Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): push mower, briggs and stratton, hp briggs

Question
QUESTION: i have a 6.5 hp Briggs and Stratton white outdoors LC 215 push mower and its extremely hard to start it feels like high compression but i do not know i do know that it is not seized because i took out the spark plug and it was really easy to pull and i could see the piston moving what do i do?

ANSWER: Shane

Are you by chance trying to start the mower without a blade attached on bottom of it?  you have to have a blade attached to the bottom to act as a counterweight.    Get back to me on a followup please.

thanks

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: there is a blade on the mower.

Answer
If you take a compression gauge you should have anywhere from 45-60psi for starting.  I am wondering if you dont have a bent crankshaft. Turn the mower on its side-AIR FILTER UP, and DISCONNECT the SPARK PLUG WIRE  Turn the engine over and watch the blade does it turn freely?  If its bent it will be very noticeable.

Are you releasing the blade brake clutch prior to trying to crank the engine over?   This means are you holding your brake handle against the handle bar while trying to start?