Yard Machines 17HP 42" Start and Run Issues

[ajperry]

I inherited a piece of work problem child, but I'm going to persevere and get it running nice. Here is a video demonstrating the listed issues:

1) Cannot roll in neutral.
2) Intermittent start with plenty of battery. Starter is fine.
3) Dies while running regularly. Turning the key to start and messing with the throttle can often save it. If it dies, there's a 20% chance it wont start again for a random period of time.
4) Runs rough.

Seems like it could be an intermittent keyswitch. Thoughts? Things to check?

 

[ILENGINE]

Not rolling most likely sticking or stuck parking disc brake. Intermittent start could be valves out of adjustment or sticking compression release on the camshaft. Dying and running rough could both be related to a dirty carb, and crap in the tank obstructing fuel flow, or issues with fuel solenoid but that is more rare than most people want to admit.

 

[slomo]

Any new to me mower gets a full blown twice over. Normally carbs are clogged, cylinder cooling fins the same. Plug is black/fouled. Carb linkages all out of whack.

Sounds like a faulty safety switch. Seems to run okay when you release the blades. As usual, ILENGINE has a bunch of great tips.

slomo