My craftsman mower wont turn over freely

[brandonxc]

Engine - Model #282H07-0231-E1

I just bought this craftsman mower, and the guy was messing with it when i got there, he had a battery charger on it, and said the battery was shot, anyways, it started right up, so i bought it. i went and got a new battery and spark plug, i charged the battery and put the new spark plug in, i went to start it, and the motor went about a half turn then stopped, as i held the key turned over, it slowly, started rotating, broke free, went another half turn and did the same thing. If the spark plug is removed it turns perfectly

needless to say, i need some help!

 

[brandonxc]

and now, the starter wheel gear thing, wont move up to attempt turn the flywheel


please help

 

[CajunCub]

Check your battery cables, sounds like a bad ground. If not that...remove the spark plug and try to spin it like that. If it does spin...then check for valve problems. If you need more help, HOLLA!:2cents:

 

[brandonxc]

where do i check for valve problems? where would it be located? sorry for being an idiot, ive never messed with engines.

 

[CajunCub]

did you check the compression yet?

 

[fastback]

You did not tell us which engine the machine has. For example, I have a 96 with a Kohler/magnum that has a starter that tends to drag. The first thing you need to do is see if the engine turns freely, as already suggested. Remove the spark plug and turn the engine by hand and also using the starter. If it turns freely you want to do the compression check. The people here will walk you through it.

 

[jeff]

Guys, he just bought the mower, to me that means it is new and he should not mess with it because it is likely under warrantee.

 

[CajunCub]

what jeff said......:thumbsup:

 

[brandonxc]

i didnt buy the mower new, where can i find the valve stuff?

 

[CajunCub]

Take a look at this, it will help you see the valves.....
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/partsdirect/showSubComp.pd?imageUrl=http%3a%2f%2fc.searspartsdirect.com%2flis_png%2fPLDM%2fP0212262-00001.png