Edger runs, then dies.

I’ve heard that bearing on top of the Briggs recoil starter squeal. I’m betting that Rivets is right. You’ll be singing La donna e mobile before long.
 
Too much! Thanks for the continued support, people. Maybe it is not dead after all. Will advise asap on what happens. Removing plug as well as starter clutch soon. (better to sing La Donna than Madama Butterfly as a metaphor for this engine project!)
 
engine noises like a piston or rod seizing typically are thunking or knocking. A squeal is high pitched and would not get out of the case. Most likely it is the starter clutch or something external like it threw a belt and the belt is lodged in a way the pto side can't turn.
 
My bet is on the starter clutch as well. It will squeal like you describe then bind up the starter head and all that stuff.

These old B&S engines were much tougher than the new stuff (garbage) they have today. I would make an effort to save this trimmer as well because it has many years of use left in it, it is well built.

If it does turn out to be severe engine damage, there are still lots of these engines around that were given up on due to fuel problems or simply bad ignition points or coil. A decent used one can usually be found on eBay but watch out for any with new paint or they seem to look too pretty.
 
Right! I am trying to save this machine as I agree, modern replacements are junk- just like the new cars today vs older ones. UPDATE: The engine is not frozen! Pulled the plug, and turned the horizontal shaft by hand and it turns very nicely, while I observed the piston move up/down. Phew.

So, started to remove the 3- 10mm bolts that hold the housing cover to the clutch assembly and it wont pop off- seems now I have to actually unbolt the entire engine as the cover bumps off of the frame. Is that correct?
 
I have a somewhat similar edger. The cover sits under the engine, so the mount bolts pull the engine down onto the air cover. If yours is like mine, yes.
 
rigoletto said:
Then the entire thing squealed like mad, and engine froze up. Sheesh. Pulled the pull cord, nothing doing- cord was not able to be pulled even a millimeter.
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Need to clean the starter and the balls inside it.

Good idea to take a semi oily red shop rag and wipe the starter recoil spring down on both sides. Just a FINE layer of oil is all you want on this spring. Just simply shine the spring up and reinstall.
 
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