Lawnmower blade problem.?
I just bought a used lawnmower and hope I didn't get screwed. The lawnmower started up great 4 times and then on the 5th the pull rope got stuck and wouldn't pull. I read about how to fix that by rotating the blade back and forth and it was fixed. THEN I went to start it and it was fine. Now after every start, I find that it won't start again. I read something about the blade being like a propeller on an old airplane that needs to be pushed. So now I find that if I rotate the blade a bit before it starts, it will work. Otherwise it won't. It's exhausting. HELP!!!!! What's wrong???? Can I fix it???
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Yes, you can fix it. Remove the spark plug, take it to the auto parts store and get a new one just like it . install it. Don't over tighten. Just screw it in until it seats then 1/2 turn with a wrench. Check oil level, add fresh fuel if needed and it should start and run just fine. Now, I don't know what you've been reading, but reaching under the deck and rotating the blade by hand as a way to start the engine is a good way to lose your hand. The safe way to handle the blade is to remove the spark plug first. This will release the compression so the engine cannot start unexpectedly.
Other than a tune up y ou may have additional problems that most people don't realize. The mower blade when new is balanced just like an airplane propeller. After using it a while if may come into contact with stones, roots etc. This will not only damage the blade but it will no longer be balanced. Improper sharpening will do the same thing. The unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration which just about anyone won't notice because the mower is loud. This vibration will eventually bend the engine shaft causing exactly what you are describing.
Shoot some WD 40 onto the shaft while it's off of course. This may help but there's no guarantee.