I ran over a coat hanger (or some sort of wire) which is a bit tangled with the blade. My question is which way do I turn the machine? so that the gas fill is down or so that the oil fill is down to enable me to remove the wire? I know there is a right way and a wrong way to do this and ia my husband is away and i have more grass to mow, I must get it fixed today!. The machine is a snapper ninja walk behind and its about 8 years old. I cant locate the manual so please someone help me!

marion, August 2004

Merion I'll try to help you if I can. First thing you need to do is to unplug the spark plug wire. That way there isn't any way for it to start. Once you have done this find something heavy to hold the mower handle down while you take a pair of pliers and start cutting the wire away. Do not try to turn the motor. You could do more damage to it and you. And you realy don't need to move it. Just pull stright down on the wire and cut small pieses off at a time until you clear all the wire. Once you have done this than replace the spark plug wire on the plug. Let it sit for a few minutes than try and start the mower. Good luck.

Lester (chetsbro1@cs.com), September 2004