Silver1,
Those were my thoughts as well... And basically it sounds as though B&S hasn't completely gone to the 'Throw away and buy new' philosophy.
Once I get a new blade I'll tear into it this weekend.
If only a shear-pin or two is needed, I'm hoping it's a easy fix.
My backup high-mower is a 25 year old 3.0 hp Murray mower (No priming bulb and no flywheel brake), that I mounted with Angle and Flat strap steel to mount the wheels 8" high.
Wife calls it my 'Frankenmower' because I've patched it with steel door hinges, JB Weld and that Plumbers epoxy over stainless steel screen to cover the holes and cracks in the frame.
I hated pulling that thing out, because the Weedeater mower is basically 3 priming pumps and one pull to start, but was surprised how easy it started after only 4 or 5 pulls and not having been used since last year.
It's also my steep bank mower/on a rope because it's so light compared with lawnmowers today.
Thanks,
greynold99