Walk behind John Deere 14se can't pull cord to start

[kokomojuggler]

The cord is hard to impossible to pull. I took a bungie cord and held the thing that engages the blade, and now I can pull the cord and the blade spins, but still no starting. Is there a brake on the blade that is braking the motor when I try to start? How do I diagnose and fix this problem? While it was working, it was getting difficult to engage the blade without stalling the motor.
Thanks

 

[shiftsuper175607]

The cord is hard to impossible to pull. I took a bungie cord and held the thing that engages the blade, and now I can pull the cord and the blade spins, but still no starting. Is there a brake on the blade that is braking the motor when I try to start? How do I diagnose and fix this problem? While it was working, it was getting difficult to engage the blade without stalling the motor.
Thanks

Seem if it isn't plugged up underneath with grass clippings. Clean it all out real good underneath.

 

[kokomojuggler]

Seem if it isn't plugged up underneath with grass clippings. Clean it all out real good underneath.

It seems fairly clean underneath. Nothing obvious.

 

[shiftsuper175607]

It seems fairly clean underneath. Nothing obvious.

yes, some do have a friction type brake. you will have to take the top off and see what is going on.

 

[Mikel1]

It has a blade brake clutch, a bearing in it may be bad.
Here is a link to what it looks like- John Deere Blade Brake Clutch - GY20805