Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hey, does anyone know why my mower will only start and stay running w/the blade going?  It is hard to pull the cord and won't start with out holding down the blade handle.  If I try to let go of the blade handle to empty the grass it boggs down and dies... and if I try to let go of the blade handle a little and go off and on a few times it kinda has that smelly clutch smell.  I just got the mower and am still learning about it.  It is the older (non hydrostatic) mower w/ the aluminum deck.  I only paid 170 for it. So far I really like it and the shaft driven propulsion but hope the clutch isn't messed up...maybe it's just frozen up or something.  Any suggestions out there?

Thanks,

Cat