QuestionQUESTION: I was mowing my lawn and it felt like the propulsion stopped. When I propped the mower up, I could turn the wheels but it was very, very difficult to move the blade. When I pulled the starting cord their was a lot of resistance. Bottom line, it was fine mowing 3/4 of my yard and then it felt like the mower put on the brakes.
ANSWER: Hello Jeanne:
Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine or the Mower Model Numbers, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Engine Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. It Sound like the Engine Brake Cable May have Broken. The Model Numbers will Assist me in Assisting you. Thanks.
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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: It's a Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower
Model No. 917.379200
6.25 Horsepower
Power-propelled
22" side discharge
I hope this helps.
jauffrey@comcast.net
AnswerHello Again Jeanne:
Thanks for the Model Numbers. They are a Great Help. This Mower has a Briggs and Stratton Engine, Model 122K02, Type 0313. 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 (122K02) and Type Numbers (0313) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. The Engine Brake is Shown on Page 6 of 13 and is Breakdown #923. The Engine Stop/Brake cable Hooks to this Unit. When you Hold the Engine Stop/Brake Lever, it Releases the Brake and Allows the Engine to Turn Free. When the Lever is Released, then the Brake Spring Applies the Brake and the Engine has Drag. At the Same Time the Shut Off Switch Grounds the Coil/Magneto the Plug Stops Firing and the Engine Stops Running. If the Stop/Brake Cable End Comes Loose or Breaks at the Engine Stop/Brake, then the Engine will Turn Like it is in a Bind. Other than the Engine Stop/Brake Causing the Engine to be Hard to Turn; it would have to be a Bent Crankshaft, a Damaged Cylinder or Piston (due to Low Crankcase Oil), a Damaged Connecting Rod or the Coil/Magneto is Touching and Dragging on the Flywheel. 1- Check the Engine Stop/Brake Cable and Make Sure it is Connected to the Engine Stop/Brake Unit. 2- Make Sure the Engine Stop/Brake Unit is Operating Correctly. 3- Remove the Blower Housing and Make Sure the Coil/Magneto is Not Touching the Flywheel and has a .020in Gap Between the Coil/Magneto and the Flywheel. 4- Remove the Spark Plug and Tilt the Engine so the Plug Hole is Pointing Up. Now have Someone Turn the Engine while you Watch the Center Blade Bolt. It the Bolt Turns True, then the Crankshaft is Good. If the Blade Center Bolt Wobbles, then the Crankshaft is Bent. Depending on the Amount of Wobble will Determine if it is Causing the Drag on the Engine. 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
