An important part of the lawn mower is a flywheel key that keeps the flywheel in its position and performs a significant duty. But, recognizing a defective or sheared flywheel key is also essential.
However, what are the symptoms of a flywheel key on a lawn mower?
The symptoms are the imbalanced sparks from the spark plug, engine doesn’t crank, rust or corrosion on the key body, gears don’t stay in position, and loosened mower blades.
Identifying the symptoms can lead you to the solution of the error. That’s why now, let me take you to the details of a lawn mower flywheel key symptoms and the ideal fixes of them.
So, let’s dive in without further ado.
Quick Overview: Lawn Mower Flywheel Key Symptoms
A brief summary of the lawn mower flywheel key symptoms and the appropriate solution of them is helpful in an inspection.
So, take a glance at the following list of them.
| Serial | Symptoms | Solutions |
| 1 | Imbalanced sparks from the spark plug | Check the flywheel key and set it correctly |
| 2 | Engine doesn’t crank | Get the flywheel key changed |
| 3 | Rust or corrosion on the key body | Clean the flywheel key or change it |
| 4 | Gears don’t stay in position | Perform a purifying process of the flywheel key |
| 5 | Loosened mower blades | Adjust the flywheel key ensuring accurate tension |
Complete Discussion: Lawn Mower Flywheel Key Symptoms
To make your lawn mower flywheel key troubleshooting a smart move, the in-depth ideas are at great importance. For example, without them, you can not decide the fixes accurately.
Keeping that in mind, I have prepared this section with that info.
That’s why, go through the lawn mower flywheel key symptoms and their solution to fix it.
Symptom 1: Imbalanced Sparks from the Spark Plug
If you are observing the mower performance deteriorate, there must be imbalanced sparks detected. When the flywheel key is not set properly, it stops the flywheel, too.
As a result, the magnet positioned on the flywheel is kept right there and doesn’t help in the ignition process.
Solution: Check the Flywheel Key and Set It Correctly
As the matter is concerned with the installation of the flywheel key, check if you have set it in the right way.
If not, do not wait anymore and set it correctly. Make sure to check the spontaneous flow of sparks from the spark plug.
Symptom 2: Engine Doesn’t Crank
No cranking sound coming from the engine after turning on the ignition key is a significant indication. It happens when the flywheel key doesn’t let the flywheel move to the magnet.
As it is stuck with the flywheel, the spark plug doesn’t generate sparks. In other words, without the touch of the magnet, no sparks can be produced.
Solution: Get the Flywheel Key Changed
When the flywheel key is bad or has reached the end of its life, it malfunctions in many ways. Such a matter is its stuck condition.
Getting the flywheel key changed can solve the situation in a jiffy.
Symptom 3: Rust or Corrosion on the Key Body
The flywheel key is a metal part and it certainly performs an unavoidable task in running the mower. As it is made of metal, it catches rust or corrosion too easily.
Like other mower parts, it also gets dirt and debris. And, over time, with the touch of water, it gets rust or corrosion.
Solution: Clean the Flywheel Key or Change It
I always recommend cleaning the lawn mower at least once a month. In other words, with other parts, keeping the flywheel key clean is also required.
If it has got excessive rust or corrosion, change it without further delay. Otherwise, it won’t move freely.
Symptom 4: Gears Don’t Stay in Position
The gears are not staying in the position is another common view of a unclean and dirty flywheel key. As I said earlier, the flywheel key is a favorite of dirt and debris.
Moreover, the flywheel has a connection with the gears. And thus, they fail to be in their place.
Solution: Perform a Purifying Process of the Flywheel Key
As soon as the gears tell you this issue, you should inspect the key properly. Then, perform a purifying process to clean it thoroughly.
Hopefully, the gears will be working as per your direction.
Symptom 5: Loosened Mower Blades
Loosened mower blades are another sign that the flywheel key is reaching the sheared condition. It is because when the mower blades become loose, they tend to affect the key.
Over time, as the blades spin, the flywheel key also becomes loose slowly. In other words, it gets misadjusted.
Solution: Adjust the Flywheel Key Ensuring Correct Tension
First, adjust the tension of the mower blades. If you adjust the flywheel key leaving the blades loose, no changes will be noticed.
For that reason, move to the key after adjusting the blades. As for the flywheel key, its tension should be not too tight or not too loose.
Should I Ride a Lawn Mower with a Bad Flywheel Key?
Answer: A bad flywheel key may not affect the running of the lawn mower, you shouldn’t run the mower with it. Because, it invites a threatening matter for the clutch of the mower and that is the burning issue.
What Causes a Flywheel Key Damage?
Answer: Behind a damaged flywheel key on a lawn mower, the overheating of the clutch is responsible. When it has got issues like wearing out or burnt, it overheats a lot and thus, the flywheel is affected significantly.
Final Verdict
Frankly speaking, like other components, a flywheel key is of similar importance and the lawn mower’s flywheel functions with the help of it.
Keeping all these in mind, take notes from the lawn mower flywheel key symptoms. Notice them correctly and choose the perfect solution for that. Be cautious to remain careful and don’t forget to disconnect the lawn mower.
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