My mower has started on the first or second pull every time. Today it died in some tall grass. I tried to restart it and it will not turn over. I did some basic trouble shooting (new plug, air filter check, oil check, everything short of dropping the carb). Nothing worked. When I manually turn the blade it will spin freely for two to two and a half turns and then get more difficult to turn for a half turn. Could the shaft be bent or am I looking for a problem that isn't there?

mc, June 2007

The reapir shop told me my crank shaft was bent on my mower and it would be 145 dolooars to fix it. Is this a repair that i could do. I have a little experience with working with engines. I am a definite amateur at doing this however

Randy, June 2007

Highly unlikley your crank is bent unless you struck an object. what you describe about your engine is it reaching the compression stroke which is normal. If the engine turns when you turn the blade but locks when you pull the starter then it sounds like your starter may be jammed remove the starter housing and inspect

Mower God, June 2007