Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): engine wont turn over, air gap, flywheel

Question
I have a Husqvarna yth2242 lawn tractor with a kohler cv22
engine. The problem is that the engine will not turn over to start. However the starter does engage the flywheel but does not spin it even with both sparkplugs removed to relieve compression. Ihave a new battery and starter. Can you help? Thanks,James

Answer
James
Check for a faulty or misadjusted STOP switch. This may be activated by releasing the dead-man bar or by a throttle control lever (STOP, RUN, START). Inspect the cable, linkage, and wiring for damage or for something that may have come loose. Make sure you have the controls set properly to run!

Check that your starter is actually spinning the flywheel. If the flywheel is not rotating properly when you pull the cord or turn the electric start key, then there is a problem with the starter, not the ignition system. Or, the flywheel is not tight due to a sheared flywheel key or improperly torqued flywheel nut.

Check for a flywheel that is loose and not seating properly on the taper. This could result in no spark if the air gap between the flywheel magnet and magneto core is then incorrect. However, due to the close spacing, you would probably feel and hear serious scraping in this case