Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Powermate 3750 - Engine Frozen?, seized engine

Question
I have a NEW Powermate 3750 that was bought in 2003 and unboxed about 7 months ago. I put oil in the unit as spec. by the manual and cranked it up with no problem. Put it back INDOORS in my closet till last night when our power went off.  Pulled it out and started it (no problem) and it ran for about 2 mins with no issue then rev'd up with me touching anything and then killed (all with in 5-10 secs). When I went outside to try to restart it was frozen. Can not pull the starter rope at all. Did this thing just crap out with less than 15 mins of running time on it? Any ideas what to check first?

Thanks,
Tony


Answer
I'd pull the spark plug and see if the cylinder is full of gas or oil.  Hopefully it was nothing more than the float sticking and filling the cylinder with gas and nothing was damaged.

When you put it back in the closet, did you leave gas in the tank?  The needle could have stuck from excess varnish allowing fuel to overflow.

After this, I'd pull the blower housing and with the plug out, see if the engine will turn over by turning the flywheel.  

This is where I would start.  Beyond this, you may very well have to pull the engine off to establish that the generator isn't what's locked up.  If it is the engine, and from what you describe it probably is, more than likely you will be needing to disassemble it to locate the problem.  You might be able to free it up with some kerosene poured in the cylinder and left to soak, but personally I'll tear one down before I go that route.

Let me know if you have any questions.  I'm sorry there isn't a "Do this and it will fix that" sort of answer for you.  This is one of those that may involve some extensive work just to find the problem.  

Thanks, PK.