Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S Starter Rope, starter rope, spark plug wire

Question
Hi Michael,

I have a B&S 6 HP lawn mower. I was just mowing the lawn today and I stopped to empty the grass bag. When I went to start the mower, the starter rope wouldnt pull. It would extend 1 or 2 inches but then it stops. I have opened up the top to see if there was anything jammed but it doesnt seem so. What can I do to fix this problem?

Answer
Hi Tony,

When the recoil assembly is removed does it pull and retract okay?  What about the flywheel, does that turn also?  Remove the spark plug wire or the plug itself and turn over the engine.  Does it spin freely?  Check a bendix, if present, for smooth operation.  A bendix is sometimes used to connect the flywheel and the recoil hub.

Let me know what you find.
Michael