Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): cant pull cord or electric start, murray snowblower, flywheel teeth

Question
last night I tried to fire up my 2004 Murray snowblower.  Electric start spun and did not start the engine.  Tried the pull cord, pull twice then seized.  Has been working fine all winter, so figure it is something simple.  Was going to take the pull cord assembly apart on the weekend, but what should i be looking for?

engine is a 8.5 hp Tecumseh.  Model: LH318SA, SPEC: 156576G

currently the pull cord is stuck and won't release and the electric start button just hums went tried.  

Answer
Hello Benson:

Remove the Blower Housing and Make Sure the Electric Starter Drive Gear is Not Jammed with the Flywheel Teeth. Make Sure the Flywheel Magnets are Still in Place on the Flywheel. Remove the Spark Plug and Try to Turn the Engine. Will the engine Turn with the Blower Housing Removed? Does the Engine Turn with the Spark Plug Removed? The Recoil Starter Pawls May be Stuck and Stopping the engine from Turning. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf  . 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