QuestionHi Michael,
I just read your advice to another inquirer who hit a rod with his mower. Just today I hit the top of a hidden property line steel pipe. The mower ran for about three minutes then quit, started again, then quit immediatelyand won't start again. The blade was obviously bent and must be replaced. Since it ran for a while before it quit, I replaced the spark plug, hoping for some luck, but none. I then decided to try and check the flywheel key.
After getting the nut off, but before taking off the flywheel, just looking at the key on the shaft it appears to be intact. Since I don't have a flywheel puller yet and daylight was running out, I wasn't able to pull the flywheel,but is it possible to determine whether the key is sheared without pulling the flywheel?
Like I mentioned, it looks OK visually looking down from the top of the shaft.
Thanks for your help.
Also, what's the best type of flywheel puller to get.
Thanks again.
Charles
AnswerHi Charles,
Good thinking! Yes, if the key looks good and not sheared from the top, then it is most likely okay. Just make sure that it is not partialy sheared.
You don't mention good spark. Check for that if you haven't. Next, the crankshaft might have become twisted which would also advance the timing. Other than that, some internal damage might have occurred.
Any bolt-to-the-flywheel type puller would work fine if needed.
Let me know how you make out.
Michael
