I figure there is someone here that has an answer to this. I picked up a new toy today. It's a Baker wood/brush chipper. I got it from a relative for the right price (free). It hadn't run in at least 12 years, maybe more. It has a 5 HP Briggs engine. I changed the oil, removed the mouse nests from inside the chipper and behind the shroud, checked all the fuel lines which were surprisingly still intact, drained the stuff that used to be gasoline from the tank, filled it up with fresh fuel and it started right up. I chipped up a pile of brush I had laying around and all seemed well. I dragged it back up to the barn and saw an oil puddle a few minutes later. It's coming from what I am presuming to be the rear crankshaft oil seal, as I don't know where else it could be coming from. With the exception of the PITA it will be to get the unit disassembled to remove the engine from the chipper assembly, what is involved in replacing the rear oil seal, assuming that is indeed where it is leaking? Once it sits for a while the leak stops, it only leaks after its been running. I'm not sure if its a seal that is easy to remove or if it requires removing the rear case of the engine.
Spoke too soon. Upon further investigation I found two of the bolts that hold the rear engine cover to the block were loose. Tightened those up and no more oil leak. Ran it for about 45 minutes chipping up some brush and making some wood chips to spread around the raspberries and grapes.
That's a good price. I always have exact change for free. Just had the same deal come along on a trimmer on wheels. Been sitting awhile, but a little love and she's good to go.
my customers leave me free crap all the time. id rather they pay me for looking at and diagnosing it. I don't know why some thinks that shops want to keep there crap in lou of payment.
Terry, Mentioned to my neighbor once that I look for equipment to fix up and resell. Trying to be helpful, he found some blowers (it was fall at the time) for me. After 6 homelites and a Ryobi/Troy Bilt later I thanked him for the effort but I had all of the equipment I could handle.