It's been raining heavily most of the day so the mowing will have to wait until next weekend. I spent a bit of time today tuning and tweaking the Kirby engine - less putt-putt and more purr. Now it starts first pull and idles nicely.

I know that these engines have something of an agricultural reputation, but it'll have to do for the moment as the other horizontal shaft engine I have (a 2HP B&S) will not fit. The B&S aligns with the mounting holes on the deck but the output shaft steps from 5/8" to 3/4" so the reel clutch assembly will not fit completely. Not to worry - the Kirby is virtually new now, so should go for quite a while.

Next job is restoring the rusty catcher. It's been patched in multiple times and has lots of rust pinholes in many other places.

I'm looking forward to many years of service from this quality piece of machinery.

Chris

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Last edited by Mr Bonnar; 02/06/12 07:19 PM.
Shed troglodyte

2HP Kirby-Tecumseh Scott Bonnar 45 (14" cylinder)
2HP Briggs & Stratton Morrison 350BD (14" cylinder)
3HP Briggs & Stratton Rover (17" rotary)