B&S seized 5.0 on push mower

[Safehorses]

I picked up a Murray push mower with a B&S 5.0 motor. Mower looks like it's never been used. However the motor is seized. Can't pull the cord at all. I have no idea what to do. Any suggestions would be great.
Thank you
Brenda

 

[Rivets]

First thing to do is check the oil level, no oil probably seized. Has oil may be seized, but need to check further. Remove the spark plug and try again with no plug. If it turns over reinstall plug and try again. Let us know the results of you tests and we’ll tell you how to proceed. When you post back include the model, type and code numbers stamped on the engine cover.

 

[Safehorses]

First thing to do is check the oil level, no oil probably seized. Has oil may be seized, but need to check further. Remove the spark plug and try again with no plug. If it turns over reinstall plug and try again. Let us know the results of you tests and we’ll tell you how to proceed. When you post back include the model, type and code numbers stamped on the engine cover.

Before I tried to start it I checked the oil. I was surprised the oil was so clean. Looked like it had just been changed.
Took spark plug out still couldn't pull cord.
Model. Type. Code
124702 - 3106-01. 92032156
Thank you your help

 

[Rivets]

Sounds to me that the mower was run without oil. After it seized the user put in fresh oil to hide their mistake. Sometimes these units can be saved, but your odds are 50/50. If you want to give it a try, this is what I would do. You really have nothing to lose.
1. Remove the spark plug.
2. Tip the mower on its side, carb/air filter up.
3. With gloves on try to turn the blade backwards, meaning you are pushing again the sharp edge.
4. If this doesn’t move it, take a block of wood against the cutting edge and give it a few good whacks with the biggest hammer you have. If it is not seized too bad it should free up.
5. If you can’t get it to move you are out of luck, junk.
6. If you free it up and it moves freely, tip the mower back up and pull the recoil a dozen times, no plug.
7. Install the spark plug and see if it starts.

 

[StarTech]

Make sure the engine brake cable (EBC) is releasing the flywheel brake. Or if the cable is not present make sure that the brake is crippled.

These engine brakes are often overlooked as a possible failure point.

 

[Rivets]

Thank you Star, it come so natural that I forgot about that.

 

[slomo]

Oh and welcome to the forum.

 

[sgkent]

what has already been said and, when was the last time it ran, and where has it been sitting since then? Is this a new mower to you? What is the history of maintenance on it?

 

[Safehorses]

Sounds to me that the mower was run without oil. After it seized the user put in fresh oil to hide their mistake. Sometimes these units can be saved, but your odds are 50/50. If you want to give it a try, this is what I would do. You really have nothing to lose.
1. Remove the spark plug.
2. Tip the mower on its side, carb/air filter up.
3. With gloves on try to turn the blade backwards, meaning you are pushing again the sharp edge.
4. If this doesn’t move it, take a block of wood against the cutting edge and give it a few good whacks with the biggest hammer you have. If it is not seized too bad it should free up.
5. If you can’t get it to move you are out of luck, junk.
6. If you free it up and it moves freely, tip the mower back up and pull the recoil a dozen times, no plug.
7. Install the spark plug and see if it starts.

The hammer and wood worked! It's free! I'm so excited. Thank you all so very much!
I'll have to run out and get fresh gas and see if it will try to start.

 

[Safehorses]

what has already been said and, when was the last time it ran, and where has it been sitting since then? Is this a new mower to you? What is the history of maintenance on it?

I have no idea the last time it was started. No idea if any maintenance was done to it. It's a older mower but looks almost new.
I picked it up last Fall. Checked the oil, put gas in it and tried to pull the cord. Couldn't pull the cord at all. Disnt want to break it so i emptied the gas out put it up and here I am.
You guys are great! Thank goodness for forums and you people helping dummies like me.