Caught my Max IV on fire last night

[Uneedthis2]

Long story short, not as bad as it sounds.
Since I got my Max, I've replaced the ignition, spark plugs, starter solenoid, fuel filter, and battery (likely not the right one). Last night after swapping in the new solenoid and battery we went to try to start the max (hasn't started since I've owned it). After a couple tried to start the motor we gave up, not 5 seconds after trying, smoke started coming from under the motor of the Max. I quickly disconnected the positive wire from the battery.
While we were trying to start the motor I hear a few clicks like either the solenoid opening or the starter trying to engage. It ALMOST seems like the motor doesn't want to turn over. Should I be able to turn the crank with a ratchet from the right side of the motor? It's not wanting to turn. I hope this thing isn't locked up.

[marshgunner]

Yes, you should be able to turn the motor over by hand. If you pull the spark plugs,you should be able to turn the motor over by the clutch or use a ratchet.

[Uneedthis2]

Yes, you should be able to turn the motor over by hand. If you pull the spark plugs,you should be able to turn the motor over by the clutch or use a ratchet.

But I should have to remove the plugs in order to turn it?

[countrycummins99]

if you take the fan cover off i can turn mine by hand with the fan with the spark plugs in

[Uneedthis2]

Yea my fan for sure doesn't spin with the plugs in! And that's me grabbing and trying to turn it pretty hard!

[MaxRules]

The engine should turn easily by hand just by turning the drive clutch. Sounds like your engine is locked up, which one do you have?

[mustangwagz]

Does it got pull start on it? the motor should sping "COUNTER - CLOCKWISE" when viewed from the clutch side. If it DOES have pull-start and your trying to spin it clockwise, the pull start would stop it from moving..and the starter could possibly be jammed up as well. maybe check these 2 things before calling it junk!

[Uneedthis2]

It's a Kohler 20hp motor.
It's not a pull start, sadly or I would have tried that.

[mustangwagz]

It's a Kohler 20hp motor.
It's not a pull start, sadly or I would have tried that.

pull the starter and make sure it aint jammed into the flywheel, and while its off, try spnning the motor over.. If it wont spin in either direction, its probably scrap sir...

[Uneedthis2]

That's the plan for the weekend. As well as put some Marvel Mystery Oil down in the spark plug holes.