Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): starter rope squealing while engine is running, starter clutch, starter rope

Question
Hi John, I have a 5 hp Briggs on my son's go kart. The model number is 130292. The type is 0803-02, and the code is 80092406. While the engine is running, usually under acceleration, we get a loud, high pitched squeal coming from the starter rope area. The starter rope goes limp, and when I pull the rope all the way out, I can get it to regain tension and retract again, usually silencing the squeal. When riding, obviously I can not work with the starter rope, and the squeal is so loud that my son is afraid to ride it in its current condition. What should I be looking for and what is my best resource for how things should come apart? I  have good mechanical aptitude, but very little small engine experience. Thanks very much for your help.

Answer
Hello Gary:

Remove the Blower Housing (Metal Engine Cover). This will Give you Access to the Starter Clutch. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers 130292-0803. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Select the Blower Housing, Flywheel, Rewind. The Starter Clutch Consists of Breakdown #66. It Contains Several Ball Bearings on the Inside. Do Not Disassemble the Starter Clutch Unless you have Removed it from the Engine. Secure the Crankshaft, Remove the Wire Screen from the Starter Clutch and Remove the Starter Clutch Using a Pipe Wrench. Use a Small Standard (flat) Screwdriver and Pry Off the Cover. Clean and LIGHTY Lubricate the Bearings, Ratchet Spring Adapter (there is no Spring. it is called the ratchet spring adapter because it adapts the starter clutch to the Recoil spring and rope assembly in the blower housing) and the Starter Clutch Support Section of the Crankshaft. Make Sure there is No Rust or Dirt in the Support Section of the Crankshaft and LIGHTLY Lubricate this Area Also. Once the Starter Clutch is Clean, Place the Center Component of the Starter Clutch (the Ratchet Spring Adapter) into the Starter Clutch Housing and then Put the Bearing Into the Housing. Then Tap the Starter Housing Cover Back Into Place. Now Put the Starter Clutch Back Onto the Engine. Make Sure it is Tight. The Clutch is Usually Torqued to 150 ft pds. Reassemble the Rest of the Components and you are Finished. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John