I was sitting on my old '99 Xplorer 400 with the engine idling and it sounded like something broke an jammed. The pull rope would not budge the engine. I took the side cover off and can turn the flywheel backwards but when I try to turn forward it gets to the same point and jams. Any idea what I should look for? I hate to just tear it completely apart but might have to.

 

Well if it isn't a broken belt locking things up,then I'd say you broke a piece off of the piston skirt.You can turn the flywheel one way until it lodges,then turn it the opposite way until it does the same thing. Or a lower end rod bearing can do the same thing.

 

Thanks OPT, that is what I was thinking, the piston skirt. I know they are on the weak side and it is a pretty old machine. I doubt it is the belt because it feels like a hard stop. Gonna pull the jug and see.