Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 4 cycle lawnmower has oil lock, plug hole, oil level

Question
After standing my Toro 4 cycle mower on end to remove the blade, I first noticed the oil level was low when it when placed with all 4 wheels on the ground.  Secondly, the pull cord was impossible to move.  The mower shop said that the problem was probably "oil lock".  How is the oil lock eliminated?  

Answer
Remove the spark plug and then pull the string.  Oil should squirt out of the spark plug hole.  TO help thin the oil you can spray some carburetor cleaner inside the cylinder, thru the spark plug hole, and continue to pull the string.
Make sure the oil level is correct before starting the engine.  The engine may smoke for a while if any oil has entered the muffler.  You can soak the muffler in parts cleaner to help remove any oil that may be in the muffler but it will still smoke a little for a while.  The only quick way to eliminate the smoking is to replace the muffler but they are too expensive in my opinion.

Let me know if this helps.
Eric