So, if you mean that a pin was put in the blade driver assy- that would not be a correct repair. The key is part of the driver- so the correct repair would be to replace the hub in that case. What I meant regarding being comfortable with what has been done is this: Most people don't do this stuff every day. They know as an example that the flywheel key is sheared and replace they key but don't know as an example that Tecumseh has several different flywheel keys- a couple that really could be interchanged yet still be wrong. I've also seen flywheels that were not tightened as should be and the key re-shears. Question may also be, does the guy at Ace do better at paint than small engines? Kudos for doing research in online manuals and seeking advise. My thought would be to get a new blade driver and re-secure the blade. You may find that the engine is simply flooded yet from being tipped etc. If all seems good and it still won't run, re- approach the flywheel key.

5/24/07 Hi Guys! Thanks for all the help. Sorry I used my Ebay handle here "RCS14420" instead of my handle and nick name Tbone123. Don't want to confuse anyone. I like this site and have contributed to others as well. I've learned a lot of great stuff on several issues and events from trial and errors over the years as well as posting from others here. I will follow up on the link correction and get back to you. Thanks to all. Have a great Memorial Day; let us not forget what it is for and why. God bless America and the Veterans who have given their lives to make us free! Tbone123 and/or RCS14420.

If you remove the fuel tank and shrouding and then the 15/16" flywheel nut- you can look at the slot through the top of the flywheel and see if it is sheared. It is ideal to have the correct puller for the flywheel, but not absolutely necessary. We can help with that if it is sheared. If it has struck something enough to shear the key, there may be damage below. The part itself is cheap, to have a qualified person do the work and inspect for damage could be priceless. You wrote: I have not tried spraying carb cleaner in the mower yet but I will try that. The motor definitely feels like it has compression. If the key is sheared off on the flywheel how hard is something like that to replace and cost wise? I'm thinking the key is probably sheared off but didn't want to dig that far into it unless I had too where I have not done it before. I appreciate your reply and knowledge you're willing to share. Thank you!

I returned the machine to the owner yesterday. Last evening, he called me and told me i had fixed it correctly, and he was really impressed by my work! As long as the owner is satisfied, I'm happy, too. Might get a good reference from him. Lots of sick machines out there, ya know?!