Hi,

Toro 21" walk behind lawnmower Model 20436 Serial 4905372 B&S eng. 1994

The former owner hit a stump and bent the 21" blade. While pulling the starter rope (With Blade OFF) it doesn't seem to pull correctly. At times the rope will snap out of my hands. I removed the starter recoil and sprayed WD40 into the clutch (Part with the dogs that extend while pulling rope). The assembly seems to work fine when out of the machine. Rope extends and retracts just fine. Back in the machine NG

Is it possible that I need to put on a blade to test this operation?
OR could the motor shaft be bent and how to test if it's not so apparent?

Also, the drive doesn't work and any idea on this, worth the cost etc?

Thanks

If I had to guess, I would say the shaft is bent. As for how would you test it? I don't know... but, if the starter works fine by itself but not when on the motor, it makes sense that there is a problem. Try putting the blade on but I doubt that will change anything.

Hi,

Thanks for the answer. I checked the shaft and all OK.. However, I did have another junk lawnmower with the same starter mech and no change still NG. The starter worked fine on other machine. Now, I believe it's in the motor itself. Out in front of the driveway for junk pickup.

Bob.