Hi,
My mower Kohler 17.5 engine stopped working, when I tried to restart it it will crank but not start. It only backfires with multiple tries at starting. I've real up on it and think that the fly wheel key need replacing. What I don't know is how to do that. I know where to get the part... but I have no diagram of the engine, and I would need a step by step of how to remove and replace it. Any help would be great!
-Jeanne:confused:

Hi,
Well, if you have the skills necessary, then you can remove the hood by unplugging the headlight wires and rocking it not quite fully open and lifting it up and off. Then with 8mm and 10mm sockets you remove some of the bolts holding and loosen the ones in slots on the blower housing.
Then you must remove the clips (#5) securing the fan screen and remove it. Then the bolt and washer(#1 and #2) must be removed. You will need an impact tool for this or some way of preventing the engine from spinning to do this.
After you remove those, then the easy way to break the flywheel loose is to rethread the bolt back in almost down; take a pair of hammer (not claw) and place in with its head on the head of the bolt and firmly strike the other on the opposite end. You may wish to have someone help you by carefully prying up on the flywheel. Under NO circumstances should you strike the flywheel itself.
You may have to remove the ignition module to clear the ring gear. The key is a #26H74 as a Deere part, but is a 3/16" x 5/8" key available at a hardware store, or Lowe's, or Home Depot.
I attach a picture and a link to a copy of the service manual.
Peace,
Clarke