I found a Lawn Boy 1116 Hobby Garderner in a pile of stuff by the road. Seeing that it was intact, I grabbed it and eventually tore it to pieces after getting to run.

The reed valves were shot and the carburetor float was in upside-down. Lots of other minor stuff, too.

I put it back together and with the carb adjusted to 3/4 turn, it runs fine; fat white spark and blue smoke.

My question is: Does anyone know what the gearbox is lubricated with? I can see a greenish-gold greasy substance in the access plug. I dunno if this is grease or 90w that has solidified (it's a 1961-64 vintage).

Also, where is the serial number? Mine only has a curious little plate on the head with "SBC-51" as a model number and the serial number field blank.

P.S.: Many thanks to Toro for making a downloadable repair manual and parts diagram available for this and ALL Lawn Boy machines, 1950 thru 2000. Very thoughtful and it enables me to go to the parts counter with a list with parts numbers that saves time.