new to me 10323

1113 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Jackass, Oct 14, 2010

slag

Discussion Starter · Oct 14, 2010

I was scanning craigslist in KC the other day and came across a 10323 with mulch plug for sale in KC. Owner said it ran well, he just didn't need it.

$25.00

I called my sister and she picked it up for me. Fearing the worst, I thought it might need a coil or possibly a hone and new rings. Maybe even a drive belt.

She delivered the mower (yeah, she's a great sister), and immediately saw it needed at least a primer bulb. A quick trip to the parts store and $5.69 later, I had the bulb in hand and put it on. I put about a half tank of gas in the machine, primed and choked it, and pulled.

Nothing.

A few more primes and a quick jerk of the handle and VROOOM, she fired right up. It appears to idle well, no hesitation when going from idle to full power, and the self propel works perfectly.

I shut it down and came back an hour later. Two primes, a choke, and vroom, fired up first pull. I just need to install a fuel shut off valve and it appears I have a new machine. The only thing is that it is a lot louder than my F series mowers, but maybe that's just because the muffler is on top instead of under the deck. /shrug

I'd always wanted a duraforce and am glad I found one at a good price.

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LB10247

· #2 · Oct 14, 2010

Good deal - thats a good all around mower, and yes those Duraforce motors are pretty loud!

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Wolfy

· #3 · Oct 14, 2010

they will run like crazy too! you can cut through about anything with them. I love my DF engines! the self propelled is steller as well! Nice find!!!

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Jackass

· #4 · Oct 14, 2010

I was very tempted to go after that one as well. Nice find. I haven't brought myself to get into the DF game yet. Trying to stay somewhat focused on F and M so I don't end up with yet another set of spare part machines at the house.

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imaLawnBoyFreak

· #5 · Oct 14, 2010

Good for you, very nice of your sister. The DF mower is sweet engine after you work out carb problems...

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slag

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 14, 2010

Jackass said:
I was very tempted to go after that one as well. Nice find. I haven't brought myself to get into the DF game yet. Trying to stay somewhat focused on F and M so I don't end up with yet another set of spare part machines at the house.

I hear you. My favorite mower is an 8237 AE? electric start. The problem with this style mower with the capstan drive is that the drives need constant attention, the tires wear out, they dont work well in damp grass, and are a general PITA unless in great shape. I love the cut and noise of the mower, but hate the drive.

I did the M thing for awhile and never again. Heavy, temperamental, poorly designed handle adjustments that break teeth, blade brake systems that are expensive to replace, etc. I finally gave up, sold the 3 I had, and have a more peaceful existence because of it

They do give a great cut though.

There was also a 10323 in Independence?? that needed a coil. My guess is that if you baked the old one, it would come back to life....

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slag

Discussion Starter · #7 · Oct 14, 2010

imaLawnBoyFreak said:
Good for you, very nice of your sister. The DF mower is sweet engine after you work out carb problems...

No carb problems as of yet. If it starts surging, I'll get the mikuni jet.

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Jackass

· #8 · Oct 14, 2010

slag said:
My favorite mower is an 8237 AE? electric start. The problem with this style mower with the capstan drive is that the drives need constant attention, the tires wear out, they dont work well in damp grass, and are a general PITA unless in great shape. I love the cut and noise of the mower, but hate the drive.

I have an 8243ae that I haven't gotten to use yet. Not sure if it is similar or not. This will be my first capstan drive LB. Pretty sure the previous owner messed with the governor because on the lowest speed setting, it sounds to me to be quite faster than any of my other mowers.

slag said:
I did the M thing for awhile and never again. Heavy, temperamental, poorly designed handle adjustments that break teeth, blade brake systems that are expensive to replace, etc. I finally gave up, sold the 3 I had, and have a more peaceful existence because of it They do give a great cut though.

I am almost there. I have one that runs perfectly and two for parts or maybe to build another. Just haven't been willing to dedicate any time to them. I picked up one 10515 and just absolutely fell in love with it when compared to the M. I don't actually think the M does any better of a job mulching compared to my 10515. After mowing with my 10515, the M is just a big heavy pig. The 10515 is much lighter and agile.

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