Toro Recycler: Wife broke the starter... changed it but still wont start. Help Please

[Integraoligist]

Ok, I had time to pull the flywheel off yesterday... using a new nut and whacking it with a hammer destroyed the top few threads on the shaft but i should be able to get the nut down and tight enough. So anyway the notch for the keyway was almost 180 degrees from the notch on the shaft. How it got that far, she must of whacked something real good, yes?

Anyway I cleaned the entire area off (filled with grease and sludge) I will get the flywheel key tomorrow at the local Toro dealer as they have a couple in stock. But is there a certain way it needs to go on? As it's the L shaped one, so looking down at the notch of the shaft, should it be turned |_ or _| ?

Thanks again!

 

[chance123]

The key can only go on one way. The tapered side goes toward the engine. When you install the key, you will see what looks normal and correct

 

[Integraoligist]

the new key did the trick... took about 20 or so pulls to get it fired up the first time (did not rip my damn arm off this time) but it finally started. Now back to normal with 3 prime pumps and 1 pull start.
Thanks a LOT, i greatly appreciate it!

O yeah, after explaining to her why the mower was broke... the wife cant fully remember, but she may ran over and hit the tree stump which stopped the engine. hmmmmmmmmmm yeah