Sounds like the engine is flooded. Does the oil smell like gas? If this is the problem the inlet needle is likely stuck, disassemble the carburetor and thoroughly clean it.Don't forget to dump the old gas and replace with fresh.Also change the oil.

I got interrupted; anyway, if the mower is tilted up over 30 degrees with the carburetor down, oil can run into the intake tract. This will soak a paper air filter with oil and fill the cylinder with oil if it cathes the valves just right. When you spin it without the plug, make sure the plug wire is grounded or you could have a fire. It might be flooded with fuel as canguy says, too. Sometimes an old trick works on stuck floats - pick up the carb side of the mower and drop it a few times from about 6".

You know, I never thought about a fire shooting out of the spark plug hole !!! That would make a great you tuber.

Check that the blade is tight. Some of these engine have such a light weight flywheel that they depend on the blade for the energy to carry past TDC. IF the blade slips when the piston hits compression, they loose the energy.

Walt Conner

Hey guys thanks for the replies. I'm pretty sure it's not hydro-locked because I've had the plug out several times and the same result. That makes sense though with the inlet needle being stuck because it almost sounds like I might have too much fuel. I'll just have to read that Tecumseh Repair Manual, I haven't tore into a carb yet. This is a 15 yo mower and I'm sure that's never been off before.

The flywheel key is broken and your timming is off that is why the engine is mis-firing. DO NOT TRY TO START THE ENGINE" You must replace the flywheel key.

'I first thought it was the flywheel key but that looked ok but I replaced it anyway.'

The flywheel key was my first thought. That's why I spent $1.25 and replaced it first thing.

It sounds like the ignition is firing before the piston reaches top dead center. Does this motor have electronic ignition and does the ignition have a spark advance feature built in. If it does, the module could be firing in the advance mode. I've seen this happen on Lawn Boys.

IF it is not the flywheel key then the next thing I would check is the cam gear make sure it has not skiped a few degrees/teeth.

"It sounds like the ignition is firing before the piston reaches top dead center."

It will and it needs the blade to help with inertia to carry it thru as I said way above.

Walt Conner

I would look at what Rolm and Walt have suggested since the Severely Flood (Hydraulic Lock) situation seems to be a non factor when you have removed the plug and also replace the Key !

Check the blade adapter for a crack. Jim

1saxman the sparkplug thing worked on my Coleman ct200u minibike thanks

Definitely a stuck needle valve.

My problem is a Westinghouse generator. I'm using it as the power source for my small R.V. which I'm living ininininininininThe

The starting rope jerks back. It eventually has been starting.l must keep this running until income from SSI begins... Any suggestions?