Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda 21 rear drive Craftman DLM, air impact wrench, clutch adjustment

Question
I have a Honda/Craftman mover Model # 917.377790 which after taking off the blade and the bottom cover I cleaned out all the grass and used some WD40 but as the blade housing spins it smokes a bit.  It all started when I tried to engauge the blade last mowing and it made a crack sound.  I could engauge the blade but wasn't working well.  I cleaned it all out and the assembly seems to spin fine but still is getting very hot and smoking.  I don't know if it's related to the shaft that spin's the assembly or something else.  I tried to take off the nut keeping the pull assembly together but couldn't.  It rotates but seems pretty tight to turn.  How do you take this apart or service so it won't smoke?

Answer
Here is your manual:

http://www.managemyhome.com/mmh/lis_pdf/OWNM/L0209132.pdf


Sounds like the blade clutch is slipping generating the heat and smoke.  There should be a method to adjust the blade engaging capble but I did not see any blade clutch adjustment procedure in the manua so you will have to inspect the cable for ajdusting mechinisms.

We use an air impact wrench to remove the nut on the blade clutch.  You can remove the pull starter and use a large socket to hold the flywheel while you loosen the blade clutch nut.

Do you have an air compressor to run an air impact gun?

FYI, your mower was manfuactured by Husqvarna.  


Eric