After my son ran over a stump, bent the blade, bad, and killed the engine.....I replaced the blade but can't keep it running. The plug fouls, I clean and replace it, it starts like it was fully choked, runs slowly for a little while with lots of smoke, then quits. The blade shaft doesn't seem loose or bent. Any suggestions?

Jay, July 2009

How to reattach flywheel brake lever cable

Charles, May 2015

Thanks, John: That was a great insight, and I got it running, again. I really appreciate the kindness of strangers willing to help out.

Once running, tho....there was a not too subtle vi-ba-ration in the machine, possibly indicating a racked drive shaft, I suppose. But at least I made a few passes, got the worst of the undergrowth by the lilacs.

Thanks again for the assist. Jay

Jay, July 2009

Did you turn the machine on its side to replace the blade? If you did, oil seeps into the air cleaner element so check to see if its wet with oil. If so, replace it.

John, July 2009