Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Pull rope almost yanked my hand off

Question
Hi Eric, Been starting Briggs & Stratton YBSXS.1091VE just fine until last time. It starts okay for hubby. I am the user and being female, not as strong a pull as a man. A friend made an adjustment inside the rocker arm cap one time that made it easier to pull without the thing yanking the rope pull out of my hand. Actually yanked it out of my hand and the plastic pull slapped across my other wrist while holding down the control bar. Can't have that happen again. Huge knot on wrist and black and blue for a month! Now I'm quite leery of pulling it. How to adjust?

Thank you very much for helping! Gotta have the thing ASAP

Answer
First, remove the spark plug and see if you can pull the string easy.  See if any fluid squirts out of the spark plug hole.

Second, with the spark plug still removed, I would remove the blade and check the blade adapter to be sure it is not cracked and the key way is not damaged. Make sure you keep the spark plug hole facing up when checking the blade and blade adapter.

If you have a loose blade or bad blade adapter the rope will jerk out of you hand.

Third, with the spark plug still removed, I would remove the flywheel nut and check the flywheel key to see if it is sheared.  A sheared or partially sheared flywheel key will also cause the rope to jerk out of you hand.  You can use some old string, with knots tied in it, to hold the flywheel in place.  Insert enough knots inside the spark plug hole to hold the crankshaft in place but be sure to leave enough string out so you can remove it.

Finally, is the oil level correct or too high?

Eric