Briggs Problems

[outlawed0810]

This isn't a simplicity question but it is for a briggs engine...I have a push mower that I can't get started because the flywheel is locked up for some reason. It's on my push mower... I've checked to make sure the cable is releasing, pulled the spark plug and added oil to make sure there was no vapor lock, the pull string pulls freely when not attached to flywheel...Can someone offer some suggestions as to what they might think could be a possible problem?

[JP]

Hi JJ, Is the oil level where it's supposed to be? Not low? Is it a pull start only? If you take the plug out, lay it on it's side can you turn it using the blade?

[mmischni]

My first thought was the safety brake sticking on. But if that is what you meant by the cable releasing, then disregard this messsage :) Matt

[Ketchamized]

JJ, It could be one of the following: 1) Coil is sticking to flywheel. (Rust) 2) Brake is sticking to flywheel. (Rust) 3) Engine is seized (ran out of oil, siezed in place) 4) Engine is seized (Water condensation got between cylinder and it rusted) 5) Shaft is rusted (Very unlikely) The best thing you can do is to take the top cover off. This is done by removing 4 screws that holds it down. They should be located on 2 sides of the motor, where the flywheel cover goes down. Then look at the flywheel. See any rust? If there is rust on the flywheel, then remove the coil. There should be 2 screws holding it down. Take these 2 screws off. Use emery cloth to clean the flywheel's side, all around make it shiny clean. (Don't worry about the cooling fins) Then clean the contacts on the coil. Don't worry about the rest of the coil. Just the contacts where it almost touches the flywheel. Make sure it's shiny. While you have the coil off, turn the flywheel by hand. Does it finally move? If yes, then that was the problem. If not, put on some gloves, grab the blade underneath and pull it forward and backwards. See if you can free it up. If it frees up, great, put everything back together and attempt starting it back up. Do the same for the brake shoes, make sure it is clean, make sure it is not permanently engaged. If you are unable to get anything moving, even after everything is cleaned, then your next move is to take the engine head off and inspect the cylinder. If it's rusted or seized, come back and ask for further steps. Best of luck!

[HubbardRA]

Did you say that you removed the spark plug and put oil in the cylinder? If you did that, then the engine may be hydro-locked. Oil will not compress. Make sure the cylinder does not have any oil in it that could keep the piston from coming fully up to top-dead-center. Did you try to turn the engine without a sparkplug in the head. If there is liquid in the cylinder, it will blow out the hole if the plug is removed and allow the engine to turn.

[PatRarick]

JJ, to try to narrow it down a little, what were the circumstances prior to it's being "stuck"? Has it run recently? Has it been in storage for a period of time? Did it run normally the last time it was used? The last time it was used, did it hit anything with the blade (stump, curb stop, etc.)? Is it stuck solid, or does it rock back and forth? Was it full of oil after the last use?

[outlawed0810]

Hey guys thanks for all the info and help...some great suggestions in there.... Got it started today after a member stopped by to take a look at it for me. The oil was fine in it and after taking the spark plug out it pulled just fine with it out...but after putting it back in it was locked up again. But someone with a little more muscle than me pulled on it a few times and kinda blew smoke a little then started right up.... Not sure exactly what the problem was but worked fine the last time I used it and then this time....plooey...nothing...did all the basic checks and everything looked fine. From what Rod said though kinda sounds like it might have been hydro-locked. Again, thanks to everyone for all the help and special thanks to BiggieRat for stopping by to help. Much appreciated...:D