "muff " details Verslagen so graciously offered,ehh? )
I really need to post some pictures, not just of this, but I have a trailer ball that has Eight, (count them ) EIGHT parts, including the nut and washers.
A cord works, but a wire trap works quicker and easier.

Ed, just jerking your chain, dude. Cool someone else did the same thing.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by Ed L. on 03/30/16 at 17:16:14

LOL ;)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by old_rider on 03/30/16 at 22:18:20

I just use one of those plastic clamps.
Squeeze the bar up, attach clamp, good to go...
To stop, squeeze clamp, bar pops down, engine stops. :)

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 04/12/16 at 13:08:00

Final update, mower is running like a champ. Changed the oil, added gas and cleaned air filter and spark plug.

I might change the blade, but so far for my needs it's fully functional :)

Thanks so much to all of you guys ;D

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/12/16 at 15:13:30

Harbor Freight, grinder.
Don't buy their disks. Welding supply or Lowe's.
Sharpening them gets more life outta the blade. And, dull blades don't cut well.

All previously mentioned safety measures apply.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 04/12/16 at 15:15:46

What do you mean by grinder? Like buy the blade form harbor freight you mean?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/12/16 at 15:24:05

Get a grinder from harbor freight. Don't buy their cheap disks.
A bench and a vise are pretty nice, but, without those, a creative guy could surely devised some way to pin it down and grind. Building a balance check tool, ehh, you Can, but, after doing quite a few and checking, just pay attention to the grinding and you should be okay. If the mower starts shaking after sharpening, take it off and mess with it.

HF disks literally disintegrate and pelt you with debris AND they smell like burning garage. Good disks last a bunch longer.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by old_rider on 04/12/16 at 15:41:54

For sharpening mower blade, I have a small 4" vise on a bench and use my dremel with a sanding cylinder.

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by maverickfhs on 04/12/16 at 16:13:26

I already have a grinder. Where should I buy disks? So I should sharpen the blade with the grinder disk, correct?

Title: Re: craftsman 580.768210 power washer not starting
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/12/16 at 16:36:37

You have a handheld grinder? If so, I get mine at the welding supply house if I need some when I buy rods or get the oxygen bottle swapped out, or Lowe's, depending on where I am when I think of it. HF disks last , literally, about ten minutes.