8 hp, 30" Murray Rider

[Psychoblues]

It cranks and runs but it won't run very long. I need this mower or one like it and they just don't sell them anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!! WalMart put Murray out of business forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any suggestions?!!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?



Psychoblues

[PostmodernProphet]

Craig's list.....

[Mr. P]

What make engine?

[Psychoblues]

Briggs and Stratton

What make engine?

I am suspecting loose valve seat/s as I have had that problem with another mower almost exactly like this one only years older and years ago. To be honest, however, this one really is totally worn out and should have been salvaged years ago on it's own demerits but it does cut very well and when it's running is perfect for my property. I would gladly purchase a new one if I could find one at a decent price.

Sears sells a 13.5 HP (Tecumseh)30" one made by MTD. It doesn't hold a candle to the quality or handling of this old Murray and it is about $700 high on the price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The old Murray mowers sold for $499 to $799 and the Sears rig is $1500. Considering that other mowers with much more horsepower, much wider cuts, many more amenities and stronger reputations start at about $899 I think the Sears MTD rig is just out of it's league and price range. I am considering a Snapper but again, they are really proud of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for asking bout it!!!!!!!!!



Psychoblues

[Mr. P]

Briggs and Stratton



I am suspecting loose valve seat/s as I have had that problem with another mower almost exactly like this one only years older and years ago. To be honest, however, this one really is totally worn out and should have been salvaged years ago on it's own demerits but it does cut very well and when it's running is perfect for my property. I would gladly purchase a new one if I could find one at a decent price.

Sears sells a 13.5 HP (Tecumseh)30" one made by MTD. It doesn't hold a candle to the quality or handling of this old Murray and it is about $700 high on the price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The old Murray mowers sold for $499 to $799 and the Sears rig is $1500. Considering that other mowers with much more horsepower, much wider cuts, many more amenities and stronger reputations start at about $899 I think the Sears MTD rig is just out of it's league and price range. I am considering a Snapper but again, they are really proud of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for asking bout it!!!!!!!!!



Psychoblues

Is it a Tecumseh?

Oppss never mind..I see it's Briggs

[Nukeman]

It cranks and runs but it won't run very long. I need this mower or one like it and they just don't sell them anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!! WalMart put Murray out of business forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any suggestions?!!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?



Psychoblues

If it is at least starting after sitting for a while I would first clean/replace the fuel line and a new filter. I would also check to be sure the tank isn't dirty. I would also change the plug. If you have already done all of that than you can always buy a new engine off of ebay pretty cheap.... Just a suggestion.

[Psychoblues]

Thanks for your advise, nm. I gave Mr. P most of the answer that I had intended for you. See Above!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If it is at least starting after sitting for a while I would first clean/replace the fuel line and a new filter. I would also check to be sure the tank isn't dirty. I would also change the plug. If you have already done all of that than you can always buy a new engine off of ebay pretty cheap.... Just a suggestion.

I've done all of which you suggest. It may be a float problem or even a broken coil/wire that only shows up when hot. Living where I live now it's tough to get someone that knows what they're doing to spend enough time with it to actually fix it but it does sound to me like it is starving for fuel when it dies on me. Right now I won't be needing it for anything other than leaf chopping and spreading but come middle to late March I will need it in the worst way!!!!!!!!!!!! I just wish I could find a new one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!



Psychoblues

[Mr. P]

Hey...I'm gonna guess this is a carb. problem..maybe not but..if ya wanna give it a try these folks seem to have parts for most engines.

http://www.psep.biz//store/briggs_an...tton_parts.htm

[Psychoblues]

Thanks for the link, P!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey...I'm gonna guess this is a carb. problem..maybe not but..if ya wanna give it a try these folks seem to have parts for most engines.

http://www.psep.biz//store/briggs_an...tton_parts.htm

Can I buy you a refreshment?!?!?!?!?!?!??!!??!



Psychoblues

[Nukeman]

I wouldn't buy a MTD mower if your life depeded on it!! they really make junk. the last two mower I bough a Husgavarna 6.5hp push and a 15hp Gravely zero turn 40in deck. I tell you the gravely works great and the price although a little high was well worth it. Ive had it 3 years with NO problems at all.



great mower!!!

[Psychoblues]

MTD never could compete with Murray pre WalMart,,,,,,,,,now.

I wouldn't buy a MTD mower if your life depeded on it!! they really make junk. the last two mower I bough a Husgavarna 6.5hp push and a 15hp Gravely zero turn 40in deck. I tell you the gravely works great and the price although a little high was well worth it. Ive had it 3 years with NO problems at all.



great mower!!!

WalMart bankrupted Murray and now they have a hard time even getting a rider mower to sell. Even though MTD is now heavily committed to WalMart they have placed themselves in a retail position to never be overtaken by them. If you might remember, Snapper had a short relationship with WalMart. Better business sense prevailed in that case!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did you ever wonder why WalMart doesn't sell washing machines, clothes dryers, refrigerators, etc.?!?!?!?!?!!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!? What about cars and trucks!??!?!?!?!?!?!??!? The WalMart syndrome doesn't apply in some industries. Ever thought about that!???!?!?!?!?!?!?



Psychoblues

[namvet]

well better late than never. I found a forum for Murray riders

http://www.bobvila.com/wwwboard/messages/44087.html