New to me Murray have questions

[buildmyown]

I just got my fist rider and have a few questions. First it is a 1999 Murray Select Wide Body LT 17.5HP B&S 42" cut and 3 bin hard bagger. Yeah I know now after reading here I should have looked for something else. In general it is in very good shape but does have a few quirks to it runs strong and cuts great. If anyone has a manual for this machine or knows where to find one that would be great.

First what are some do's and donts of this tractor in regards to pulling im not talking about pulling a cord of firewood at a time but a decent sized utillity trailer?

Second I noticed that the hydro drive is whining is it low on fluid and how do I check it and what do I top it off with if it is low?

Third it tends to back fire when I shut it down other then that it runs great. I am thinking valves need adjustment or dirty carb or plugs gaped wrong?

Anything else you can think of would be great I have already gave it a pretty good going over and greesing everything but havent had a chance to look into the backfire issue.

Thanks.

[kyforeman]

I just got my fist rider and have a few questions. First it is a 1999 Murray Select Wide Body LT 17.5HP B&S 42" cut and 3 bin hard bagger. Yeah I know now after reading here I should have looked for something else. In general it is in very good shape but does have a few quirks to it runs strong and cuts great. If anyone has a manual for this machine or knows where to find one that would be great.

First what are some do's and donts of this tractor in regards to pulling im not talking about pulling a cord of firewood at a time but a decent sized utillity trailer?

Second I noticed that the hydro drive is whining is it low on fluid and how do I check it and what do I top it off with if it is low?

Third it tends to back fire when I shut it down other then that it runs great. I am thinking valves need adjustment or dirty carb or plugs gaped wrong?

Anything else you can think of would be great I have already gave it a pretty good going over and greesing everything but havent had a chance to look into the backfire issue.

Thanks.

First let me say welcome to the forum, you will find just about anyting here you need to know. Also the search tool is a great tool. Im sure some one will be along shortly to answer some of your questions.
As for the manual for your tractor if you can find the model number,(most likely under the seat or on the rear fender deck) you might just be able to find it on the Murray website as they have several manuals available there.

Here is a link to get you started. Also they have a small tech section as well that may address some of your other issues.
http://www.murray.com/index.asp
:greendr:

[diesel_nut]

I've had a Murray before and here's my likes/gripes.

Pros:
-Great engine. That twin Briggs will outlast every Murray ever built.
-simplicity
-light weight(makes pushing it easier ;) )
-Cuts grass very well

Cons:
-cheap, thin metal everywhere
-starters seem to always have a 'flat spot'
-hitting bumps will jar you and take it's toll on the tractor
-deck pulleys/bearings will have to be replaced almost yearly....but it's easy to do.
-hood is easily bent out of shape

[Jason]

I've also got a question about the hydro fluid. There doesn't seem to be a drain plug...it seems like these units were "fill for life" with whatever they got, and they weren't really intended to be serviced in the field. I just bought an '03 Wide Body LT with a 17.5 hp Tecumseh single, with the hydro drive. I'm going over it with a fine-toothed comb, and I'd like to change the hydro fluid, but am beginning to think it's not easily done. Mine doesn't seem to whine yet, but I'm sure that after a while, it will. The engine runs out real nice, though I'm not a Tecumseh Power fan-boy by any stretch of the imagination. Maybe eventually, I'll re-power this Murray with a Honda twin!

[2tractors]

On mine has a "breather tube"":banghead3 on top, you can unscrew the cap on top of the tube pump out the oil with and then refill. It takes time but can be done.:fing32:

[Jason]

Thanks! I've read somewhere that these units generally take 20W-50 motor oil. I can't find a fluid specification in any manual (because I don't think they intend for you to actually change the fluid). Does 20W-50 sound right?

[diesel_nut]

Jason the Murray(Briggs) site lists a 5W30 synthetic for sale.

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/parts_supplies/details.aspx?pid=100074

Also a 30W oil:
http://www.briggsandstratton.com/images/bsshop/100/100_100005_SmallEngineOil150.jpg

[Jason]

Thanks. I was thinking specifically of the hydro drive unit. I've got straight 30W in the engine.

Regarding your other thread about parts for the Murray -- same thing applies to the oil. Walmart had a 20 oz. bottle of Briggs and Stratton 30W oil for $2.74, or a full quart for something like $4.99. And this is pretty standard oil! I bought four quarts of normal 30W for $2.24 each. I'd be surprised if Briggs sells ANY $15 quarts of synthetic motor oil!

[diesel_nut]

How do you check the transaxle for oil level?

[Jason]

How do you check the transaxle for oil level?

Dunno. Am half thinking about removing it from the tractor all together, turning it upside down, measuring the fluid that came out, and putting the same back in. But I've found precious little on the internet about these. Mine has a Peerless hydro drive that appears to be warranted by Tecumseh. Were they the same company?

[diesel_nut]

Same company as who?

I think the trans oil is "for life", kinda like the G-12 antifreeze in my car.

[diesel_nut]

Dunno. Am half thinking about removing it from the tractor all together, turning it upside down, measuring the fluid that came out, and putting the same back in. But I've found precious little on the internet about these. Mine has a Peerless hydro drive that appears to be warranted by Tecumseh. Were they the same company?

If there is an add hole you can suck it out with a Pella oil extractor. The problem with adding what you took out is: what if it were low? or too high?

[Jason]

Same company as who?

Are Peerless and Tecumseh the same company? There's a large decal fixed to the right rear fender of my Murray says something about a 3 year powertrain warranty, and has a big oval Tecumseh logo on it. The decal makes it sound like Tecumseh warrants the engine and the drive unit. The drive unit appears to be made by Peerless. Was that a Tecumseh brand?

I think the trans oil is "for life", kinda like the G-12 antifreeze in my car.

I think it is also. But you know how that goes. "For life" means for the life of the warranty only. :duh: The build date on my mower is 2003. After 6 years and some hard use (the previous owner had a very hilly yard), any petroleum fluid could stand to be replaced I think.

[utbigrod]

Nobody really talked about the backfire issue, so I'll share something I read in my Craftsman manual. says if you are getting backfiring to make sure you are throttling down to the slowest speed before shutting off and if you shutoff at high throttle speed you will get backfiring.

HOpe this helps

[Wid LT1000]

Nobody really talked about the backfire issue, so I'll share something I read in my Craftsman manual. says if you are getting backfiring to make sure you are throttling down to the slowest speed before shutting off and if you shutoff at high throttle speed you will get backfiring.

HOpe this helps

Absolutely - this is a very good point.

And I've experienced first hand pulling into my shed and shutting down that a backfire can make your heart skip a beat or two.

[diesel_nut]

And lowering rpms................ssssllllloooowwwllllyyy