Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda Engine Stopped, Wont Start, honda engine, shear pin

Question
Allen,
My Honda HRM215, about 8 years old, bogged down in some heavy grass, stopped and will not start. The pull string is VERY hard to pull - the blade rotates freely by hand. I'm thinking it's probably the flywheel shear pin. Can you walk me through how to replace it - or point me to a resource that can assist? Thanks in advance. -Paul  

Answer
Hiya Paul-
I'm thinking you should have a real close look at your flywheel brake.  It may simply be clogged and stuck.  Its supposed to release with a lever, but its spring loaded to be held against the flywheel (it fails to a 'lock the flywheel' position)
lemme know what you find here