Whine sound when turning the key

I have owned a Cub Cadet RZT mower with 54in Fab deck for about 4-5 years now. I recently started the mower, ran it for about 2 minutes, and then it slowed and shut off. When i went to restart, the mower made a whiney noise, and wouldnt turn over. I also noticed that there was a "low oil" message on the digital display.

I then checked and found that the oil filter was loose (i was not the last one to service this part) and there was oil under it. I tightened the filter, and put about 2qts of SAE 30 into it.

Still getting the whine on startup.

I am not an expert on small engines, and the nearest service center has a 3 week turn-around.

Anyone have any ideas?

Lets start with removing the spark plugs and then trying to turn the flywheel on top of the engine by hand and see it you can move it a complete revolution. If it doesn't turn I would say that all the oil came out from the loose oil filter and the engine is now seized.

I seriously hope that the engine is not seized. I had a local shop work on it last and they replaced the oil and filter.

I will go home and try this.

What are my options if the engine is seized, if any?

What do I do if the flywheel turns?

Buy a lottery ticket cause your luck is running hot :smile: