Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Gas Powered 2 Cycle Craftsmen Weed Eater, fuel alcohol, craftsmen

Question
I have Craftsmen Weed Eater.  It is 4-5 years old.  No issues to date however, I have used it one time this year (Spring 2010) and worked well.  I went to start the Weed Eater this past weekend and the Engine was difficult to start.  Got the engine started and kept wanting to quit.  As I was trying to re-start the engine, the cord began to not want to go back into the engine housing.  Then the pull cord would not come out all the way and eventually the cord would not come out at all.  Now I can't even pull the start cord out therefore not allowing me to start the engine.  What do I do?  It appears the engine will not release the cord.  What has happened and how do I fix this?  Thanks!

Allen

Answer
Did you have oil mixed in the gas?  The symptoms you describe sound like the engine seized due to lack of oil or WORSE...Alcohol in the fuel.  Alcohol will burn hotter and sometimes make the piston larger then the cylinder... to an untrained technician, they will always say its a lack of lubrication failure.