Any Lawnmower/small engine mechanics?

[churley79]

Right now I'm in a tight spot and really can't afford to carry my lawnmower to the shop. So, I figured I would ask any of you gents if you could help me with my lawnmower. It is a 1981 John Deere 111, with an 11hp B&S engine. Over the weekend, it started "over revving" basically, it would sound like it was going to explode. I changed the oil (just bought it recently, didn't know when it had been changed last) and it did it again. So, looking in the manual, I started tinkering with the carb, high rev/low rev and governor. My thinking that somehow some adjustment got off and I was going to fix it. Well, while I was making adjustments it knocked off on me. Tried to restart, click...nothing. Again, click...nothing. I looked around the engine and noticed the click was the starter gear trying to spin the flywheel, but it wouldn't. You could see it twitch, like it wanted too.

I shoved a long screwdriver in between the fins of the flywheel (yeah, I know, probably not the best idea...) and could move the flywheel. It's not an easy move at all, it's tough, but alas, it moves.

Does anybody have any suggestions as to what I can do to get bring it back to life? My yard is in desperate need of mowing. I will try to provide any additional details if needed. I have tried to provide a short synopsis of my situation now without being long winded.

Thank you...

collin

[turtle]

Before you mess with any mower engine.... REMOVE THE PLUG WIRE...

You may want to remove the plug and see if the engine is free. You should be able to spin the engine from the crank pulley once the plug is out. If the engine is frozen and you can't move it, even with a wrench on the crank nut, you are toast. A new mower may be cheaper than another engine or rebuilding yours. If you have a cast iron IC engine it might be worth a rebuild but if it is an aluminum "home owner" quality engine, just toss it.

If the engine is free your over rev issues are in the governor mech.

[churley79]

Last night, I did remove the plug, it still wouldn't free spin. I tried to start it, starter wouldn't budge the flywheel. You can reach up under and spin the pulley freely though.

[turtle]

If the engine spins but the starter does not engage then you need to remove the top shroud and starter reel as that will be where your problem is located.

Be careful when dissembling the starter reel as the spring will unwind on you and they are a PITA to wind back up. if the rope unwinds and rewindes when you have it off, then don't mess with the reel and look at the engagement mec where the starter grabs the crank.

You might be able to find a manual PDF down load for your engine on this site. Dig up the model # on the engine and see what they have

http://www.imarksweb.net/book/briggs...+model+254427/

[StillShaving]

Any chance you broke/cracked the flywheel key? If I were troubleshooting, I would clean the spark plug and spray in some carb cleaner/engine starter and try to turn it over. That should at least verify if you have spark and compression. To help see if its a fuel/carb problem or not.

If you are looking for some local repair help, I have heard good things about these folks, especially the first guy who can make house calls (AFAIK he lives in Fuquay)

• Jack Orzelek - Cell 847 651 4580
• http://www.mikesoutdoorpower.com/