I have a 5 year old Yard Machine gas lawn mower with a B&S engine. I hit a brick today and it cut off. The blade isn't bent, but it doesn't turn properly. It will turn easily for a little bit but then it gets hard to turn and makes a squealing noise before turning easily again. The flywheel pin isn't sheared but it does appear to have a crack. I need to get a puller kit because I can't get the flywheel off but I'm not sure if this is the problem.
The crankshaft doesn't look bent. It doesn't wobble or move at all. I centered a laser dot on the bolt and turned the blade. The laser dot stayed dead center on the bolt the whole time.
Also, if I remove the spark plug, the blade keeps making the squealing noise but turns freely.
Any ideas on what the problem is?