Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): repairing the recoil (pull) starter, vise grip pliers, sears craftsman

Question
Hi, Michael,

I own a Sears Craftsman lawn mower. I don't have the model number off-hand but it is a walk-behind style about 5-6 years old.

Yesturday, the first time attempting to use it this year, I checked/filled all the fluids but had difficulty starting it. Then, after several tries, the pull starter cord suddenly would not retract.

I am usually very good with mechanical devices and engines (I work on my own car) but I don't know the first thing about lawn mowers. Would you please give me a step-by-step how-to on fixing the stuck pull starter? I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank You!

*smiles*
Angie
0:)

Answer
Hi Angie,

Remove the recoil shroud and take a look at the assembly.
You might have a broken spring or just a rope that has slipped out of the reel.
The spring usually breaks at one of the end tabs. If so, you will need to get a replacement spring and carefully wind that in, before re-assembling the rope reel. You might wish to replace the rope also, if it shows signs of wear. Below is my proceedure for replacing a broken recoil rope.

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.
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