Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): roto-tiller pull cord wont pull, briggs and stratton, hp briggs

Question
I have a 5 hp Briggs and Stratton engine on a Yard Machine roto-tiller. While I was tilling the engine stalled and when I went to restart it the pull rope only pulled out about 6" and then got vert tight and won't move. The tiller was last started last October with no problems. The engine started on the second pull and ideled about 5 minutes before I started to till. When the engine stalled there was no noise, no smoke. I pulled the spark plug and it is clean and not wet. What could the problem be with the pull cord?

Answer
You'll need to pull the spark plug and then try the starter.  If that makes no difference, then I would pull the starter and flywheel housing off the engine and see if the engine will turn over.  If you can try that and let me know what you get we can go from there.  Thanks, PK.