Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): bad clutch?, starter clutch, flat screwdriver

Question
B&S 3.5 engine. When I pull the started cord it works fine, but the mower won't start. The ratchet doesn't seem to engage the clutch.

When turning the clutch by hand, the blade moves ok, but when the ratchet is turned by hand, it moves freely, but doesn't engage inside the clutch. What would cause this. Last time I used the mower, 3 months ago, it worked fine. Is there something inside the clutch that could be stuck?

Answer
Hello Jerry:

Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool. Remove the Blower Housing (Metal Engine Cover). This will Give you Access to the Starter Clutch.  It Contains Several Ball Bearings on the Inside. Do Not Disassemble the Starter Clutch Unless you have Removed it from the Engine. Secure the Crankshaft, Remove the Wire Screen from the Starter Clutch and Remove the Starter Clutch Using a Pipe Wrench. Use a Small Standard (flat) Screwdriver and Pry Off the Cover. Clean and LIGHTY Lubricate the Bearings, Ratchet Spring Adapter (there is no Spring. it is called the ratchet spring adapter because it adapts the starter clutch to the Recoil spring and rope assembly in the blower housing) and the Starter Clutch Support Section of the Crankshaft. Make Sure there is No Rust or Dirt in the Support Section of the Crankshaft and LIGHTLY Lubricate this Area Also. Once the Starter Clutch is Clean, Place the Center Component of the Starter Clutch (the Ratchet Spring Adapter) into the Starter Clutch Housing and then Put the Bearing Into the Housing. Then Tap the Starter Housing Cover Back Into Place. Now Put the Starter Clutch Back Onto the Engine. Make Sure it is Tight. The Clutch is Usually Torqued to 150 ft pds. Reassemble the Rest of the Components and you are Finished. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully