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My Troy-Bilt mower with a Honda engine (GJAEA-7235523) is having an issue where the pull cord jerks back violently when trying to start. I've read in most cases that this could be due to a sheared/broken flywheel key. So, I proceeded to check the flywheel key (part #13331-357-000). After inspecting it, the key doesn't appear to be in bad shape, so not sure if this is the issue? There is a red mark and a slight scuff, but that's all of the blemishes that I can see. Please see the photos of the key below. Are these contributing to the violent jerk back? Any other ideas? Thanks in advance.

The key looks fine. I would pop the valve cover off and check clearances and make sure the compression release mechanism is working also would be a good time to make sure the timing belt hasn't slipped. If the two marks on the camshaft are lined up with the edges of the top of the cylinder the woodruff keys slots in the crankshaft should be facing straight away from the camshaft toward the rear of the block.

ILENGINE said:

The key looks fine. I would pop the valve cover off and check clearances and make sure the compression release mechanism is working also would be a good time to make sure the timing belt hasn't slipped. If the two marks on the camshaft are lined up with the edges of the top of the cylinder the woodruff keys slots in the crankshaft should be facing straight away from the camshaft toward the rear of the block.

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Thanks for the info. I'll check those other things you suggested this weekend and will follow-up with additional questions and/or pictures :smile:

I tried to start removing the valve cover screws/bolts and I'm having trouble getting the bottom two off due to minimal space to work with, plus I don't have a ratchet to use for these, just a wrench and wrench set.

However, I think I might have a bigger problem in that having left my mower outside for the past week +, the engine has been exposed to the elements (moisture) although under a covered gazebo, and now some of the metal pieces have rust on them. Please see the attached pictures. Is trying to repair my mower a lost cause at this point?

I see light surface rust on the crankshaft taper, which may about wipe off with minimal effort. The rest of the rust is nothing to worry about.