What happens when a lawn mower's flywheel key breaks?

Answer by  oddflash (902)

The flywheel key you are refering to I assume is called a shear pin. When this breaks it allows the shaft to turn without turning the flywheel which stops the mower from running. It does this to keep from warping the shaft or doing even worse damage to the motor. It is a fairly easy replacement.

Answer by  nicholas34 (606)

when the fly wheel key breaks your going to have a big problem unless you get it fixed and chances are your lawn will overgrow lol

Answer by  HJ (143)

The flywheel will rotate a bit, which will cause the timing to be off. This can cause difficulty starting, backfires etc...

Answer by  billyb (562)

the key in the flywheel breaks when there is something that stops the motor suddenly. also, the motor may or may not start because of the key. replace the key and the motor should run.

Answer by  cgrid76hotmailcom (545)

the flywheel spins on its shaft and wont send the electric to the spark plug the the engine needs to run.that is what happens .it mauls the shaft also i have seen.

Answer by  Sky75 (216)

Normally when a flywheel key shears the flywheel will just freeely spin. The engine will not turn over. Just make a whizzing sound.