Hayter Harrier 48 repair

Hello,I have a a 1997 Hayter Harrier 48 from 1997

I inherited it from my late father and we always had it as our mower in my childhood.

I’ve been using the mower for around 3 years now.

It’s recently broken down. I thought it was a fuel issue at the start, then checked the oil by opening the cap to check and could see oil.

I started mowing after thinking it may need more fuel, it then stopped after a few runs. I filled up with fuel and then wouldn’t start. I left it a few days, and it started but after around 60 seconds it started to loose revs and stopped.

I’ve taking it to my local garage and they say it had no oil in, when checking the dip stick… I didn’t think it had one and could see oil in…

they say it’s now beyond repair as it needs a new engine and they won’t fit one due to it being so old…

any advice would be greatly appreciated before I go and see them tomorrow.

Understandably I’d love to keep this mower going if I can.

thanks

 

@Alex Bain
If you have the serial number you may find the manual on the Hayter website Home
You can also find a local dealer there; who may give better advice than a general garage.
Hayter can also provide spares, you could also talk to them about the problem and get their input.
I did fit a new engine to my 1980's Mountfield Princess and found it relatively easy to do. Still running 20 years after it was done.

 

Check the air filter and carburetor to see if they need cleaning.

 

My Hayter 41 had the same, dip stick as part of filler cap. Most of that vintage would have Briggs and Stratton engines so would all be very similar. No or very little oil would cause things to seize up, as oil helps cooling as well. It may be possible to strip it down and rebuild it but you would need to know what you are doing. The cost in labour would be significant if you have to pay someone to do it. Are there any engineering colleges near you? You might be able to persuade them to let students do it at a more reasonable rate as a learning exercise.
Quicker and easier to replace the whole engine with a new or re-con unit but then it wouldn't be your old machine anymore.
Good luck!

 

Hi @Alex Bain

I don't know enough about lawn mowers to be able to advise, but if I was in your shoes I would ask a few places instead of just one, just to be sure.

I hope you manage to get it fixed

 

@CostasK This is a duplicate thread and replies seem to have gone here Hayter Harriet 48 repair a slightly earlier thread in New Members Introduction

 

If the engine still rotates by hand ie is not seized, then refill with oil to required level. Source new petrol having drained out old, and refill. Check spark plug or replace with new. It should start if there is compression and spark.
It could be damaged beyond repair but is unlikely.
Agree that you should seek second opinion. Those mowers were real quality although my personal experience of them predates your machine by 30 years. Is your engine by Briggs & Stratton ?

 

Thank you @wiseowl