"Todd" wrote in message
...
I have a Honda 3813 Lawn tractor that I got used about 1 month ago and
just
finished putting new bearings in the mower deck, and I have a question.

How much does the average lawn tractor slow down when the deck is engaged?

When I engage the deck the engine slows down a lot. If it were not at full
throttle it would stall. When the deck is disengaged mower is strong as a
mule, and runs very well. It is a 13hp 2-cylinder water-cooled engine.
After I fixed the deck it turns easily by hand, but the engine seems to
strain.

How does your lawn tractor run??

Todd

Todd, we've had a 3813 since about 1984 and it's done just fine until last
year. What you're describing is an older engine that's losing compression
when put under strain, and that's exactly what ours has done. The engine
needs rebuilding and new piston rings and probably a whole lot else. We
haven't done that yet, frankly because the parts are so darn expensive. (The
darn Honda stickers for the hood alone are $38 *apiece*, and when we checked
into replacing the starter, it was $300. We rebuilt it instead.) We'll use
it to spot mow in tight places the Kubota can't get to and to give the strip
by the road a bit more of a fine cut to please the unpleasable neighbors,
but the poor thing's just not long for this world. If you didn't put very
much $$ into the tractor in the first place, and you can do the work
yourself, it's probably worth rebuilding as they really do give great
service. But, if you have to pay to have it done, it's probably gonna cost
more than you paid for it in the first place.

Sunflower
MS 7b