Recoil hard to pull, compression is at 40lbs.

[peabodyn]

Craftsman 6.75 motor.

The pull cord is extremely hard to pull (the break is not touching the flywheel) and compression is at 40lbs.

Cannot start mower.

I'm guessing there is internal damage = throw it away?

Thoughts?


Thanks,

 

[mechanic mark]

Check oil level first, adjust valves engine cold.

 

[Rivets]

Your 2+2 does not add up to 4. Normally low compression would also mean very easy rope pull. If you remove the plug and it still is hard to pull, I suspect either a problem with the recoil or internal problems. If your remove the plug and tie back the brake bail, try turning the blade. If the blade does not turn easily you have an internal problem

 

[peabodyn]

Your 2+2 does not add up to 4. Normally low compression would also mean very easy rope pull. If you remove the plug and it still is hard to pull, I suspect either a problem with the recoil or internal problems. If your remove the plug and tie back the brake bail, try turning the blade. If the blade does not turn easily you have an internal problem

I have removed the spark plug and the recoil assembly - it was very difficult to turn the flywheel by hand.

I put the spark plug back in and used my drill to turn the flywheel - it was still difficult and it still wouldn't start.

I'm thinking internal damage....

 

[peabodyn]

I have removed the spark plug and the recoil assembly - it was very difficult to turn the flywheel by hand.

I put the spark plug back in and used my drill to turn the flywheel - it was still difficult and it still wouldn't start.

I'm thinking internal damage....

Ok - gave it another shot today.

The gas tank and recoil assembly are off the motor.

I pull the spark plug and manually try to turn the motor and it is still difficult.

Thought maybe the self propel mechanism is seized so belt won't turn and mower won't start.

I remove the self propel cover and its loaded with dried grass, I take the blade off and I see that blade adapter area is also stuffed with dried grass.

I clean up the mess and remove the belt, squirt some ether into the cylinder, insert new plug, attach drill with socket and motor starts and runs.

I connect the gas line and repeat the starting procedure and the thing is now running like a top!

Clean everything up, sharpen the blade, clean the air filter -done!

Mower starts easily on the first pull.