Does anyone have a manual on the VLV 56 engine specifically. What is the upper lever above the throttle lever coming out the right side of the engine suppose to do? I loaned the mower to a tenant and when I got it back of course it won't run. He wired the lever to the bracket that held a cable it looks like. But there no longer is a cable. Confused! Can anyone help?
Engine won't start but kicks back at times like the timing is off like in an auto.
Lee

Engine brake cable goes there, it needs to be pulled back to disengage the engine brake and deactivate the ignition kill switch.

Kick back when trying to start, can be caused by a loose mower blade or a sheared flywheel key. A loose blade can also cause the key to shear.

Remember always disconnect the spark plug, when checking or working on the mower blade!!

Oh yes so that it. When I gave it to him this was working. The idiot took the cable off and wired the lever open. Don't know why? Many renters are not too smart and I made a mistake to loan him anything. Also he broke the speed control. I will have to see how much it will take to get it running and if too much I guess I will have to retire it. Thanks much. At least I won't have to worry about that lever being a problem. That is a very good tip to check for a sheared flywheel key because it seems like it is firing at the wrong time. Thanks you so much for the quick reply. He probably hit something hard and might have sheared the key.
Thanks again/Lee

Its possible if your tentant hit something like a rock then the shaft may be bent along with the flywheel key sheared. Disconnect the spark plug, put the mower on its side and have someone pull the start cord while your watch the blade bolt to see if the assembly wobbles or turns straight. If it Wobbles you have a bigger problem on your hands.