Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman lawn mower 5.0hp engine, craftsman lawn mower, screw holes

Question
The flywheel has a cylindrical counter weight that currently pops up and lodges against the housing of my mower when I pull the start cord, making an awful grinding sound.  Is it supposed to pop up and then go down?, am I missing a part that should keep it down?, will the mower work if I remove it?  any ideas would be great  thanks

Answer
Hi William,

I have neither seen nor heard of a movable counter weight.  If it IS supposed to move, then it should not move that far so as to hit the housing.  Removing it probably would set up a vibration that might cause damage.  You would be better off to secure it somehow. Check for screw holes that are missing screws.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael