I have a power devil petrol lawnmower 2yr old. Last year i ran over a piece of metal and jammed the blade. I took it in for repair and now it is difficult to start, when i try to start it, it backfires it takes a lot of cord pulling to make it start and it runs irratically. does anyone know what i should do?

jackie, September 2008

If - when it's running - it does not leak oil or vibrate excessively, you have probably not done any permanant damage. Chances are the flywheel key has partially sheared. The flywheel will have to be removed to check.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, September 2008