How To Fix A Lawn Mower Pull Cord That Is Stuck

Is your lawn mower pull cord stuck? We're to help!

Your mower is out of the shed, ready to go, and just as you try to pull the starter rope on the handle, it seems badly jammed. It is a common problem and even the best lawn mowers on the market suffer from this issue.

When the pull rope gets stuck, you probably think that you will have to call a repairman to come and fix it for you. Well, you may not need to.

How To Fix A Lawn Mower Pull Cord That Is Stuck

There are several reasons why your pull cord might be stuck including a jam in the deck area, seizing in the engine, or a problem with the recoil starter. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can use to help you fix the problem.

Before you try these fixes, make sure you pull out the spark plug wire from the lawn mower. It is possible that the spark plug still has some charge that can ignite the engine. So, it’s best to be safe.

Remove any blade obstruction

Tip the mower on its side with the air filter up and inspect if anything is preventing the blade from spinning. If you see any branches or other debris under the mower deck, remove them. Now, reconnect the spark plug and see if the issue is fixed.

Check if the recoil starter is working fine

It is possible for the pull cord to cross over itself when rewinding. So, remove the housing off the engine and pull the starter rope to see if the unit is spinning smoothly. Unwind the cable, if it appears tangled. If the recoil starter appears to be locked up or cracked, you may need to replace the recoil starter.

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Check for hydro-locking

Hydro-locking happens when you tip your mower the wrong way and consequently, oil flows into the engine cylinder, keeping the piston from moving. Keep in mind that the right way to tip a mower is with the air filter facing upwards.

To fix hydro-locking, first completely remove the spark plug from the engine. Then pull the starter rope several times to clear oil out of the cylinder. You will see oil spray out of the spark plug hole. Wipe off the oil and reinstall the spark plug and connect the spark plug wire.

Finally, pull the started rope to start the engine. You may see a lot of white smoke coming out of the muffler as the engine is burning off the oil inside the cylinder. Once the engine burns off completely, the mower should run smoothly.

Hopefully, one of the fixes will work for your mower. If it didn't, you might want to call a technician to fix the problem.

If you are tired of watering and mowing your lawn, you may need to consider installing one of the best artificial grass on the market. In our opinion, artificial grass absolutely worth it, considering the fact that they are low maintenance. Also, you would be surprised to know how easy it is to clean artificial grass.