On 17 Dec 2006 11:04:04 -0800, wrote:

I put a new key in and watched the engine run for a few minutes. I even
engaged the cutting blades and drove it around a little. I didn't hear
the key being sheared when I turned it off or saw any stress during the
running of the mower. I think the key is being sheared when I crank it
up the second time after installing the key. So I think the problem
lies there, but I don't know what it is.

The key *partially" shears on the first crank/run and fails on the
second? Make certain the key is not moved when the flywheel is
*properly seated*. You have the right key?



wrote:
DanG wrote:
The key is not meant to take the load of spinning the flywheel, it
is only there to make correct alignment.

The key is meant to take the load till something happens and the load
becomes dangerous to the motor. It is supposed to break then. It is not
there "only to make the correct alignment". If that were true they
wouldn't make the key out of soft material. something is causing the
key to be stresses in some way and you need to find out what they is.
I'd run the thing for a minute and Carefully inspect the key.
Ken
--
Oren

"Well, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it happens, it happens constantly."