Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Pull Cord is stuck, vise grip pliers, rope thread

Question
Hi,
I am trying to start my push mower. It ran great just 6 days ago and started up on the first try. Now today (just 6 days later) the pull cord seems jammed or stuck. I cannot pull it out to start it. I am a girl and have no experience with this type of stuff. Thanks so much.
It is a B&S motor 4.5 hp.
Maria

Answer
Hi Maria,

You might have just a rope that has slipped out of the
reel.  You will need to remove the entire cooling shroud. There should be 4 bolts on the sides.  You might need to remove the fuel tank also.  Then, unwind the reel as you pull the rope handle and see if it frees up.
If the rope is broken you will need to do the following:
Pre-wind the recoil reel by hand [about 6 turns, to set the spring
tension] and clamp it with Vise-Grip pliers. Remove the old rope. Thread
the new rope through the shroud housing eyelet and to the reel hub. Let
the reel re-wind itself until it is full. If there is not enough spring
tension you can wind it a couple of turns more by slipping the rope around
between the reel and shroud. Re-clamp the reel. Cut the rope to length and
thread it though the handle. At all knots, burn and melt the rope with a
lighter to prevent untying. Re-assemble.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael