Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Problem with a Briggs and Stretton engine, steering wheel puller, 6 digits

Question
Hi, I have a 4 year old Mountfield rotary hand-propelled mower powered by a Briggs and Stretton HP470 engine. The model number on the engine is 10D902, the type is 0141 81. I cannot get it to start, so far i have emptied the old fuel and oil and replaced with new, removed the air filter, cleaned and soaked it in engine oil then wrapped it in a cloth and squeezed until no more oil came out, cleaned the spark plug with a wire brush, put it all back together again. It now will not start. When i pull on the cord it recoils back so fiercly it felt like i'd broken my hand. With the spark plug out, when i pull on the cord it feels smooth, with the spark plug in it doesn't. I left the spark plug out pulled on the cord a few times and i've left the spark plug out for over a hour thinking i'd flooded the engine, but still no difference.
Any help appreciated


Answer
Hello Mark:

From your Description (the kick back) it Sounds like; 1- the Crankcase id Over Filled with Oil. 2- the Blade is Loose and Requires Tightening. The Blade is Used as a Balance for the Engine. 3- The Flywheel Key is Damaged and Requires Replacing. If the Key is Damaged, the Engine will Kick Back or have Uneven Pull as you Described because the Plug is Not Firing in Time with the Piston During the Power/Compression Stroke. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Example: 10D902-0141. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. ***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. *** 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