Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower wont start - I think I screwed up. :-(, mower blade, torque wrench

Question
I had to replace a mower blade on my Bolens riding mower. Engine is B&S. Like a dummy, I just tipped the mower on it's side, replaced the blade (tightened the nut to about 80 ft/lbs with a torque wrench), turned it right side up, and tried to start. The flywheel appears to turn only about 1/2 of a revolution, then comes to a hard stop (like there's an obstruction). Just wondering if you have an idea what I probably screwed up when I tipped the mower, and how I can go about fixing it without taking it in to the shop.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Tim Lovelock

Answer
Remove the spark plug and crank the engine over to evacuate all of the excess oil from the cylinder.  You will also need to remove the air filter to make sure it isn't soaked with oil.  Re-install the spark plug and it should start and smoke for a few seconds and clear up.  When you tip the mower any other way besides spark plug up, the engine oil can fill the cylinder and hydraulically lock the engine.  Oil can also fill the crankcase vent (PCV) and saturate the air filter.  Re-check the oil level and you should be ready to go.  Hope this helps.