hi, I have an old honda hr216 rear roller lawnmower with an electric start. I bought it second hand about 4 years ago and the electric start has worked flawlessly until this year. The mower still starts first time with a hand pull but want to get the electric start working again. I've charged the battery and the battery charger shows full charge. When I turn the key the first time it cranks the engine but gives up straight away (less than a second). Any subsequent attempts I just hear an electrical buzzing noise (no crank). Also, don't know if this is related but last year the blade became permanently engaged and pulling the dead man lever doesn't make a difference. To key start the mower you have to pull the dead man lever and the fact that the blade was permanently engaged didn't effect its ability to start. Could this be a cable adjustment issue? Can someone post some trouble shooting steps please or suggest what the issue could be. I'm not an expert when it comes to engines but can do basic tasks like servicing, oil change, etc. Thanks, Chet

I've got a 15.5 Kohler (CV15S) on a 42" Craftsman Rider (917.259556) that has been running fine. This evening I fired it up & didn't move 30 feet when all of a sudden it started belching white smoke, sputtered & died. I was able to get it to start several times, it would act like it was going to run right, the smoke would start to clear up & then more smoke, sputter & die. Has a good oil level showing on the dipstick. I bought the mower used about 3 years ago & it set up for most of the last year. I've probably put 5 hours on it in the last few weeks & its been running great. I haven't done a compression test or any other diagnostics yet. Any input is appreciated!! TexasFire