Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecumseh Vantage 35 lawnmower - pull cord does not seem to be engaged, tecumseh vantage 35, pawls

Question
QUESTION: I have just moved house and inherited a Tecumseh Vantage 35 Raser
lawnmower and a lawn about 8 inches high.

I tried to start the mower, but the pull cord just pulled straight towards me
with no resistance at all.  It is clearly wound up properly inside and returns
when released.  Has something become disconnected inside the mower?  The
spark plug lead was connected and I had lifted the lever on the handle to start
it, but I nearly fell over because I am used to a mower that requires quite a
pull!

Any ideas before I head for a shop to buy a new one?

Thanks

ANSWER: Hello Susan:

If the Flywheel and Blade Turn when you Pull the Starter Handle, then the Connecting Rod Inside the Engine Has Broken and the Engine is Trashed. If the Flywheel and Blade Do Not Turn When you Pull the Starter Handle, then the Starter Pawls May be Frozen and Require Lubrication. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have 2 PDF Site Addys that May Assist you Also. They are; 1- http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf and 2- http://www.cpdonline.com/692509.pdf. 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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Nothing turns at all when I pull the starter handle, except for the pulley that
the cord is attached to.

All I can find on the engine is a label saying:

VAN 148 E36112D  
Made in Italy S0090A

Is this enough to help identify it?  The label on the deck has a 3 in a shaped
box followed by LWA96 R484 but I suspect that this is to do with the deck
rather than the engine.

Many thanks for your prompt reply!

Answer
Hello Again Susan:

The Starter Pawls are Frozen or the Pulley is Broken. I am Having Trouble Locating the Breakdown of the Engine. I Will Follow Up on 8/20/07 with the Results of My Search. However, you Can Remove the Blower Housing; Lubricate and Move the Starter Pawls and Inspect the Center of the Starter Pulley for Damage. I Require the IPL Breakdown to See the Type Recoil that is On your Mower. There are Several Used by Tecumseh. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

Hello Again Susan:

I Spoke to Tecumseh. There Should be 143.XXXXXX Numbers or LV, LAV, OHV, ect Numbers on the Engine Tag. A List of the Model Numbers is Listed at this Site Addy; http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf. Hope this Helps.

Respectfully

John