lawnmower runs but will not drive blades

[allyscott]

Hi there, my uncle has a Suffolk punch 14sk mower. It starts and runs fine however when you engage the drive or the blades nothing happens.
The flywheel turns fine until you engage either the drive or the blades then it stops turning. The motor still runs and ticks over.
He probably has (really) old fuel and the air filter needs changing, would this cause this problem.
My uncle is 89 and knows best so won't let me take apart to clean the carb.
Any help appreciated

 

[Burnerman]

If it's a reasonably recent Suffolk with the plastic drive gear cassette then check that for damage......or are you saying the motor stalls when you try to engage the blades ?
John

 

[allyscott]

Hi John,
Not sure on age but it does have plastic drive gear which seem ok.
The motor doesn't stall, when you engage the drive or blades nothing happens.
I took the cover off to look, the flywheel turns as it should but when you engage drive or blades the cable pulls the drive belt over and the flywheel stops turning as if there isn't enough power to turn it.
Motor keeps running and doesn't stall.
release the drive and the fly wheel starts to turn again.

 

[Burnerman]

From your description, I would think the centrifugal clutch, on the left side of the engine when you are using the machine, isn't working correctly.
Can you give me a photo with the tin cover removed, do you think?
John

 

[allyscott]

Thanks John,
I'll pop down to my uncles again tomorrow and get a photo for you.
Cheers
Ally