problem starting B&S 16 1/2 hp, flywheel?

[Danwoj]

Hi, I have a riding mower with a 16 1/2 BS OHV engine. I was mowing my lawn and stopped for a few mins and when i went to restart it I heard this metalic grinding noise. I quickly turned off engine because I though there was some piece of metal being grinded by my blades. This was not the case, but I then could not restart it. It just sputters and thats it. Some one told me that since the rotating screen is able to be spun by hand that the problem is with the fly wheel. Does this make sence? Do i need to check to see if the fly wheel key is ok? if so, how do i do this? thanks

[mike4230]

I dont think it would be the flywheel for a couple reasons.

the screen i believe you are mentioning is a cover to keep large debris and dirt out from the fan underneath that cools the engine. This should spin freely and if it didnt would mean that your engine had probably seized. Same thing with the flywheel, if it doesnt move you have much bigger problems. The rods/pistons are connected to the flywheel and you are essentially moving them up and down when you move the flywheel manually or the screen.

Did the metal grinding sound internal or external to the engine? Did the sound come from the starter area? How old or how many hours on the engine?

[Danwoj]

Hi, The mower is a good 10 years old. The grinding sound came from below. at first I thought is was the mower blades hitting something, but when i checked there was nothing there. since it wont start, im just assuming that it must have come from the engine. of course thats just my ignorant deduction! HELP. thanks mike!

[Wgoodrich]

Take the spark plug out. Remove teh belts to the motor pulley. Then turn the engine flywheel by hand a few complete revelutions. If you hear anything bad then you are on your way to tearing down the motor to find the cause. Before you tear into it make sure it is not just a pully or metal shield rubbing somewhere. Then again before you tear into the motor stick a long skinny screw driver through teh spark plug hole and again turn the flywheel by had a few revelutions to ensure travel of the piston inside. This should tell you a lot of what you have.

Good Luck

WG