Symptoms
- Cord won't pull out at all
- Cord pulls out but doesn't retract
- Cord feels loose or comes out too easily with no resistance
- Grinding or snapping sound when pulling
Likely causes
- CommonBroken recoil springThe spring that retracts the cord can break or come off its mount.
- CommonTangled or frayed cord inside the housingThe cord can jump its pulley groove and jam internally.
- PossibleSeized engineA seized piston or crankshaft will prevent the cord from pulling out at all.
- PossibleDamaged starter pawl or ratchetThe mechanism that engages the crankshaft can wear or break.
What to do
- Try pulling very slowly to see if the cord catches at a specific point, which suggests a tangle rather than a spring failure.
- If the cord won't retract at all, the recoil spring likely needs replacement, which usually means replacing the whole recoil starter assembly.
- If the cord pulls with no resistance and doesn't turn the engine, check the starter pawls for damage.
- If the engine feels locked and won't turn at all even without the cord, suspect a seized engine, often from running without oil or with hydro-lock from water in the cylinder.
- Do not force a jammed cord, which can break the housing or spring further.
- Replace the recoil starter assembly as a unit if the spring or pawls are damaged.
- If the engine itself is seized, professional diagnosis is needed to determine if it's repairable.
Tools and parts
- Basic wrench set
Recoil starter assemblySearch: “small engine recoil starter assembly replacement”
When to call a pro
A small-engine shop can replace the recoil starter assembly or diagnose a seized engine.
Safety
Use caution
The recoil spring is under tension and can snap back forcefully; wear eye protection if opening the recoil housing.