QuestionI have a Lowes riding mower with a 12.5 HP B/S motor. I was mowing my lawn when half way through the job it wanted to act like it was running out of gas. Then I heard a pop and it cut off. It will not crank now. Everything is turning from the top of the motor to the bottom of the shaft. Is this a sheared pin and how do I get to it and approx. how much is it. I have the cover off now. Thanks.
AnswerHiya PAul
1- check your spark. If you have a spark, then yep you got a sheared key (or a bad ign module).
2- If you have a sheared key situation, you gotta pull the flywheel. Remove the nut, wedge a LARGE screwdriver under one side to 'load' the wheel, opposite the wedge tap upward with a hammer, flywheel should pop loose. This is shadetree mechanics 101. heh. (a LARGE 2-jaw puller works better- can be rented for free from autozone)
3- reinstall the wheel, insert the new key, don't forget the large spring washer (very important) nut- torque to 70ftlbs, or as much as you can muster while holding the flywheel with a LARGE c-clamp (8in opening minimum).
A shop can do this for you for about 40$.
Lemme know if you wanna do it yourself we'll go through it together. Just give me the model number off the engine adn I can give very specific instructions.
