Well, I guess the "crisis" (what to do with the leaves this fall) is averted. I figured for $350 it was worth my time to tinker around with the motor some more. I managed to ressurect it. A mouse had chewed thru the spark plug wire. I had replaced the magneto (with attached wire) but it still didn't run. The instructions that came with the magneto & the repair manual & how the old one was wired didn't jive. When I rewired it how the old one was, it ran. But, the carb was leaking gas. I adjusted the float & that problem seems to have gone away. Only problem now is that the machine doesn't shut off (stop wire not connected right?). I figure I should leave well enough alone untill the leaves are cleaned up /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif I can kill the motor by choking it at idle. I might put a stick of sheet metal near the spark plug so I can ground it.
If I had access to a welder, chop saw etc. I'd be seriously considering converting it to tractor mounted. It would only take a pto shaft, a couple pulleys, a belt and a frame to support the pto shaft & pulley. Maybe when the motor gives up for good. I checked last night, it is 19 years old.
Neal, nice work on your blower.
I still think that if someone offered a PTO Blower for $<1,000 they would be selling like hot cakes.
