AboutEric A. Jones Expertise Lawnmower Repair . Certified Master Service Technician from B&S. Have 13 years experience on B&S, Lawn Chief, Weed Eater, Echo, Peerless, Wheel Horse, Snapper, Atlas, MTD, McCulloch, Homelite and many other numerous brands. Specialize in electrical repair.
Experience Born and raised in the midwest. Started tinkering with engines when I was about 14 on my Suzuki RM-80. I began lawn mower repair at a small hardware store. I knew absolutely nothing. I read lots of repair manuals and met an older fellow who taught me many lessons. I continued working on small engines through high school and paid my way through college working on mowers at the same hardware store. Decided to get away from the midwest and mower repair so I joined the Air Force. I repaired air traffic control electronic equipment and ended up in Hawaii where I got a part time job at Small Engine Clinic. I gained a lot of experience from the Small Engine Clinic and had a blast repairing small engines. I then took the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician test and earned my MST. I then traveled to Wisconsin where I attended the factory update training seminar and received formal training. I received a scholarship from the Air Force and am currently pursuing another degree.
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Question - Hi Eric--- was able to remove flywheel and replace shut off switch thanks to you. Having trouble replacing the flywheel-do
I remove flywheel key first? What's the procedure ? Thanks once again. Jack
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My lawnmower used to start up fine,however if you shut it off for 2-3 minutes it wouldn't start again.
Now it won't start at all-(Cold Start).
I changed air filter and spark plug- still won't start. Gas is clean/fresh.--oil OK.
I noticed plug was wet when I pulled it out.
Answer -
Check the engine for spark. It's better to use and inline spark tester, but you can check the spark by removing the spark plug and pulling the spring. The end of the spark plug has to touch the metal engine to see spark.
Let me know what you find.
Eric Checked for Spark--NO Spark
Answer -
What brand of engine do you have?
Some of the shut-off cables stretch preventing the switch on the engine from dis-engaging. The engine shut-off switch, controlled by the engine shut-off cable, grounds the coil to stop the engine. I rarely find bad coils. The problem almost always is the cable or the shut-off switch assembly. Follow the cable from the handle to the engine. You will find the shut-off assembly...make sure the switch mechanism is fully pulling the switch to the "open" position.
If you have a Tecumseh engine the switch is under the flywheel. Once in a while this switch will come off the assembly but to check it you have to remove the flywheel.
Check the main shut-off assembly first before you remove the flywheel.
9/24-Eric-I'm having trouble removing the flywheel-Blocked blade and got nut/top assembly off-but flywheel will not come off-Mower is a Craftsman Model 917.378420 6.75HPMulcher/mower Thanks again--Jack
Answer -
Sorry it's taken so long to respond...the allexperts site has been having trouble.
Tecumseh sells a flywheel puller that comes with self-tapping screws. The flywheel has 3 holes that need to be threaded, 1/4 20 national course thread, and then you use the puller to remove the flywheel.
Tecumseh used to sell a flywheel knocker tool that threaded onto the crankshaft threads and then you used a prybar to gently lift up on the flywheel while you hit the knocker tool with a hammer.
I prefer the puller but you can use any similar puller as long as it fits the hole pattern...I use a steering wheel puller and tap the threads with a tap.
Let me know if this helps.
Eric
Answer Finally!!! The internet is working.
To install flywheel: Have some hold the brake lever or use a velcro loop, vice grips or similar clamp the hold the lever down.
Install flywheel key, flywheel, starter cup, flywheel nut and then torque.
