Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): very hard pulling Honda mower, honda mower, plug hole

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Michael:
I took a Honda mower out of storage after four years.
New blade, oil, gas, plug, and a good cleaning.
I thought I was good to go, until I pulled the cord.  
EXTREmely hard to pull, and will not start.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Rich
Answer -
Hi Rich,

It would be hard to pull over if the cylinder is rusted.  Remove the spark plug and try again.  If no change, add an ounce of oil and work that in.  If it pulls over after removing the plug and before adding oil, then we will need to look at other areas.  

Let me know how you make out.
Michael

Hi Michael:
Sorry for the delay getting back to you.
I pulled the plug: no difference.
Added the oil, and worked it in.  I pull it a couple of times a day.  No change.
It could be my imagination, it seems slightly better.  

Still, it is amazingly hard to pull.  
I checked the assembly that uses the spring tesnsion to wrap the cord, etc., and it all looks and checks out perfectly.

I am totally stumped.  This was a mower that was stored dry, taken care of, etc.

Any other suggestions I can try?

I appreciate your help!
Rich


Answer
Hi Rich,

Well , we need to isolate the point of resistance.  Listen for noise inside the spark plug hole.  Does the piston seem to move smoothly or do you hear/feel scraping.  Use the blade to crank the engine to see if things change.

If it is a rusted cylinder it WOULD get better.  Repeat the oiling and pulling over, to work the oil into the rings.
If the resistance is not at the blade, the recoil or the cylinder, then the crankcase is where to look next.

Keep me posted.
Michael