Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): mtd walk behind mower, engine model type, recoil starter

Question
I have a mtd yardman model 12A26MB055 walk behind self-propelled mower that the pull cord broke on.  I removed the recoil starter assembly to put the cord back on but when I tried to tighten the spring up by turning the cord holder, it would not tighten up, after about every turn, you hear a popping sound and the spring never tightens. What should I do to tighten the spring so that the cord recoils back into the starter assembly?

Answer
The popping you hear is the spring or pulley not holding.  Typically, the starter pulley cracks and will not hold the spring tension.  You most likely will have to replace the pulley/spring as the unit is sold as an assembly.

Send me the engine model, type and code number and I can look up the part number(s) you need.

Eric