Normal RH threads - left to loosen. Turn the mower up on it's side with the carburetor side high, oil drain low. Disconnect and ground out the spark plug connector wire. Turn the blade straight up and down. Put a piece of 2x4 on the leading edge of the lower blade end and stand on it. Put your wrench or ratchet on the bolt head with the handle to the left so you can use your weight on it. It should loosen.

Thanks so much for the reply. I noticed the last time I went out to mess with it that there is a spring in the front which is not disconnected, but is stretched beyond what it seems like it should be. It seems that it is too loose. Now I just have to figure out if I can find a suitable replacement or if I have to take it to the shop for this. Thinking back I have noticed sometimes that when I was mowing under the pine tree branches that it would sound like it was going to cut out for a second but I thought I possibly blocked something with the branches. Now I know what that was. Thanks again.

Maybe it got turned over when you worked on it? Anyway check your air filter for being soaked with oil. Replace if it is. Restart it and it will likely clear up after a few more minutes of running.

TT> My question is how big a difference will the side-valve engine be and will I notice a difference? RB> I doubt that you will notice any difference since both engines have plenty of power to run the mower. Count on both Toro and Honda to pick the proper engine. Both enginse are very reliable and should last a long time if properly maintained. And in my experience the Toro engines live up to their reputation of being very easy to start with a rope pull. TT> I like the key-electric start, but if the engine is going to be a big difference, I could live without it. I do like the idea of a blade brake, but since I don't have it now, I guess I could live without it. RB> There is really no reason I can think of to keep the motor running while stopping the blade. Indeed for peace of mind I prefer to have the engine off when I'm changing the bag. TT> I'm open to suggestions and would be willing to hear opinions about similar Honda mowers too. The price range for my purchase is about $700. I think you would be happy with either one. One of the Honda mowers uses a dual paddle setup to control speed, and it does not seem to be a very easy to use design.