Hello Friends. I scan the posts here on occasion but this is my first time writing in. I have a question a chipper. I wanted to do some spring time yard clean up. So I dragged out my chipper, tried to give the cord a pull and it moved about four inches and then stopped. I couldn’t move it another inch if I tried. The thing ran great for the 3 years I have had it with no issues. I always maintain it as per the manual and I just can’t figure the darn thing out. The cord “looks: ok, oil, everything. I’m not a pro so the model is small. It’s the red 5 hp MTD. Does anyone out there have any ideas.
Greatly appreciated:
Edward.
Replies
Sounds like the engine seized. pull the spark plug + fill the cylinder w/ some good penetrating oil.
Let it sit all week, if it wont move still don't keep pulling the rope.
Take the pull start ####. off + put a wrench on the end of the crank, try moving it either way to break it loose.
Good Luck Steve
NAIL IT !!!
It takes just a few moments to pull the top cover off which holds the pull cord assembly. Take it off and make sure the rope isn't bound up in the assembly. My magnito messed up on my push mower this weekend. Had to take the cover off to clean the conections. (Magnitos have to have a good ground)
Check the chipper assembly, something keeping the blades from moving??
Thanks everybody. I'll check all the suggestions you have made. You guys are great.
Ed
with the plug removed... see if there is a way to hand turn the engine... belt side.. then remove the belt/belts very well could be in the chipper part and not the engine... I'd find that out first....
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Also check to see if any critters built a nest inside the starter housing over the winter...that will stop an engine cold.
I have an 8 HP chipper similar to yours. If a piece of wood gets caught in the chipper itself it stops the chipper cold after pulling the starter cord a few inches. Try checking inside.
Gentlemen. Thank you one and all. I finally got to my chipper today. I pulled the plug and put some penetrating oil in couple of weeks ago which didn't work. So I took it apart as suggested and the unit was stuck due to three, 4 inch pieces of hard wood stuck behind the blade unit. Got them out with a little effort, cleaned out the unit, put it back together and it started on the first pull! I didn't have to curse at all and only banged my thumb once. This is the internet at it's finest. Thanks guys!!!
Edward
Yeah, what the others said. I've seen this happen where the cylinder was filled with oil (due to having the engine on its side, etc), where something was blocking the motion on the output shaft (ie, something in the chipper chamber), or where the recoil starter itself was broken.
Kinda like asking if the computer is plugged in, but...
Is the clutch dis-engaged? On mine it was easy to leave it engaged, and it would behave just as yours is.