said by jdvmax :I haven't remounted the blade as of yet. I expect to be able to by drilling and tapping the bolt holes on the spindle and then threading in new bolts. The engine does spin freely (with the expected compression pauses of course) when I use a box end wrench. But when I put the starter back on top and pull the cord it is hard, not impossible, but difficult to pull fast enough. The starter cord does pull ok when not attached to the mower.
Keep in mind the blade acts as a giant flywheel when you pull the starter. No wonder you can't get it started. Fix the blade mount and put it back on then try to start it.
Why don't you just buy a new spindle mount? It's easier than trying to drill out the old broken off bolts.