Old GTS5 blade won't engage.

[kbowley]

Has been the most reliable mower ever.Always starts 1st pull and always engages blade when lever is pulled back.Worked fine
on last use before winterizing.Started yesterday on 1st pull after being stored since Nov. All seemed normal but blade would not engage.
I did notice that while warming up the motor kinda bogged down a bit when trying to engage the blade.seems like something has decided
to bind up while in storage.Need your experience please. Charlie

Charlie, flip the mower onto its right side and check the clutch visibly, and check for any side slop by grabbing the blade as well as disconnecting the spark plug and rotating the blade. Does it turn by hand? Next, use a bungy cord to hold the blade engagement arm in the engaged position and rotate the blade...the engine should turn with the blade

 

[Honest Abe]

is the brake releasing properly....?