Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): MTD pull string and recoil issue, recoil spring, starter rope

Question
QUESTION: Hello John:

I have a Yardman MTD 5HP self propelled lawmower with a B&S engine (model 12A-238B062 83 227).  My son had broke the string so I went to get another one and attempted to fix it myself (jet engine mechanic in the USAF and who professes to be Mrs. Toolman).

First thing was the coil came out and I had such a hard time just getting it rewound and back into it's housing.  I finally got that and got the end hooked to the housing as well.  I am not sure if the hole about 1/2 and inch from the end of the coil is suppose to have something hooked to it or not.  I put the new string in the black
housing and notted it and then reassembled the engine but I had no recoil at all.  I had tried to search the internet for specifics as to what I am doing wrong.  At this point it is just sitting disassembled on my patio since I am totally stressed out as to why I can't get it to pull right.  Also, is there a way, if and when I get this working again, that the tension can be eased up since I am unable to start the lawnmower myself due to back problems.

Thank you for your time,  Karen

ANSWER: Hello Karen:

If you have the Spring and Pulley Installed in the Blower Housing (Recoil Housing), then Remove the Rope from the Pulley. Now Wind the Pulley so you are Tightening the Recoil Spring. Tighten Until the Pulley Stops. Now Reverse 1 to 2 Turns and Line Up the Hole in the Pulley with the Hole in the Housing and Thread the New Rope Through the Pulley and Out the Hole in the Housing. Tie a Slip Knot in the Starter Rope to Hold it While the Handle is Attached. After Attaching the Handle, Release the Slip Knot and the Rope Should Retract into the Housing. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again John, I did as you said but whoops, I found out from my neighbor that when I put the coil back in I put it in backwards.  Still could not get it started though.  I was told by my neighbor to try to get a new sparkplug as well as pour out some of the gas to see if any water got in it since we have had nothing but rain for about 5 days straight even though the lawnmower was covered.  

Since I have never been able to start it because of my back, I will have to wait until the weekend until one of my neighbor's boys will try to start it and do my lawn.

Your instruction though was good, just my oops on the coil which eventually my neighbor figured out as he was trying to follow the recoil and noticed that it was pulling opposite of how it should have been.  Thank you and sure do hope that I won't have to get another lawnmower.  Thank you very much though for your assistance.  Karen

Answer
Hello Again Karen:

Great!! I am Glad you Got that Fixed. Here are some Diagnostic Instructions to Do on the Mower to Locate the Hard/Not Starting. Check the Spark. If Not Firing, then Replace. If the Plug is Firing, then First, Pour a Small Amount of Gas Into the Carburetor Throat with the Throttle at Full. With the Throttle Still at Full, Try to Start the Engine. If the Engine Starts and Quits, then Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidential Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. If No Fire at the Plug, then Remove the Coil Shut Off Wire from the Kill Switch at the Engine Stop/Brake Bracket (where the End of the Stop/Brake Cable Attaches at the Engine). Check for Fire. If No Fire, then Remove the Blower Housing and Remove the Ground Wire from the Coil. Check for Fire. If Still No Fire, then the Coil is Bad. Hope this Helps. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John