Pages

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Opus 2018-246: Firsts: I Still Can’t Believe It

Part of moving to Texas is needing to begin to do my own yard maintenance.  That means I am now trying to mow the non-tree and rock free parts of our property.  I am guessing that means almost an acre.  I am getting into the swing of pushing a mower around.  I do about an hour at a time and eventually get it done.

What I was not prepared for was dealing with the machinery.  My wife brought home a used string trimmer with a two stroke-engine.  I have always avoided two-strokes.  I don’t understand them and they don’t want me to understand them.  The device slowly went down hill.  At first it was impossible to start once it was warm so I only could use it until the string wore down.  Then I needed to wait until the next day.  Eventually it started refusing to run. 

I had a choice to make.  I could keep taking it back to the guy who sold it to us and have him work his magic or I could try to fix it myself.  Since I am cheap and my manhood was on the line I decided to give it a go.  What was the worst that could happen?  I would fail and take it to him anyway.  I had nothing to lose.

So I did a search on You Tube and watched a few videos.  I ordered a kit that included everything I would need including a new carburetor.  The day came when all the parts were in my possession and I had no more excuses.  I started taking out screws and pulling things apart.  Eventually I did all I knew to do and the moment of truth came............It started.  I was in shock.

I did some trimming and then turned it off and renewed the string.  It started again.  I am impressed. 

So now I have actually fixed something.  I need a nap.

homo unius libri

2 comments:

  1. I sold my weed-whacker and went back to the scythe for similar reasons. Plus, there are always weed whips and clippers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am looking into a grass whip. I remember they worked well. I wonder if the machine I bought was your old one.

      Grace and peace

      Delete

Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.