Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S on MTD mulcher hard to start, hard jam, mulcher

Question
I have a 10 hp B&S  model 204412, type 0276E1 code 040923yE on MTD mulcher that's now hard to start.  Last year had similar problem but solved it with a little fuel into carb throat.  This year priming thru carb didn't get it started. Did recall that last year when shutting down mulcher at end of season that some large chunks of wood were in chipper chute and caused a hard jam; mulcher stopped with a thud.  I usually don't forget to clear the chipper; but, forgot last year that it shouldn't be shut down like this. So, gas wasn't run out of carb at end of season like I usually do.  Before starting mulcher for this season I disassembled chipper and mulcher mechanisms and cleared same.  Also, cleaned carb's jet, passageways, etc. Engine turns over ok now and have spark; but, engine won't start and accelerate to idle or any speed set on throttle mechanism.  With throttle held wide open, squirted fuel into carb throat. DO get some smoke out of engine like it's firing; but, engine won't accelerate off the few firings that occur when engine is turned over by rope starter. Priming fuel into carb usually gets engine to run for short time before it dies; not so this time.  Pulled plug thinking it's maybe flooded;NO, plug is dry.  Tried putting fuel directly into engine thru spark plug port and reinstalling plug.  Still same problem with smoke;but, engine won't accelerate.  Pulled plug again; but, not flooded.  So, not sure if maybe the chipper getting jammed last year could have messed up timing?  I did find something else that seemed unusual when removing the chipper chute:  There's one black wire with connector plug on it's end dangling down side of engine; but, don't see anywhere it would plug into.  So, not sure if this wire is for an option that could be added and isn't used on this setup or if it's fallen off somewhere; but, I can't see where it goes or if it could be the source of the problem??

Answer
Hi Larry
 It sounds like to me that the hard jam you described could have caused the flywheel key to shear or be distorted. This will cause the engine to be out of time and will not run. If this is the case, replace the flywheel key and your engine will be back in time. Let me know.