Question:

What could cause the starter rope on a lawnmower to get stuck or freeze up?

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My lawnmower was working perfectly last weekend, then I went to start it this weekend and the starter rope or whatever you call it will not budge. Does anyone have any ideas on what it could be? I am hoping it is something minor. Thanks!

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4 ANSWERS


  1. The recoil spring has either broken or become un-hooked from the base. Not an easy fix if you don't know what you're doing. You can un bolt the starter rope and spring (normally 4 bolts) and get a new one to bolt into it's place.


  2. Rope could have gotten a kink in it, gotten an untoward loop in it, slipped off the pulley or could have become frayed.  There is no easy fix.  You can take it apart and fix it but I'll be honest with you, it's a bear.  You'll be dealing with a spring and you've got to get the thing wound up just right.  Take it to the shop.

  3. Take the spark plug wire off the spark plug, reach under the mower and try to turn the mower blade.  If you can turn the blade then the problem is in the recoil starter: broken spring, rope wadded up in the housing or the pawls are broken.  If you can't turn the engine you possibly have internal engine damage. All though I have occasionally seen recoil pawls come apart and bind up the starter and engine both.  Luck.

  4. The spring is tired or broken. - get a PUSHMOW

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