OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Reel Lawn Mowers, Atco & Villiers etc. Tecumseh H30 engine age?

Hi Guys

can anyone give me an idea of the age of my Tecumseh H30 4 stroke engine?
These are the the numbers on the engine: H30-35425S SER 2149B, These numbers are on top of the cowl. On the side of the block it has: 190 143
6
Any help would be appreciated.

If it was the same numbering system Tecumseh used later, the first digit of the serial number (2149B) is the year of manufacture, and the next three digits are the day of the year. The letter at the end designates the line and shift it was built on. Hence your engine was built either in 1972 or 1982. When were H30s in production?

G'day,
i would assume that 1972 is more to the point because the Briggs and Stratton engines that superseded the old Tecumseh engines on the Scott Bonner model 45 were pre electronic ignition (introduced in 1982). Also i have a HK30 engine on a 45 and know it was earlier then my old 1980 Briggs on another Scott Bonner 45.
hope i haven't confused you further!
regards jay

Hi
I have my H30 running but when I idle the engine down so the centrifugal clutch disengages the drive to cutter drum, the motor stops. Basically it want idle. I have dismantled the carbie several times checking for crud. Played with the idle screws, no help. The plug appears to be running rich! Has anyone got any advice? The engine oil was very dark so I have replaced it with some diesel engine oil so as to flush out any sludge they may have built up over the years. I figured diesel oil would be good for this as it has a lot of detergents in it! Any advice welcomed.