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Help! My Lawn Mower Pull Cord Is Not Catching | Here Is How To Fix It Fast!

Lawn mowers are widely used in various settings, including fields, lawns, and gardens, for cutting, trimming, or mowing the grass. They help ensure that the grass grows to the appropriate height and remains well-groomed. In addition, these useful machines help individuals save money and time when cutting the grass. Read this article to know why lawn mower pull cord not catching.

Like any other machine, lawn mowers are susceptible to breaking down occasionally. This is a very aggravating situation, and it is made even worse when it takes place during the active growth period of your lawn. For instance, a pull cord not catching is a common problem many lawn mower owners face from time to time. If the pull cord on your lawn mower is not catching, nothing will happen, and your lawn mower will not start.

This issue manifests itself more frequently in older lawn mowers that have been through a lot in their lives. However, the cause behind such a problem can often be easily identified and resolved. For instance, the most likely reason the mower’s pull cord won’t catch and start is a broken pulley system or worn pawls. In contrast, other probable causes include a broken recoil spring or a damaged pull cord.

Read this article to learn more. I will explain why the cord on your lawnmower won’t pull, and then I will provide a few possible solutions to the problem.

Lawn Mower Recoil Starter Assembly

If the pull cord on your lawn mower is not catching, you’ll need to learn the mechanism that controls it in order to figure out the issue and fix it easily. In either case, a full replacement starter assembly will normally cost about thirty dollars.

And the repair is a simple do-it-yourself job that takes only a few minutes to complete. So, let’s go ahead and learn about the different parts of a lawn mower starter assembly.

These components are crankshaft adapter, engaging pawls, flywheel pawl receiver, flywheel receiver, handle, paul spring, pull assembly housing, pull cord, pulley, and pulley cover, pulley recoil spring, and starter housing.

Also, remember that occasionally the problem can be easily fixed, such as when the handle or pull cord breaks. In this case, all that needs to be done is to replace the pull cord or the handle, which is a task that everyone can perform on their own.

However, there are several other issues as well that could be the problem. There is no need to worry, though. Each of these also has a solution that is not overly complicated.

Can You Fix The Pull Cord Issue Yourself?

If you are handy and enjoy dealing with different mechanical components, it should not be too difficult or expensive for you to replace all or a portion of the pull cord on your lawn mower. However, in order to do this, you should be familiar with the make and model of your lawn mower. After that, you can conduct a search on the internet for the brand of your mower, the model number, and the recoil\starter assembly.

How Does The Pull Cord Work?

The only component of the starting mechanism in a lawn mower that can be seen from the outside is the starter rope or pull cord. However, on the interior of your mower, the rope pulls a series of levers and pulleys to start the engine. When you tug the pull cord on your lawn mower to start the engine, the pull cord activates the start mechanism, which rotates the engine at speed sufficient enough to ignite the combustion module.

Starter Rope Pulls On The Pulley System

Inside, the pull cord is wound around the pulley system. This is what makes it possible to withdraw the starter rope before it can retract back into the mower. In walk-behind mowers, the pulley system is located underneath the lid that is present at the very top of the machine. Whereas the middle of the pulley has a recoil spring.

Pulley System Has A Recoil Spring

The recoil spring will extend as it is turned, and then it will snap back into place when the movement is stopped. This action immediately retracts the pull cord, enabling you to tug on the pull cord repeatedly in a short time.

Recoil System Operates The Flywheel

Next, the flywheel of the mower is powered by the recoil mechanism. The starter is located above the flywheel, which is situated in close proximity to the crankshaft. Here, magnets are attached to the exterior of the mower’s flywheel, where they produce magnetic energy when the wheel turns. Sparks of extremely high voltage will eventually be emitted from the magnets once they have accumulated sufficient power.

Pawls Catch The Spinning Flywheel

Like the flywheel, the pulley is also attached to the pawls of the lawn mower. Pawls are essentially wings of plastic that rotate as a result of gravitation forces, which assist in catching the flywheels and creating even faster spins.

Next, Crankshaft Moves The Piston

The crankshaft rotates in sync with the flywheel. When the mower’s crankshaft rotates, it assists the piston in moving back and forth, which pushes additional fuel and air mixture inside the combustion chamber of the lawn mower. In the event that this whole mechanism is unable to spin quickly enough, the engine will not start.

Things To Consider Before Repair

If your lawn mower does not have a significant problem, it is not recommended that you throw away your mower and immediately go out and get a replacement mower. Disassembling and reassembling the starter assembly on a lawn mower is easy and rather simple. Additionally, it is worth repairing, and the starter assembly of a walk-behind mower can be replaced by anyone, even those with no mechanical aptitude.

Having said that, I always recommend taking pictures of each stage so you can recall where everything went. However, if the thought of doing this work by yourself makes you feel anxious or overwhelmed, you have a few choices:

• You can Investigate the possibility that the warranty still applies to your mower.
• Make contact with a local shop that fixes tiny engines.

Possible Causes Of A Pull Cord Not Catching

Now that you have learned how the lawn mower pull cord works, you will be better able to understand the common failure points and how you can fix them.

Damaged Or Broken Pull Cord

If the pull cord is frayed, damaged, or broken, the starter recoil will not spin, and as a result, neither will the crankshaft adaptor. The casing for the pull assembly will need to be removed to replace the pull cord. Here is how to do it:

• Take the starter housing off your mower.
• Cut the new line to match the old.
• To prevent the pulley from retracting, lock its spokes with a screwdriver.
• Disconnect the previous starter cord.
• Replacement rope should be fed through the pulley and knotted.
• Attach the pull handle to the string and double-knot it.
• Let the pulley retract after removing the screwdriver.
• Put the assembly back together in the starting housing.

Broken Pull Cord Handle

Pull cord handles frequently break due to the handle’s potential to become dislodged during the starting procedure. The danger is that the cord might wind itself back up inside the mower at any moment. To deal with this issue, the housing for the pull starter will need to be removed so that the spring can be re-tensioned and the new handle can be installed.

Damaged Pulley System

The recoil spring and the pull cord rope are both kept in the pulley attached to the mower. In addition to stashing it, the pull rope will be directed and fed by the pulley as it works. Unfortunately, pulleys are often made of plastic, which makes them susceptible to cracking.

Pulling a rope around a broken or fractured pulley will be difficult because of the resistance. In the event that the pulley fails to function properly or becomes jammed, the starter mechanism will not operate. Here is how to fix it:

• First of all, disconnect the spark plug.
• Take out the rope, secure the pulley, and recoil spring with a screwdriver.
• Next, free the screwdriver after removing the string to let the spring’s tension recover.
• To release the pulley, remove the center bolt and friction pulley.
• Now line the new pulley with the mower’s housing post.
• Tighten the recoil spring by rotating the pulley.
• Let go of the screwdriver, and the rope will coil up gradually.
• After that, reassemble the mower and try to turn on your mower.

Broken Pulley Recoil Spring

Following a pull, the pulley recoil spring is what brings the rope back into its original position. The spring is located in the middle of the pulley and is secured to a socket that is located on the housing for the pulling assembly. Therefore, the pull assembly housing and the pulley will need to be removed before the spring can be changed.

Typically, the spring is replaced with the pulley. It is because working with the spring is quite challenging. Also, obtaining a full pulley assembly does not add much additional expense. So, purchasing and replacing the full assembly is usually the best action.

Damaged Pulley Pawls

In most lawn mower models, the pawls are made of plastic; however, some also use metal. Pulling the starter cord causes a centrifugal force that causes them to fly outwards. Pawls are used to interact with the flywheel receiver, which is often a metal cup attached to the flywheel.

If the flywheel receiver is worn, the pawls won’t be able to engage, and the engine won’t start. So, also check the condition of the flywheel receiver. Here is how you can do it:

• Remove the spark plug.
• To see the assembly, remove the starter housing.
• To release the pawls, unscrew the central bolt and cap.
• Check the pawls for damage or overuse by removing them.
• If needed, replace with new pawls.
• Next, replace the lid and holding bolt.
• Replace the starter assembly and pull the cord to start your mower.

Other Issues Which Won’t Let The Pull Cord Catch

The problems with the pull cord system of a lawn mower are caused by a variety of factors, the most prevalent of which are described above; however, they are not the only ones.

Damaged Flywheel Receiver

The pawl receiver on the flywheel is a metal cup fastened to the flywheel. When the pulley pawls finally make contact with the receiver, the couple forms, and the engine begins to turn over. If they get damaged, the machine will not start. However, flywheel receivers usually do not cause much trouble in a lawn mower.

Broken Pulley Cover

Most pulley covers are fabricated from plastic, which means they are susceptible to cracking due to normal use. To replace something like this, you will need to take apart the housing for the pulling assembly, but not the pulley itself.

Final Thoughts

If your mower breaks down, it does not necessarily indicate that you will have to spend significant money fixing it. When you are familiar with the various components and how they operate, it is relatively easier to pinpoint where the issue is located. Worn or damaged pawls are the most common cause of a lawnmower pull cord not catching.

If your lawnmower is experiencing this issue, you can get to the bottom of the problem by following the instructions that have been outlined above. However, if you are unsure of your ability to work with mechanical components, it is always best to have a professional come in and look at the machine for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my lawn mower cord not pulling?

Your cord is not pulling because one of the flywheel starting assembly’s components has failed due to wear and tear from frequent use. over, sometimes as the pull cord is being rewound, it will cross over itself. If this occurs, it may become difficult to pull.

How do you fix loose lawn mower string?

When the recoil spring on a lawn mower has lost its tension, the pull cord on the mower will become loose. To resolve this matter, you will need to take apart the pulling assembly and give it a few turns to tighten it. Alternatively, the spring could be replaced.

How do you reset the pull cord on a lawn mower?

In order to reset the spring on a lawn mower, it is typically necessary to disconnect the hub from the starter cover. To accomplish this, you will need to take the cord out. After that, thread the new line through the old one and secure it with a basic knot.

What causes a lawnmower engine to lock up?

It is possible for the piston to become frozen if you fail to replenish oil in the crankcase of your lawn mower. You might be able to liberate the piston of your lawn mower by removing the spark plug and then manually rocking the blade.

Can a seized lawn mower be fixed?

Most of the time, it’s very simple to dislodge a stuck lawn mower engine, but occasionally, you’re left with no choice except to repair the engine or replace it.

Sources for Further Reading

The 10 Steps of Lawn Mower Maintenance – Alabama Cooperative Extension System

How To Fix A Lawn Mower Pull Cord That Is Stuck

When the pull cord of your lawnmower gets stuck, it’s really become a frustrating situation. And due to a stuck pull cord, it doesn’t allow the lawnmower to start. Recently I faced this problem and fixed this at home.

You know when you pull the cord, it rotates a hub that connects the crankshaft and spins the blades. It also connects the mower spark plug, carburetor, and the motor at the same time. These things all together start your lawnmower.

But due to a stuck pull cord, your lawnmower becomes standstill. Would you leave your lawnmower like this? Obviously not. That’s why you are seeking a solution. Right?

In this article, I will try to give you a solution on how to fix a lawn mower pull cord that is stuck. And after reading this article, you will surely forget it if you think it’s a hard nut task.

So, let’s see how to fix the pull cord easily.

In this content you’ll learn:

Causes Of Lawnmower Pull Cord Stuck

There are a few reasons that are basically responsible for lawnmower pull cord stuck. If you fix these reasons, It can save you from this hassle. Let’s see what they are.

• Many lawnmowers use an automatic brake feature. The automatic brake is controlled by a lever attached to the lawnmower handle. You need to press it downwards when you pull the cord. When the mower pull cord is stuck, check the automatic brake whether it is working properly or not.
• When dirt and debris block the lawnmower blade area, the pull cord becomes stuck. Tilt the lawnmower into its sideways to check the blade area. And clean it if you identify any blockage.
• Sometimes the mower starter clutch becomes seized because the ball bearing inside the clutch becomes rusted. Fixing this issue helps you to pull the starter cord freely.

These are the reasons that are actually working behind the lawnmower pull cord stuck. You can easily identify and fix the first two causes.

However, when the mower starter clutch becomes seized, you need to do some repair. Let’s have a look at how to fix your mower starter clutch.

Follow the steps outlined below to fix it.

Steps to follow:

Step #1: Remove The Spark Plug

Take the lawnmower into an even surface and unplug the lawnmower spark plug.

Step #2: Remove The Pull Cord

Remove the pull cord from the handle of the mower.

Step #3: Unscrew Starter Assembly Screws

Now, unscrew 3 or 4 screws that hold the starter assembly with the mower.

Step #4: Remove The Starter Clutch Cap

Gently tap the starter clutch cap. Remove the cap as well as the assembly of the starter clutch.

Step #5: Clean The Bearing Rust

Clean the rust of the bearing by using steel wool. The steel wool must be fine grade. Otherwise, it will damage the bearing. Properly clean the of the bearing and the shaft as well.

Step #6: Recoil The Starter Cord

Before reassembling the bearing, you need to recoil the starter cord in the mower starter spring.

Step #7: Reassemble The Bearing and The Cap

Spray some oil at the starter clutch center. It will help the bearing to move freely. Place the bearing in the of the bearing. Replace the cap and screws at the previous position. Tighten the screws properly.

Final verdict

What’s you feel now? Is it hard to fix a lawnmower stuck pull cord? I think it’s no more a difficult task for you now.

Hopefully, from this article, you’ve understood how to fix a lawn mower pull cord that is stuck. In some cases, you may find that the pull cord needs to be replaced entirely.

If you can’t fix it following the above-mentioned process, check the starter clutch housing properly whether the pull cord is broken. If the pull cord is broken, Just replace the pull cord and enjoy mowing!

How to Fix a Lawnmower Pull Cord

Few things are more frustrating than going to cut the grass or clear your driveway of snow and ending up with the starter cord in your hand. Eventually, it happens to everyone. When it does, check out this video on how to fix a lawnmower pull cord.

) Remove the recoil

First, remove the recoil from the engine. Most are held in place with three to five bolts. After removing the recoil, remove the broken cord.

) Measure and cut the old cord

Next, measure the old pull cord. Add about four inches to the overall length to account for the knots you need to tie on either end. Add additional length as needed if the cord broke farther from the handle.

Most of the time, however, the cord will break at the handle. In this case, you can simply reuse the existing cord. However, consider upgrading to a high-quality nylon cord for added durability.

Cut the rope to the appropriate length. Then, use a lighter to melt the ends. This seals the fibers and makes it much easier to thread the cord.

) Tie on the handle

Remove the old lawnmower pull cord from the handle, feed through the new cord and tie a simple knot. Make sure the knot is nice and tight. Pull it back through the handle to help tighten the knot.

) Load the recoil spring

The next thing you’re going to do is load the recoil spring. Turn the recoil in the direction that causes the engagement lugs to protrude. The engagement lugs connect the recoil to the engine and spin the flywheel.

Continue turning the recoil, making sure to apply enough pressure to prevent the spring from releasing and bloodying your knuckles.

Once you feel full tension on the spring, locate the hole on the pulley through which the starter cord threads. Align it with the outside hole on the recoil body.

) Thread the new pull cord

With the two holes aligned, thread the new cord through about 12 inches. Make sure the cord isn’t tangled and then slowly release pressure on the recoil, letting it wind the cord for you until the handle is sitting against the recoil.

Next, tie a knot on the end of the cord. Pull the handle until the knot you just tied locks into place in the recoil pulley. Slowly let the cord retract.

) Reattach the recoil to the engine

Finally, attach the recoil to the engine and you’re done. You just fixed your lawnmower pull cord.

What if the cord is too long?

You don’t have to go back and do everything over. Mark with a Sharpie where the cord meets the recoil. That’s where the handle should be.

Pull the cord out, keeping tension on the recoil. Make a loose knot near the recoil.

This provides slack to make a new knot where you made your mark earlier. Tie a good, tight knot and pull the cord back out, again keeping some pressure on the recoil so it doesn’t snap back. Untie the temporary knot you made earlier.

That’s how you fix a lawnmower pull cord. You’re ready to get back to cutting the lawn or blowing snow.

How To Fix Lawn Mower Pull Cord Not Catching?

A lawnmower is a piece of equipment that homeowners love and hate. It is a great partner in keeping the lawn in shape and looking good when working correctly. The opposite is true when it doesn’t deliver the goods, and nothing is more frustrating when it doesn’t work correctly.

A pull cord is a common problem area in some lawn mowers. The causes are easily identified and fixed. Common problems causing a mower pull cord not to catch are

• The Pull cord is damaged or broken
• Damaged pulley pawls
• Damaged pull cord pulley
• Pull recoil spring inside the mechanism has broken

Apart from the embarrassment of pulling the starter cord and flying backward because there is no resistance, it is also frustrating as nothing you do seems to get the lawnmower started.

This problem occurs more frequently on older lawnmowers that have had a hard life.

How Does The Recoil Starter Mechanism Work?

Unlike motor vehicles that can “bump” start when the battery is flat, or the starter motor is inoperative, there is no way to start a lawnmower with a pull cord that is not catching or is broken.

The following details how the pull cord starter recoil works in lawnmowers. The main components of a lawnmower recoil start system include:

When the cord is pulled, the arms on the spring-loaded pawls extend and catch the crankshaft adaptor connected to the crankshaft.

As the crankshaft starts to spin, the two magnets on the flywheel generate a current in the coil, sending a large pulse of electrical current to the spark plug, causing it to create a spark between the electrodes.

Simultaneously a vacuum in the carburetor sucks gas from the carburetor bowl, mixes the gas with air, and pushes the combination into the combustion chamber. The spark plug ignites and causes the internal combustion process to commence.

The pulley recoil spring stretches out when the operator pulls the cord off the pulley and out of the engine. The recoil spring pulls the line back onto the pulley as the operator releases the cable. It allows the operator to continuously pull the rope to get the engine moving faster and faster. The recoil is now ready for the operator to try again.

What Can Cause Lawn Mower Pull Cord To Not Catch?

Most of the issues which cause a Lawnmower pull cord not to catch are as follows.

The Pull Cord Is Damaged Or Broken

If the pull cord is broken, it will not turn the starter recoil and therefore won’t turn the crankshaft adaptor, and the engine won’t begin the starting process.

It is far simpler to replace a cord that has started to fray rather than one that is broken.

To replace a frayed cord, work through the following steps.

• Remove the starter housing.
• Cut the length of the new cord to the same size as the old one. Don’t remove the old line yet.
• Pull the old starter cord out. Use a screwdriver or punch to lock the spokes of the pulley to stop it from retracting.
• Remove the old cord of the pulley and throw it away.
• Feed the replacement cord into the pulley and knot it.
• Fit the pull handle and tie a double knot to keep its place at the end of the cord.
• Remove the screwdriver and let the pulley retract.
• Refit the assembly into the starter housing.

If the cord is broken, you must rewind the pulley spring before attaching the new line to the pulley.

To calculate how many turns you need to wind the spring, wrap the cord around the pulley and add up the number of turns it takes to wind it up.

It is the number of turns you will have to make to load the pulley spring.

Damaged Pulley Pawls Will Prevent The Pull Cord From Catching

Pawls are installed on the pulley. When the pully is activated, they extend and connect the recoil starter to the engine.

Most manufacturers use pawls made of plastic that can wear down or break. If the pawls are damaged, they will not engage the flywheel receiver and so will not turn the engine over.

To check the condition of the pawls on the lawnmower, work through the following steps.

• Disconnect the spark plug. It is a good practice when working on a lawnmower because it prevents an accidental start.
• Remove the starter housing to reveal the assembly.
• Remove the center bolt and cap, which retain the pawls.
• Remove the pawls and check them for damage or excessive wear.
• Install the new pawls (by sliding them into the same position from which you removed the old ones.
• Replace the retaining bolt and cap.
• Replace the starter assembly and pull the cord to confirm it is engaging.

The pawls engage the flywheel receiver, usually a metal cup attached to the flywheel. Check the condition of the flywheel receiver because if it is worn, the pawls won’t be able to engage, and the engine will not catch.

With present-day lawnmowers, most flywheel receivers are made from metal; however, there is a move from some manufacturers to replace these with plastic parts, which will cause wear and damage rates to increase markedly.

A Damaged Pulley May Prevent The Pull Cord From Catching

The pull cord is attached to the pulley, retracting after being pulled, and is stored in the pulley.

Once again, these pulleys are made from plastic and are vulnerable to wear and damage.

A damaged pulley may prevent the rope from properly retracting, leaving the cord too short to enable a full-length pull of the starter.

It is not difficult to replace the pulley; however, it does involve removing the whole starter housing. Follow the steps below to replace the component.

• Remove the starter housing. It usually involves removing three of four bolts.
• Pull the starter rope out to its fullest extent and use a screwdriver to lock the spokes of the pulley to stop it from retracting.
• Take the rope off and remove the screwdriver to allow the pulley to retract.
• Undo the center bolt and the friction plate, allowing you to remove the pulley.
• Replace the pulley making sure you line it up correctly with the housing post.
• You need to rotate the pulley the same number of turns that released the spring.
• Use a screwdriver or punch to lock the spokes of the pulley to stop it from retracting.
• Attach the rope to the pulley and release the screwdriver to allow the rope to rewind into the pulley.
• Reinstall the starter housing and check if the problem is fixed.

The Pull Recoil Spring Inside The Mechanism Has Broken

If the pull recoil spring inside the starting mechanism is broken, the starter cord will not retract and be stored in the pulley.

If the spring has broken, it is advisable to buy a complete recoil starter unit. New units are not too expensive and are sold as total units, with loaded springs and cord attached.

Conclusion

The most likely culprit of a lawnmower pull cord not catching is worn or broken pawls. If your lawnmower has this problem, follow the steps listed above, and you will get to the source of the issue.

If manufacturers start to replace the metal flywheel receivers with plastic units, these will become a problem in the future.

Author

Jason is an expert writer and is passionate about Smart Homes and Home Improvements writing as well as lifestyle and Lawn Care. He spent the past twelve years living in Hawaii, where he worked closely alongside event planners and resort owners to perfect his knowledge of luxury products and aesthetics. He discovered his passion for DIY projects and home improvement there. Currently, he lives in Washington D.C with his family and 2 pets. View all posts

Why is My Lawn Mower Pull Cord Hard to Pull?

Lawn mowers are great when you can roll them onto your lawn, top up the fluids, pull the chord, and get to work. Unfortunately, as your mower gets older, that smooth startup seems to happen less and less. Frayed pull strings, a clogged air filter, faulty valve plugs, or even a dirty spark plug could make your motor putt putt but never start.

If you are experiencing more difficulty pulling your starter rope or if you cannot pull it at all, know that it happens to the best of us. Lawn mowers have a lot of built-in safety functions as well as counterbalances and a recoil mechanism, all of which can act up and make it hard or impossible to pull start your mower.

If you can’t get your engine to fire, read below to find out what to do.

Why is it Hard to Pull Start my Mower?

Before you go tearing open your engine, you may want to look at some possible physical hindrances. Some older lawnmowers need a lot of umph to get going, and it’s possible you aren’t putting your all into it. If the pull cord begins smoothly and then catches, that could be a different issue than if it won’t move at all.

I have even found that the ground I am standing on can affect how easy or difficult it is to pull the starter handle. If I can’t get a good footing, then the starter flywheel won’t turnover, and there will be no ignition in the combustion chamber. The grass under the mower can also present a problem with easy starting.

Whenever I need to start a finicky mower, I put it on a hard flat surface. This allows me to really get a good footing and pull the cord smoothly. With no turf underneath to slow the blades down, eventually, I can get the motor cranking. If my mower starts to get like this, I usually begin replacing parts that are wearing out.

Why Can’t I Pull the Starter Rope?

There are quite a few reasons why new lawn mowers might not pull start right away, and a quick look-over can ensure that everything is assembled correctly. The blade needs to be attached tightly, and the flywheel brake needs to be unlocked. If anything is loose or not attached right, find the special tools that came with your mower, like the flywheel key and the tool to adjust your mower blade.

If everything is unlocked and connected correctly, it may be an issue with the recoil spring, hydro-locking, or a disconnected spark plug. Remove the spark plug with a spark plug removal tool, and then you can check the lawnmower blade for debris or a blade obstruction. The recoil starter can also be examined. If the issue is still not clear, you may need to do more detailed troubleshooting.

Pull Chord Troubleshooting

To really get to the bottom of what is wrong with your lawn mower starter rope, you will need to look at all the components that are responsible for starting the engine. If there are no obvious steps that can fix the problem, you may need to begin taking things apart and looking at individual problem areas. Inspection of a mower should always be done safely.

Unplug and remove the spark plugs and ground the spark plug wire to make sure the mower will not fire suddenly. Check the spark plug hole for signs of oil, and look at the recoil starter. Finally, check the blade for debris jamming before moving on to more detailed looks at the trouble zones.

Factory Safety Lock

Some mowers come with a block or wedge to keep the mower blade stationary in transport. Other brands have a handle that holds down where the blades sit for transport and then needs to be removed before starting. Check to make sure that everything restricting starting has been removed before investigating further.

Flywheel Brake Stuck

This slows the mower down quickly to prevent injury or to help keep lawn cuts clean. The flywheel brake can get sticky with lawn debris and other grime and may stay engaged even when you have released it. With the brake engaged, it will be hard to generate the pulling power needed to start the motor. The recoil spring uses the flywheel to counter the pull and start the blades, so if that can’t occur smoothly, it is unlikely your mower will start.

Debris Jam

While it is usually a good idea to clean your mower between uses, that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes pesky weeds or fibrous material can get tangled around the blade and make it hard to start. There have even been occasions where something like wire or rope has worked its way under and jammed up the blades.

Whatever is causing the obstruction, you will need to remove it. Make sure the mower is safe to work on, and then while wearing gloves, try to remove all of the jammed materials and free the blades.

Hydro-Lock

This is an issue when a mower has been flipped upside down or tilted aggressively. Oil makes its way into areas of the engine it shouldn’t and prevents the mower from starting. To reverse this process, you will need to remove the spark plug and dump any oil out of the hole. Make sure you don’t spill fuel or anything else into the engine while trying to clean it out. Once it is drained, reconnect everything and try to start it again.

Snagged Start Rope

Anywhere between where you hold the starter and where it cranks the engine, there is a chance for the cord to snag. If the rope catches, it may not direct enough energy into the engine to start the mower. Enough snags can fray the wires and lead to snapping. Older mowers may have cords tied back together, and the knots have the potential to catch regularly. Make sure the line from the handle to the engine is clear before yanking on the starter rope.

Loose or Missing Blade

I have forgotten to put the blade back on after sharpening. The counterweight was wrong, and the mower wouldn’t start. Once I replaced the blade, it fired up on the 3rd tug. A loose or wobbly blade can also prevent an engine from starting since the flywheel will recoil in a jerky motion and not give a smooth glide that fires the cylinders. Also, check that the blade is tight before operating your mower.

Damaged Crankshaft or Engine

The crankshaft is what turns over inside the engine and leads the combustion. When you pull and hear what sounds like cables moving and gears churning, that’s the crankshaft. If there is damage or slippage, your engine may not fire. Rocks and other hard pieces flying around can sometimes lead to damage, but often it is improper storage, and lack of maintenance can mess these parts up. Often you will need to get it repaired or replace the entire piece to fix this problem.

Should I Replace My Mower’s Pull Cord?

If, after all the troubleshooting, you are still unable to get the cord to work, you will need to start replacing parts. It makes sense to start with the cord and the rest of the recoil box before moving on to the more expensive mechanical and electrical components. The cords can become old or be subpar material and need to be replaced.

To get a return in combustion, you can replace a mower cord that is too short, damaged, too long, or that has a difficult-to-use handle. By adjusting and customizing your pull cord, you can make it easier for you to start your mower without investing in expensive upgrades or engine components. If you need to work on the recoil housing, it is usually best to replace the whole thing unless you know what you are doing to avoid it whipping out and causing injury.