Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - I ran over a big stick and now the mower won't start

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kimhelms
06-04-07, 05:04 PM
The blade won't move. However, I can't tell if it's the blade that's out of whack or the housing around the edge of the mower.
Would changing the blade fix it, or did I probably bend the mower itself?
Thanks,
Kim

geogrubb
06-04-07, 05:23 PM
Remove the blade and turn the crankshaft to see it it wobbles(might remove the sparkplug to make turning easier), if it does wobble the engine is now scrap, if not straighten the deck reattach the blade and away you go. Have a good one. Geo
nap
06-04-07, 05:28 PM
ah, maybe.

after you do what geogrubb suggested, it may still not start. Many engines use a woodruff key to time the flywheel which often shears when you hit a rock or big stick.

If this happens, the timing of the engine will be off and it won't run

puey61
06-04-07, 06:05 PM
This is a walk-behind mower we're talking about, right? By all means, you should remove the spark plug any time you service the underside. You don't want any accidental starts! A good indicator if the flywheel key is sheared is if the rope gets ripped out of your hand when attempting to start the engine.
kimhelms
06-04-07, 10:22 PM
Sounds like I'm going to need a new lawnmower.
Thanks everyone.
Kim
duigoose
06-05-07, 09:05 AM
Kim, just being curious but did you look under the mower? If you just read the posts and thought this all sounded like too much trouble without looking and as geo suggested it could be something as simple as some of this stick you ran over getting stuck under the deck wedging itself and not allowing the blade to turn.
kimhelms
06-10-07, 12:27 PM
Yes - I did that. The blade will turn to a point and then it hits the side of the mower.
kimhelms
06-17-07, 11:30 AM
Could changing the blade fix it? I'm not sure if this is including the earlier thread.
Thanks,
Kim
msidan
06-17-07, 01:12 PM
Did you remove the blade and check the shaft to see if it was bent? Or to see if the blade is bent?