When you pull the cord on your Briggs and Stratton engine it might not retract recoil starter. You’re left with a dangling length of rope that prevent engine from running. It’s typically not a major failure or something that require expertise of a mechanic.
Using simple tools, you’ll be able to repair problem in no time at all. A common assumption is that the recoil spring within housing has broken. For a $40 recoil assembly, they purchases a new one.
Most times though, solution is much easier. Knowing how it works will save you frustration and money. This isn’t a reason to call the mechanic.
Here’s how you can fix this yourself.
How to Fix Briggs and Stratton Pull Cord Issues
Check for Seized Centrifugal Clutch
Look at the flywheel first: To start, remember centrifugal clutch on engines engage the starter mechanism. It won’t rewind the cord if it’s seized up.
So see if you can turn engine over by hand. Using a wrench, gently rotate blade or step on grass deck and try turning it over with your foot. If the engine turns free then the clutch should of be okay.
If it binds, that tell you there’s something wrong internally with the engine. It is much more serious matter. More often cause is dried grease (or other grime) in pulley groove.
Clean Grease from Pulley Groove
Briggs and Stratton designs relies on friction for recoil to catch and return. That’s where the grit from old oil, dust, etc., in the groove come into play. When it fill that groove, there is no good grip for the spring.
It can’t grab hold and pull cord back. Use small amount of brake cleaner and a wire brush to clean the groove well. Follow up by using a little lithium grease.
Don’t over do it. Grease tend to attract more dirt. You want just enough to ensure smooth rotation, not make slippery mess.
Inspect Recoil Assembly Housing for Cracks
Check the recoil assembly housing next. Over time it can crack, especially if you drop your mower or yank on cord too hard. When this occurs, spring inside won’t seat properly.
When you take off top cover, look at sides of housing to check for gaps or anything out of alignment. Entire recoil assembly housing will need to be replaced. It is an easy change.
Take off the nuts securing the cover. Lift up old unit and then bolt new one into place. Make sure tabs lines up exactly with engine block.
Replace Stretched or Frayed Pull Cord
It could be the cord, too. If the rope has been stretched out or frayed, it won’t seat correctly between the starter’s pawls. These little teeth is made of metal and grab hold of cord and turn engine.
When the cord slips, spring doesn’t unwind evenly. Examine knot on end of rope. Make sure it’s large enough for pawls to grab, but not large enough to jam inside.
If the cord appears worn, replace it. You can buy a kit from Briggs and Stratton that come with the spring, pulley and rope. It is cheap insurance policy.
Tighten Loose Blade Mounting Nut
Here is one last thing about blade guards. On some models, mounting nut can get loose allowing blade to move from its mount position. When spinning engine, slightly off-center blade hits the recoil housing during rotation.
Now when the reel tries to turn blade this physical obstruction will prevent rewind mechanism from functioning properly. First off tighten blade nut to spec at factory. Typically, it’s between forty-five and fifty foot-pounds of torque.
Use an impact breaker bar or a socket wrench as necessary. Vibration resulting from loose blade can lead to many other failures.
Repair Broken Internal Recoil Spring
Last but not least, there’s the spring tension.
If the spring inside snap, then you’ll notice a definite pop when you attempt to engage the cord. The cord won’t go back into place. To fix this, you have to take off recoil cover.
And be cautious, the spring is very tight. Use safety glasses. If you’re not comfortabley with dealing with high-tension springs, bring it to a shop.
For most people, though, problem can be fixed by cleaning pulley and adjusting the blades. In most cases, it’s never the spring. Getting your Briggs and Stratton pull cord replaced is process of elimination.
Remove the easy stuff first. Tackle the complex stuff later. Soon enough, your cord will reel back in and your engine will start like normaly.