I hit a root with my earthquake tiller and it killed the engine. Now, it seems like the crank has to be turned in order for the rope to be pulled. Also, the Carb started leaking.

A tangled coil of rope or a broken spring may be the problem. ... If a lawnmower blade is loose or missing, the rope will pull part way, then become very difficult. Most lawnmower engines count on the flyweight of the blade to carry the engine through its compression stroke. Do not run a mower without its blade.
What if the starter rope won't pull? The crankshaft is connected to the blade shaft on your recoil start walk behind lawn mower, so if the pull cord is stuck, it could be because something is blocking the movement of the blade. Disconnect the spark plug for safety, then take a look under the deck.

it looks like the engine has seized.try turning shaft at bottom of enginei if this is free .engine is ok. remove housing where rope is mounted and free it up....let me know how u get on.....john.

not sure what you mean by frese. does the engine stop.please let me ..know...john;;

remove the cover and turn the spool til the spring is tight feed the new rope threw and secure the ends

I have a similar problem, found the transmission to be jamming up in a certain spot. You can get a replacement transmission or parts on EBay

you can get a pull rope at wal-mart.measure the belt and any parts store or place that sells lawnmower belts should have one.if the rope broke close to the end knot just pull the end knot with some needle nose pliers.once you have all the old rope out lay the old rope pieces on the ground and cut the new rope to match it as far as length.turn the pulley that the pull rope goes in six turns counerclockwise.then turn the slot the knot was in to the hole the pullrope goes thru and fish it thru then pull it up and out with apaiar of needlnose have someone hold the pulley until you tie a small knot in the end of the pullrope the hold the pullrope and let it pull it in.you might have to cut some off at the handle if its still too long.to do this pull some rope out and tie a quick knot so the rope can't slip back if you let it go.

Was there oil in it? Check and see if a rock or other item is wedge in the tines. Take of the engine shroud, remove the spark plug and see if you can manually turn the fly wheel. If you CAN turn the fly wheel pull on the pull rope. It might just be stuck. If you CANNOT turn the fly wheel then the engine is probably blown.
Good luck hope this helps.

roundo4

The pawl ratchets seem to be sticking for some reason, try some WD40 inside the recoil. Stephen.

if it has a recoil pull starter rope the answer is yes.

It sounds like you have a stuck rod or piston. When these freeze you will not be able to crank the unit over. I would recommend a over haul of the engine or replacing the engine