Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro 22 Recycler w/ Tecumseh Engine, tecumseh engine, toro mowers

Question
First, I'd like to thank you in advance for the service you provide. I work in the Auto Industry, specifically service and realize the value of what you do.

I was given a Toro 22" Recycler Mower model 20076. The Tecumseh engine is an LV195 XA.

A few things concern me. It was my father in laws. Apparently it ran for the first hour of cutting. He stopped, took a half hour break an went back to restart the mower.

He could not get it to start for one. He told me he replaced the plug, air filter and added oil ( believe it was never changed?? ) and added fresh fuel. He said the blade is ae to spin, which I verified when I picked it up from him.

The key start is not working , so I tried the pull cord. It will not retract or move and currently is wound down to the
engine housing.

Is this worth trying to fix or am I to assume the engine is done? I did read somewhere that certain Toro mowers had a factory defect with the rings that would cause consumption issues and ultimately seizure of the block.

I'm just trying to justify the effort to repair VS selling it outright as a dead mower. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
Josh

Answer
Eninge service manual link:

http://www.cpdonline.com/692509.pdf

Toro mower manual link, just type in your model number:

https://homeownersolutions.toro.com/portal/server.pt/community/product_center/225#manualsResultPage

The mower you have is a decent mower.  We have not had a lot of issues with the engines seizing as long as operators use the correct oil and follow the maintenance schedule.  I'm guessing the mower is at least $250, with electric start $300, new so if the engine is not seized it is probably worth fixing.

First thing I would do is see if the engine rotates.  Remove the spark plug and see if you can spin the engine.  If so, then it should be fine.   If not, make sure there is not something with the drive system, blade, or starter that is binding and preventing the engine from rotating. Next repair the starter, the pull string starter.

99% of the engine problems today are caused by dirty carburetors.  Today's carbs are manufactured with tight tolerances to meet EPA emmission standards...just a drop of water or a spec of grass in the carb can cause issues.  Cleaning the carb with compressed air from an air compressor and spray type carb cleaner usually solves the problem.  Lots of videos on You Tube covering carb cleaning.

If the engine rotates I would take the time to check out the mower and see if it can be fixed.

Eric