A murray lawn mower model number 20706x92b?

Question

it was given to me taken apart. In trying to put it back together the pull cord spins freely. I am pretty sure all the parts are there. It has a electric start, but i took that off and decided i would just crank it with the pull cord. The pull cord bolts down on the crank shaft (i guess its called) the shaft is just an open bell shaped metal bowl that the plastic pull cord bottom fits in, but it spins freely. anyone know how to get it to crank?

Answer 1

If it's not the engine as the poster above mentioned, it might be that you forget some parts in the starter clutch?

If it's a Briggs you will have a big square post on the top of the flywheel that goes into the retracting cord spool.  The post should lock to the shaft in 1 direction and freewheel in the other.

The post rides in a notched cup and 6 ball bearings that grab the notches on the post as you start it and are flung free to the outside edge of the cup when it's running.   The ball bearings can get rusted in place if the mower was left in the rain a lot.

If that was the original problem, you can get to them by removing the four 1/4 inch screws around the top of the flywheel that hold the circular metal screen in place.  Lift off the screen then the plastic bearing cover (you may need to pry a bit).  You should now see the balls and pawls.  The post can be pulled up and off the shaft.

Here hoping you get it figured out!

Answer 2

when  you say it spins freely, that means that it can't run because it is not compressing the fuel.  Take off the head and note the valves when you turn it over with the pull cord.  Are they going up and down and seating like they're supposed to.  When you put the head back on, check to see if there are any cracks anyplace or any gouges that would allow the air to escape.