I hit a iron drain cover and the lawnmower cut out immediately after making a loud bang. Now the pull cord won't pull at all. I've un-screwed it and it pulls perfectly so cant see where problem is?

Mike, November 2008

cutting blade bent/jammed against body

glen, November 2008

Thanks for this. Have straightened blade with sledge hammer and appears to have done trick.

Mike, November 2008

Check for a bent blade. If the blade is jammed on the mower chassis, check that the engine crankshaft does not rotate off center (remove plug lead, pull in PC handle, and pull starter whilst watching shaft). If crank IS bent, drop me a line for a cheap replacement engine.

If shaft is straight, replace or straighten blade, and attempt to start. If engine kicks back, check flywheel key.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, November 2008