Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Bad clutch?, briggs stratton engine, starter clutch

Question
3.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine.

In May, one of my mowers started and ran fine. Then I began using a different mower. Yesterday I tried the other mower again, after about 3 months.

The starter rope pulled ok, but nothing happened. I removed the cover. Turning the clutch by hand, the blade moved. When I turned the ratchet on top of the  clutch, it turned freely, almost spinning around, but didn't seem to catch inside the clutch.

I presume this is why the mower won't start. Why did the mower start ok in May, but not now? Is there something inside the ratchet or clutch that could be stuck? I thought all there was inside the clutch was a couple ball bearings. What would pevent the ratchet from "catching" inside the clutch?

Thanks.

Answer
Hello Jerry:

If the Engine has the Ball Type Starter, then the Internal Clutch Balls May be Stuck. Dust, Dirt and Water will Eventually Cause the Clutch Balls to Freeze and Not Function Properly. 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, this is the Tower with the Resesses that the Balls Catch when the Starter Pulley is Turned). 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

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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John