2160 will not crank

2ndWind · Oct 8, 2009

I have a 1994 model 2160ags. It only has 175 hours on it. The starter went bad. I replaced it and it ran fine. It cut off one day while mowing an incline. When I tried to restart, i could hear the starter engage, but the engine would not crank. I took the started back off and noticed that I could not move the flywheel at all. It is locked, and will not move. I even tried a few light raps with a hammer on the back of a large screwdriver. It is solid. Any hope? Any suggestions?

rcbe · Oct 8, 2009

pull the engine plug(s) and then see if engine flywheel will turn by hand. Be careful of raw fuel being expelled out the plug hole(s). If raw fuel present, fix carb and then try to start. If flywheel still froze, time to have engine pulled/repaired/replaced.

7254t · Oct 8, 2009

ALSO CHECK PTO IF BEARING IS TIED UP.

2ndWind · Oct 9, 2009

Update.

Checked both suggestions, still would not crank, as if engine had seized. Pulled engine, getting ready to tear it down. As a last ditch effort, I used a towel and a pair of channel lock pliers on the shaft and applied as much torque as I could. With a big sucking sound, everything broke free. Only guess is that being on the incline caused all the oil to flow to one side and maybe a valve got stuck. Although I had good levels and no indications of low pressure. Going to drain and replace all fluids while engine is out. Will update once reinstalled.