QuestionHi, my usually reliable Toro is refusing to start. The rope seems harder to pull, and sometimes it pops back hard enough to snap my arm, but no start, not even with starting fluid.
When it pops I see oil mist out exhaust. I drained the fuel bowl, changed the gas, new plug and air filter. Spark looks good. I did a search here before posting. Stuck intake valve? Broken flywheel key? Flooded with oil? Please advise. Thanking you big-time in advance for any help.
Andy
AnswerHi Andy,
You can check the oil level for an overfull condition but I suspect a sheared flywheel key. Follow my proceedure below.
Let me know how you make out.
Michael
The flywheel is located under the recoil/cooling shroud. Its' bore is tapered and mates with the tapered
crankshaft. The keyway in the flywheel and shaft
keeps it from spinning on the shaft. A nut secures it. Use an impact wrench on the nut or a strap on the flywheel. Don't put force on the cooling fins or they
will break. The recommended way to remove a flywheel is to use a puller. An alternative, is to tap on the crankshaft top, with a brass hammer or use a punch
tip on an air hammer. The flywheel will need to be held up and supported or upward pressure applied with 2 large prybars. (A 2 person job.) Care is needed so the flywheel
doesn't crack or bend. Also be careful to not mushroom over the crankshaft top. Replace the key. Install the flywheel after cleaning the tapers and re-tighten the nut to 65 ft/lbs. There is also the possibility of a bent or twisted crankshaft if an object was struck with the blade but usually, the key just shears.
