Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower Elect Start Will Not Engage Engine, gear shaft, starter motor

Question
Lawnboy 10696 Mower, Electric Start, Starter will spin, but will not engage engine. Can crank by hand & after warm-up the starter motor will engage engine & crank it.

Any suggestions / Thanks

Answer
Sounds as if the starter drive gear is hanging up. Remove the starter spray some carburetor cleaner on the gear shaft that the gears rides up and down on. Work the gear back and forth till it moves freely. Then reinstall the starter........Tom


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