Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda Mower, recoil starters, recoil starter

Question
I have a honda harmony hrb 215 mower.  the pull cord on the mower broke and so i took the top cover over the fan of the mower off and replaced the cord with a new one.  I can get the mower to start easily with one pull but the new cord does not wind back into the mower.

Answer
Hello David:

Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool and I can Only Answer Questions from the Question Pool when I am Not Answering Questions here or at the Other Site I Answer Questions at and I am Also on Vacation and had a Few Minutes to Answer Questions. From your Description it Sounds like you Failed to Tighten the Recoil Spring or the Spring is Broken. The Following is a Basic Instruction File for Replacing the Rope in Standard Recoil Starters. Any Input is Appreciated. **If the Rope has Broken and the Spring is Good, then Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover and recoil Starter). Remove the Old Rope from the Recoil Pulley. Now Turn the Pulley in the Same Direction that the Pulley would Turn if the Rope was Turning it. Once the Pulley will Turn No More, then Reverse Direction 1 or 2 Turns and Thread the New Rope Through the Hole in the Center of the Pulley and Out the Hole in the Blower Housing. Pull the Rope Through Until it is Tight Against the Pulley. Now Tie a Slip Knot in the Rope to Hold the Pulley in Place While the Handle is Attached to the Rope. Once the Handle is Attached, Release the Slip Knot and the Rope Should Retract Into the Housing. Reassemble the Blower Housing Onto the Engine.**  The Following is a Recoil Starter Repair Instruction File. Any Input/Suggestions are Appreciated. Remove the Starter Housing/Engine Cover. Remove the Old Rope. Now Turn the Pulley in the Same Direction that the Pulley would Turn if the Rope was Turning it. Once the Pulley will Turn No More, then Reverse Direction 1 or 2 Turns and Thread the New Rope Through the Hole in the Center of the Pulley and Out the Hole in the Blower Housing. Pull the Rope Through Until it is Tight Against the Pulley. Now Tie a Slip Knot in the Rope to Hold the Pulley in Place While the Handle is Attached to the Rope. Once the Handle is Attached, Release the Slip Knot and the Rope Should Retract Into the Housing. Reassemble the Blower Housing Onto the Engine. On Some Models you May have to Install the Rope Before you Lock the Pulley in Place. If So, there is a U in the Pulley that the Rope is Held in While Turning the Pulley to Tighten the Spring. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower/Engine at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog American Honda. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John