Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): I hit a small stump with my mower, Flywheel Key Replace

Question
I have a craftsman lawnmower model no. 917.388130 with a Briggs and Stratton 675 engine.  I hit a small stump with the blade and it started making a bad noise so I shut it off.  Now the mower won't start again.  I can pull the cord but the engine doesn't turn over.  Did I brake a pin or something inside?

Answer
Hello Evan:

You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (126T02) and Type Numbers (0709) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. By "Doesn't Turn Over"; I am Assuming you Mean the Engine will Not Start and Run and that the Engine is Turning as it Usually Does when Starting. If this is Correct, then Remove the Spark Plug. Tilt the Mower so the Plug Hole is Pointed Up. Have Someone Turn the Engine while you Watch the Blade Center Bolt. If the Bolt Turns True, then the Crankshaft is Good. A Slight Wobble May be Seen, but this is Sometimes Not a Problem. When will Determine How Bad the Crankshaft is Bent Shortly. Now Make Sure the Blade Did Not Loosen. Check the Blade Bolt for Tightness. Lower the Engine. Now for the Fun Part of the Diagnostics. The Following is the Instruction File I Made for Correcting this Problem. It is the Basics and if you have a Question, Please Ask. ***Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. *** Now Replace the Key Between the Flywheel and Crankshaft and Reverse the Procedure. Be Sure you have the Flywheel Torqued to at Least 60 - 65 Foot Pounds. The Key Times the Plug Firing and is Not Designed to Hold the Flywheel from Turning on the Crankshaft. The Flywheel Nut or Starter Clutch Torque Does that. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

Hello Again Evan:

I Failed to Say: that Once you Replace the Flywheel Key and the Engine is Running, If the Mower Vibrates, then: 1- Make Sure the Blade is Not Bent or Out of Balance. Hang the Blade on a Nail and Allow it to Hang. It should Hang Horonzital. Slightly Down on 1 Side is Ok But if Hanging More than 1/16", then Sharpen the Side of the Blade that is Slanted Down. Recheck for Balance. If the Engine Has Vibration and Balancing the Blade Did Not Correct this, then the Crankshaft is Bent Enough to Cause this Vibration. If the Vibration is Slight and Does Not Interfear with the Operation of the Mower; then Use it, but Keep a Good Check on the Blade Bolt for the First Few Times Mowing and Make Sure the Blade Bolt Does Not Loosen. Thanks for the Ratings and Good Words. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John