Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro mower, pull cord not working correctly., starter cord, upper cylinder

Question
My mower is a Toro 6.5hp model.  Bought it a couple years ago, so still pretty new.

I brought my mower out yesterday to get it ready for cutting again.  I put some fresh gas in, and it started up on the first pull, although the starter cord did not feel like it pulled very smoothly.  I let it run for about 10 mins, then changed the oil.  After changing the oil, I am unable to get it started again.  The starter cord is very difficult to pull, and very jerky.  It'll go about halfway, then stick, go a little further, etc.  I am not able to pull it soothly enough to get the mower running again.  What do you think?  I checked the air filter, spark plug, deck for clogged grass, etc.  Did having it tipped while changing the oil screw something up?

Thanks,
Andy

Answer
Hi Andy,

Check to make sure the oil level is correct.  Does the engine seem to pull back on the handle, out of your hand or does the the recoil just seem sticky.  Is the blade loose?  Tipping it should not have caused a problem unless oil got into the upper cylinder but then the spark plug would be oil soaked.


Let me know what you find
Michael