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

Question
Model: Honda HRA-215-AL (MZAL-6045246...SXA). The recoil starter cord on my Honda mower broke and I took it to a local shop for repair. When I got it back I could not get it to fit back onto the mower. I thought the shop had fixed it incorrectly and after sometime I just purchased a new assembly. When it arrived I tried to install it on the mower and had the same problem. It seems the circular metal plate on the bottom of the recoil starter assembly is too large to fit into the top of the mower. It will turn the flywheel but the cord will not retract. So I took the old one and hammered it (lightly with a rubber mallet) and could start the mower but the cord will not retract until I take the assembly off of the mower. Can you make a suggestion on how to correct this problem? Thanks.

Answer
Hello Joel:

There are 2 Different Recoil Starters on this Engine. One Will Not Interchange with the Other. Each has a Different Starter Cup (the top of the Engine where the Starter pawls Set Into). You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog American Honda. Now Select Lawn Mower. Now scroll Down to the HRA215 SXA File and Select it. Then Select the Flywheel Folder. You can See Both Starter Cups Listed (#s 3 &4). Did the Repair Shop Put the Wrong Pawl Assembly on your Recoil? This Could Explain the Problem. Also, Did you Order the Right Recoil for your Mower? Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John