Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower not working right, recoil starter, pneumatic hammer

Question
Hi Michael, Well have to tell you my story, I mother in law asked me to cut her grass for her so I took my mower over there, push mower, anyway, she had a water meter in the yard, you know the kind with the metal cap in the yard. Anyway I hit it with the blade, not that I meant too but afterwards, my mower seemed to be chugging. Seemed to bog down with every little effort. Anyway, my question is this, is there a way to fix it. OR is the mower scrapped. I am not sure what to do this moment. The blade does not seem to be bent in anyway what so ever, I am not sure what to look at to know if it can be fixed. Any advise you can give me I would very much appreciate.. Thank You, Kevin

Answer
Hi Kevin,

I sure that the flywheel key is partially sheared.  You will need to remove the engine cooling shroud, which contains the recoil starter.  Then remove the flywheel which requires a puller or a pneumatic hammer.  Finally replace the flywheel key which is located on the driveshaft and fits to the flywheel keyway.  When they shear completely, the engine will not start but in your case I think it has only slightly sheared causing a late spark timing which would cause a power loss.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael