Expert: Everett Peacock - 1/23/2010

Question
Hi . On the above engine which I have only used about 6 times -but is now out of guarantee - the rope pull starter just refuses to move. I have taken off the cover (which also removes the rope -pull) and it is evident that it is the heavy wheel below that is very difficult/impossible to turn. This 'heavy wheel' is the one the rope-pull mechanism meshes with and activates. This heavy wheel appears to have one nut or bolt in the centre but I have not touched this. I would be very grateful if you could advise me (in very simple terms!) as to how I may proceed to fix what I suspect is not a complex problem.
Many thanks
Chris.

Answer
make sure the engine is in neutral and there is not some type of lock on the housing...if the flywheel is hard to turn over by hand then remove the spark plug and put some Wd- 40 , oil , penetrating oil in the cylinders and let it set a few days. then try to turn over by hand again..see if it makes it easier.