Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Blades will not disengage, cardboard box, mower deck

Question
I have a Craftsman Mod# 017.256510 and the blades will not disengage. The lever will not travel completly to the disengage point and feels to bind. I cannot see where it is binding.

Answer
 Hello Randy:

 You can View a Breakdown of the Mower at this Addy http://www3.sears.com/ and Click on the Box Lawn Equipment. Then Follow the Instructions to get to the View Diagram/View Parts List Page. Select the View Diagram of the Mower and Click Continue. A New Window will Open with the Breakdown you will Require. Disconnect the Linkage at the Mower Deck. Remove the Link # 43 Completely. Does the Lever Work Correctly Now? If Yes, the Problem is with a Component on the Deck. If No, then Remove the Access Panel and the Gas Tank or Battery from the Mower. You now have Access to the Blade Engagement Linkage. You should be able to Locate the Binding or Frozen Linkage. Usually I Winterize My Mower by Spraying PB Rust Catalyst onto the Linkage Connection Points and Any Pin or Shaft that Moves when the Blade Lever is Moved. I do this With the Steering, Brake/Clutch, Transaxle & Shifter and the Deck. I Rarely have a Problem with Rust this Way. Get a Large Cardboard Box and Set the Mower on this For the Winter. I have a Sheet of 3/8 ' Plywood Cut to the Size I wanted and Painted it. All I do is Wash the Plywwod Off and the Garage Floor Stays Clean. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require any more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. I enjoy knowing the Outcome. Thanks.

 Good Luck
 
 Respectfully

 John