interlock system

[DodgeDually]

I am having some problems w/ my dixon kodiak mower. It has a 19hp kawasakie engine. I got it to start once today, so I know the problem isn't w/ the motor. It is very hard to crank, and I beleive the proble is w/ in the interlock system. I cleaned all wire connections, and found a few faulty ground wires, but still no luck getting it to start again. It is very hard to turn by hand. I am not familiar w/ the interlock system, and really don't want the steeler to teach me about it w/ a 300+ dollar bill. If some one could exsplain how this interlock system works I probably can fix it myself. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by DodgeDually

It is very hard to crank, It is very hard to turn by hand.

The above wording doesn't sound like a interlock problem.

This "steeler" (not for this brand) may not be able to help but can you explain in more detail what you mean by the above ?

Is it hard because it spins over slow/doesn't spin at all ?

How are you turning it by hand ?

[DodgeDually]

It spins over slowly. I am turning it over using a ratchet. The starter can hardley turn it at all. Its like something is sticking some where. When I started it. it ran fine. No odd noise from the motor or anywhere else. Could it be something w/ the clutch that engages the mower deck?

[Restrorob]

It's very possible a bearing in the clutch is trying to lock up, You could remove the clutch and check the bearings and see how the engine starts with it off.

[DodgeDually]

I'll give that a try Restrorob. Thanks for the help, and I'll let you know what happens.

[Bill Kapaun]

As a quick check, you could remove the spark plug(s) and see if that makes any difference.

[DodgeDually]

Already did that no differance.