Never thought retirement would be like this

[NancyNGA]

Was that the Honda you just got last summer? We have had not a moments problem with ours. But we probably need to change the filter in it because I am sure it is full of dirt and dust. Mowed the dandelions and green onions a few days ago and it started right up after sitting all winter! Have not called the plumber yet...

That is a great lawn mower. I still can't believe how easy it starts. I know what it was. I ran over a long stick by accident just about the time the wheels stopped turning. The stick probably got caught in the belt and pulled it off.

I just can't deal with any more repair people for a few days!

I understand. It's a good thing I have two HVAC units and two bathrooms, if for no other reason than that. Seldom is there an emergency situation. I can put things off.

 

[NancyNGA]

A short clip of a small part of the Earth Day 2018 celebration here yesterday. Another music group performing almost in my back yard. They were pretty good, I think. The day also included the G-Day football game, where the team divides in half, and each half plays the other. Georgia won!

 

[Meanderer]

Nice video, Nancy!

 

[NancyNGA]

Nice video, Nancy!

Thanks for the Rolling Stones, Meanderer. That group yesterday was clearly targeting the older crowd with their selections.

In order to get the sound to fade out at the end, I had to use Windows Movie Maker, and it made the screen smaller. The video is clearer full screen on YouTube. Now I'm finding it fun to play around with videos. Got to get a grip and focus. layful:

 

[maggiemae]

Wow, Nancy, I am just now seeing your clip! They are good and how great to have "entertainment" right in your back yard! Makes you feel young again doesn't it? Love it!

 

[NancyNGA]

... They are good and how great to have "entertainment" right in your back yard! Makes you feel young again doesn't it? Love it!

Yes. I think it's a good thing. My house is right behind the grey one. Could barely hear it from inside.

Got a new handle for one lawn mower and the belt for the other is due in the mail any day now. Rain and drizzle should clear out by Friday. I'm ready to get busy.
..or Saturday...:hatlaugh:

 

[NancyNGA]

The only case in history when overthinking was not a good thing ...

The belt for the lawn mower came Saturday with no instructions, sealed in a plastic bag along with these two parts that look kind of like very large Lifesavers.



Find YouTube video on how to install belt. ELEVEN bolts must come out and be put back!!! Wrenches at the farm. Now have wrenches. The last piece of the puzzle is what to do with those two parts. Two round pulleys = two round parts.

Finally took one out of the package a few minutes ago. They really are giant Lifesavers. I'm going to complain to the company for throwing me a curve ball.

 

[NancyNGA]

Taking a break from mower belt installation to calm down.

When you finally get to the side pulley, there is a metal guard which is so close to the pulley you can't just slip the belt past it. The Honda video shows how to take this guard off. My guard is different. Newer model? The bolts to remove the guard are underneath the pulley!?! .. I will take a picture later just to prove I'm not crazy.

Only way is to remove the pulley. Pulleys turn. I didn't want to have to do that. Haven't even looked at the other pulley yet. I bet there will be surprises there too.

And I've left out other details, just so this doesn't get too tedious. LOL

 

[Meanderer]

 

[NancyNGA]

Meanderer, I have one just like that---a gift from a friend who moved from a house to an apartment---because I helped her move. Those mowers only work well when the grass is short. That would mean I would have to mow lawns almost continuously all summer.

 

[NancyNGA]

Who would have thought a lawn mower belt would be my Waterloo.

The pulley will not budge. I need 3 hands---wrench, clamp, hammer. Think I'll move the mower up to the curb tomorrow, and hope someone walks by who can swing a hammer.



I will look for a no-hands-necessary clamp. Btw, the other pulley is just like the Honda video. That makes it even worse, because just this one little step is all I needed to get past.

Both bolts to remove the guard are just above the pulley.

 

[maggiemae]

Oh my Lord, what a dilemma! If that is the Honda mower you bought last year, it is probably still under warranty. Check with Home Depot and see what they can do for you. This ole gal is tired...got the yard mowed today and it was alright at 9:30 this morning when it was still cool but around 12:00 it got really warm!

 

[Keesha]

Couldn’t you take it to a small engine repair place to get fixed or do you like tinkering around with doing your own repairs?
Some things I’ll fix myself but done things I take to a small engine repair place. He’s very reasonable.

 

[NancyNGA]

Couldn’t you take it to a small engine repair place to get fixed or do you like tinkering around with doing your own repairs?
Some things I’ll fix myself but done things I take to a small engine repair place. He’s very reasonable.

Keesha, this lawn mower has taken on a life of its own. It's a challenge. I won't surrender until I've tried everything now, even if I have to buy a new pulley. I will get that thing off, somehow, but it may not be pretty afterwards. layful: LOL

 

[Keesha]

Keesha, this lawn mower has taken on a life of its own. It's a challenge. I won't surrender until I've tried everything now, even if I have to buy a new pulley. I will get that thing off, somehow, but it may not be pretty afterwards. layful: LOL

Yep! This is what I thought and I can relate and appreciate your stance.

 

[Meanderer]

Couldn’t you take it to a small engine repair place to get fixed or do you like tinkering around with doing your own repairs?
Some things I’ll fix myself but done things I take to a small engine repair place. He’s very reasonable.

Keesha, Nancy sees herself...... as a small engine repair place.

 

[NancyNGA]

Oh my Lord, what a dilemma! If that is the Honda mower you bought last year, it is probably still under warranty. Check with Home Depot and see what they can do for you. This ole gal is tired...got the yard mowed today and it was alright at 9:30 this morning when it was still cool but around 12:00 it got really warm!

Hi maggiemae! After I get through putting that mower back together, the warranty may be invalidated. Specially if I have parts left over. layful: I got the handle on the other one fixed, but the bolts keep working loose. Got to get some special washers, or duct tape!!!

Yep, I had the heat on early this morning and the AC this afternoon. I got really out of shape over the winter. Can't let that happen next year. Glad you got your lawn mowed. I'm caught up with mowing for a few days. The mower out at the farm still works (jinx!).

 

[Keesha]

Keesha, Nancy sees herself...... as a small engine repair place.

:shussh: I am equally as stubborn so can relate :wiggle:

 

[NancyNGA]

The lawn mower belt is ON!

...after some scraped knuckles. I never could get that pulley off. Just bent the guard out enough to slip the belt under it. The guard is heavy steel, so that wasn't a walk in the park either. I think it will be OK. ​.. But...

Not celebrating yet, 'cause I have to put it all back together, including some things I unnecessarily took apart. Those things will remain a secret at this time. I'll just say it will not be a trivial matter. ...Tomorrow... Had to run out to the farm late this afternoon.

If this doesn't work, I'll get a new guard AND a new pulley and do it all over again. It will be so much more fun ...The Second Time Around...layful:

 

[Pappy]

Looks like it’s working fine Nancy.

 

[NancyNGA]

Ha! Ha! Pappy. I've sure learned a lesson about running over things with this mower. Funny thing is, I'm usually very careful about not running over sticks with *any* mower, but this stick was hidden under the hedge and I didn't see it. Just unlucky.

 

[NancyNGA]

This is a picture of a whole new transmission assembly part for my lawn mower, from a Honda parts website. Even *they* couldn't get the belt off. It gets worse. I don't want to talk about it...

 

[maggiemae]

Dang, note to self....check for any big sticks or rocks before mowing! I have been so busy working outside I have not got much done inside the house! Oh well, it will still be there! I'm an "outside" girl and when the weather is nice, all the inside dust will just have to wait! I have got enough projects to keep me busy until I'm 90! Hope I last that long! LOL

 

[NancyNGA]

Dang, note to self....check for any big sticks or rocks before mowing! I have been so busy working outside I have not got much done inside the house! Oh well, it will still be there! I'm an "outside" girl and when the weather is nice, all the inside dust will just have to wait! I have got enough projects to keep me busy until I'm 90! Hope I last that long! LOL

Hi maggiemae. Sounds good to me! We would all be interested in what you're working on. With pictures.

I was just joking about the mower. I haven't spent much time on it really. Maybe a couple of hours total. The other one is working now.

The belt I ordered was too big. The serial number range on the website changed after you put it in your cart (I have proof!), but not going to worry about it. Not that expensive. I found one other online place claiming to have that serial number, and it's on its way. If that doesn't work I'll get that assembly. But yes, stay away from big sticks!

I'm thinking about taking the tractor back to that tree on the fence, tying a chain around the tree and pulling it, just to see if anything happens.layful: Only thing worries me if I get the tractor back there and it won't crank. :eewwk:

 

[maggiemae]

Well, did the tractor work? Be careful! Goodness it got hot here in the past couple of days! Let's see, I think we had about one or two weeks of Spring and then we jumped right into Summer! And that's what I love about the South!?