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Location

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Date Posted

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

My TroyBilt tiller with 6 hp Techumseh motor is giving me starting problems. When I pull the starter handle a lot of times it tries to fire backwards and rips the rope handle right out of my hand. It is getting a little dangerous to try to start. I'm no expert on small engines and appreciate any ideas on what can be going wrong.

6/15/2011 9:12:10 AM

Muddy Waters

you need a valve job seek a pro,or sheered a fly wheel key

6/15/2011 10:30:19 AM

Niagara Falls,NY

I have an old troybuilt with the same engine,mine blew up.When I tried to get a connecting rod,they didn't make one any more.Northern tools and Harbor frieght have replacement engins that will bolt right on.I saw one that was on sale for around $129.Sometimes better just to replace than to waste time patching up an old engine.Will also cost less!

6/15/2011 10:53:28 AM

Springfield, VT

Techumseh isn't in business anymore, it sounds like the clutch on the pull rope is sticking. You should be able to unbolt and clean

6/15/2011 11:28:41 AM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

Thanks for the help. I will tty cleaning the clutch on the pull rope. I know about the company being out of business. I had to replace the carbuerator float last fall and had a hard time getting the part. I don't want to replace the engine if I don't have to because it still runs great after I get it started and my budget is real tight.

6/15/2011 1:14:29 PM

Ohio

i agree with Handy, check the easy fix first, see if your fly wheel key is broke.

6/15/2011 8:27:42 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

The flywheel key is certainly one possibility. Is the engine equipped with a points ignition? If so, it may be a matter of replacing the points or resetting the air gap. It definitely sounds like a spark timing issue.

6/15/2011 8:57:20 PM

Massachusetts

i also agree with handy , first check the fly wheel key
and then its got to be points, then valve, or sears sells nice new tillers.......:-) harbor freight has cheap engines also.....

6/15/2011 9:43:33 PM

Belmont, NH

If it is kicking back and pulling the rope out of your hand it is more than likely a timing issue. Probable cause is the key way on the crankshaft. I know I am repeating what others have said. I just went thru this with a lawnmower after hitting a rock.

6/16/2011 7:03:07 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

flywheel key first thing that came to my mind!

6/17/2011 12:42:36 PM