A neighbor gave me this unit. Has a Kawasaki engine that he said just quit one day and appears to be locked up. sorta. When starter engages, engine moves slightly then stops, like something is in the way. I may try to repair it, or might just do an engine swap. Any guesses what this could be? I haven't done anything yet and will probably let it sit until time frees up a little, but I will be thinking all possible reasons for this problem. Trying to remember what engine looks like, OHV with two valve covers for sure. Beyond that I don't remember anything about engine. Also wondering where model and ser#s are located. Most likely will be giving thoughts after pulling covers up at night. LOL My first ever Kawasaki engine.
Pull the rocker cover off & check that one of the pushrods has not been eaten .
IF all 4 are there pull the flywheel and look for something in there jambing against the stator.
After that is is screwdriver down the plug hole and see if you can push the pistons down = broken con rod.
#3
cpurvis
Check the oil level. If there is none showing on dipstick, that might be your answer.
If oil level looks OK, take the spark plugs out and see if you can rotate it by hand. If you can, the starter might be the problem. If you can't, it's probably toast.
I found a 420 B&S engine for a backup. The locked engine has an electric mower clutch, the Brigs doesn't. Is there a difference in shafts? Will the electric clutch bolt right to the Briggs or will the change require more work?:anyone:
Got back on this problem today. I had the battery on a charger for a while so I know the battery is up to snuff. I engaged the starter and the crank turned about half a turn, good news. Now I'm wondering if something is wound around the crank at drive pulley, like a vine or string. Or maybe the valves need adjusting? I attempted to remove the cover from flywheel the see if I could turn by hand but have to cut screw heads off. Always something. I'm more interested now so plan on dedicating time to this mower, which is very nice. It had always been garaged, and cleaned often. Any other suggestions where I might look? Seems like all possibles have been covered.
I had already dismissed a bad battery through checking as mentioned. I freed my hoist up today so mower could be lifted for inspection of the drive belts, etc. I wasn't expecting to find anything. You guys are not going to believe what was found. The belt for the mower had jumped the pully and was up around the pto clutch, most of the way. It is binding the turning of engine crank shaft. I've been at it for about two hours and it has not freed up yet. Didn't want to remove the pto, and I don't know why so that will be my next move, then a new belt. Guess I just like checking the hard stuff first.
#12
7394
Bottom line is finding the issue..:thumbsup: That is something else.
Never saw this problem before and not sure at this point I can remove the belt from where it is wedged. I'll get back on it Monday afternoon with maybe a picture. Had to cut belt on each side of clutch to remove and that might have been the easy part! Somehow belt got under the brake mechanism and I can't budge wedged piece a smidgen. I'll probably damage clutch anyway so planning on replacing it at this point.:mur::mur:
Well, is all back together and everything is fine. I hope the clutch wasn't damaged through all this. Getting the belt out of the PTO brake was almost too much but finally came out by clamping on V-grip pliers and beating with a hammer. I wanted to post a photo of the problem but getting photo moved from PC to forum was just too involved. It was something to see and trying to figure out how it happened was almost beyond me. I have decided a frayed belt probably cause it all. :thumbsup:
#16
7394
Great you got it sorted. That's one for the books.
