1973 Craftsman leaf vac 4hp Tecumseh

my 1973 Craftsman leaf vac after a good cleaning and a tune up

1973 Craftsman vacuum-bagger-shredder
164cc 4HP Eager-1 (Tecumseh) engine
25" path

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• craftsman
• leaf
• vacuum
• bagger
• shredder
• tecumseh
• eager-1
• engine
• cold
• start
• 1970s
• 4-stroke
• 4-cycle

[ClassicTVMan81]

Something tells me the engine may not be original here. If you could please find out what the model number is of the leaf vac aside from its engine, give me a reply please.

[motox458]

@ClassicTVMan81 Sorry, I no longer have the actual blower, I only have the engine, the blower started falling apart and it was getting to the point where adding more supports and bolts wasn't helping, the plastic bottom was dried out and cracked so it didn't have much suction power anymore, I did keep the fan blades though, thinking about creating something with that.

[ClassicTVMan81]

@motox458

What are the model and serial #s on the engine, wherever they may be stamped or cast, so I can find out what piece of equipment it belonged to? Thank you. Example: 143.234062 SER 3001P.

[motox458]

@ClassicTVMan81 Model # is 143 244332 serial # is 41700

[billycasey]

Did I miss something? At what point do we see it pick up any leaves?

[motox458]

you don't :p

[sarape27]

I have a leaf vac. that looks just the same as yours I am not completely sure if they have the same engine. I was wandering if you could send a picture of the carburetor and how the springs for the choke and the throttle are connected. I think I am missing one on my but I can't find a diagram for that.

Thank you.

[powerpark123]

Wow ! this is a great machine. My father bought it new back in 76. I still have it. I found another one on Craigslist and bought it. I just removed and cleaned the carbs. It blows leaves across the yard very well. Great video! thanks for posting it!

[ClassicTVMan1981X]

@cf6285

The silver models you mention were both from the mid-late '80s/early '90s. The one with the 4.0 reserve power engine and brush is catalog #79783 while the one rated 3.5 reserve power and no brush is #79681. From 1976 to 1984, there was #7989, which had a 3.5 reserve power Tecumseh engine (LAV35 series from 1976-78, TVS90 from 1979).

[cf6285]

@cf6285 My mind was thinking Tecumseh while fingers were typing Briggs and Stratton. Mine has the 3.5 HP Tecumseh and matches the Owners Manual so it must be correct. The later silver models added the power brush and 4. hp Tecumseh engine.

Compared to my 5 hp Honda powered Yard Machine the Sears literally blows it away. But, as a shredder it is a miserable failure. Unless the leafs are bone dry and very brittle they clog. I use mine to spread leafs than mulch them with Cub Cadet.

[cf6285]

@gepet007 Do you have a web site for the guy on the internet that sells parts for the Craftsman 25" vacuum/shredder/bagger/blower. Thanks.

Oh! The red model around 1973 had the 3.5 hp B & S engine while the silver later model had the 4 hp Eager 1 with the brush as well.

[gepet007]

. Cons not self propelled. Parts are hard to come by. A guy on the internet sells replacement parts a steel chute to replace the plastic one and a larger bag. If you have a small yard and see one on craigslist cheap grab it. I question why Lawn vacs bag design de evolved. I mean with emptying a bag with this model is as simple as untying the string. Others like the yard boss or craftsman are such a hassle. It is amazing how older design technology beats newer technology.

[gepet007]

I have the same model. It is one of the best vacs out there. For big oak leaves it clogs and I have to remove the mulch screen the bags fill up faster. The design actually blows the newer o nes away because the original one has an arm and a hanging bag. you tie at the bottom and untie in the garbage bag makes dumping the easiet out of all the vacs I have seen I pown 4 different models. It is work not being self propelled. great for small yards cleans pavements ,eaves excellent,

[ClassicTVMan81]

@motox458

That model # you found was just what I thought in the first place. Tecumseh equivalent is ECV100-145061A. Serial number #4170C indicates engine was manufactured on June 19, 1974.