Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S 28R707 12.5 HP Type: 1120-E1, light finger pressure, piston rod

Question
Hello.

My Murray riding mower cut off on me last night crossing a yard. It just stopped firing. I tried to crank again, but noticed that the flywheel turned very fast and a queer vibration rattled the whole mower during the crank attempt. Later on I turned the flywheel by hand and felt no resistance to light finger pressure. I proceeded to check the oil and the dipstick was covered from one end to another. To my horror after wiping I found that the mower was slap out of oil.

I'm hoping against hope that I didn't permanently damage this engine. Please respond with good news if you can.

Answer
Hi Sean
Sorry it doesn't sound good. Remove the spark plug and turn the flywheel and see if the piston moves. If not then the piston rod is broken. Also check the flywheel key to see if it is sheared. If it is, replace the key and see if the engine turns. A locked up engine can shear the key. Wish I had better news. Let me know what you find out.