A lawn mower that won’t start can quickly turn a simple yard job into a frustrating experience. You pull and pull, but the engine never engages. Instead of feeling resistance and hearing the engine turn over, the cord moves freely or retracts without doing anything.
This guide explains how the pull cord system works, the most common reasons it fails, and how to fix and prevent the problem.
Lawn Mower Pull Cord Not Catching
1. Worn or Broken Starter Pawls
Starter pawls (also called dogs) are small metal or plastic tabs that flip out when you pull the cord. These pawls grab the flywheel to turn the engine.
Over time, pawls can:
- Wear down
- Break
- Stick due to dirt or rust
When this happens, the pulley spins but never engages the flywheel.
Symptoms:
- Cord pulls smoothly with no resistance
- No engine movement
- Clicking or slipping sound
2. Broken or Weak Recoil Spring
The recoil spring is responsible for rewinding the pull cord after you pull it. If the spring is damaged or weak, it may not spin the pulley with enough force to engage the starter pawls.
Symptoms:
- Cord doesn’t retract properly
- Cord feels loose
- Inconsistent engagement
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3. Stripped or Damaged Starter Pulley
The starter pulley contains grooves that guide the rope and connect to the starter pawls. If these grooves are stripped or cracked, the pulley may spin freely without engaging the internal components.
Symptoms:
- Rope pulls but feels uneven
- Grinding or scraping noise
- Visible pulley damage
4. Flywheel Key Damage
The flywheel key aligns the flywheel with the crankshaft. If the key is partially sheared, the pull cord may not catch correctly because the flywheel isn’t aligned for engagement.
This often happens after:
- Hitting a rock or stump
- Sudden engine stop
- Blade obstruction
Symptoms:
- Pull cord skips or slips
- Engine backfires
- Poor starting performance
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5. Rope Slippage or Fraying
A worn or stretched pull cord may slip on the pulley rather than rotating it. Frayed rope can also get stuck, preventing proper engagement.
Symptoms:
- Cord feels spongy
- Visible fraying
- Rope jerks or sticks
6. Dirt, Grass, or Rust Buildup
Grass clippings, dirt, and moisture can collect inside the starter housing. This buildup can prevent the starter pawls from extending or cause internal parts to stick.
Symptoms:
- Inconsistent catching
- Cord works sometimes but not always
- Sticky or sluggish pull
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How to Fix a Lawn Mower Pull Cord That Won’t Catch
Step 1: Disconnect the Spark Plug
Always remove the spark plug wire before working on your mower. This prevents accidental engine starts and ensures safety.
Step 2: Remove the Starter Housing
Use a socket or screwdriver to remove the bolts holding the starter cover. Lift it carefully to expose the pulley, spring, and pawls.
Step 3: Inspect the Starter Pawls
Check if the pawls:
- Move freely
- Are cracked or rounded
- Extend outward when the pulley spins
If damaged, replace them. Starter pawls are inexpensive and easy to install.
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Step 4: Check the Recoil Spring
Look for:
- Broken spring coils
- Weak tension
- Poor retraction
If the spring is damaged, replace the recoil assembly or spring.
Step 5: Examine the Pulley and Rope
Inspect the pulley for cracks or stripped grooves. Check the rope for wear or slippage.
Replace the rope if it is frayed or stretched.
Step 6: Clean the Starter Assembly
Remove debris, grass, and rust using compressed air or a brush. Light lubrication on moving parts can help prevent sticking, but avoid over-lubricating.
Step 7: Inspect the Flywheel Key (If Needed)
If basic fixes don’t work and the mower recently struck an object, check the flywheel key. This step requires removing the flywheel nut and may need a puller tool.
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How a Lawn Mower Pull Cord Works
When you pull the starter rope, it spins the starter pulley. This pulley is connected to a starter clutch or pawls that extend outward and engage the flywheel. Once engaged, the flywheel turns the crankshaft, allowing the engine to start.
If any part of this system fails, rope, pulley, spring, pawls, or flywheel, the cord may pull without catching, preventing the engine from turning over.
When to Replace the Entire Starter Assembly
Sometimes replacing individual components isn’t worth the time or effort. You may want to replace the entire recoil starter if:
- Multiple parts are damaged
- The housing is cracked
- Repairs cost nearly as much as replacement
- The mower is older but otherwise in good condition
Complete starter assemblies are widely available and usually bolt on easily.
Preventing Pull Cord Problems in the Future
To avoid future issues with your lawn mower pull cord:
- Store your mower in a dry location
- Clean grass clippings from the engine regularly
- Avoid yanking the cord aggressively
- Stop the engine before hitting obstacles
- Inspect the starter system annually
Routine maintenance can significantly extend the life of the starter mechanism.
FAQs
What does it mean when the lawn mower string won’t pull?
When the pull cord won’t pull, it usually means the starter mechanism is not engaging properly. Common causes include a broken or worn starter pawl, a damaged recoil spring, a frayed rope, or debris preventing the internal components from moving. Essentially, the cord is spinning freely without turning the engine.
Why does my pull start have no resistance?
A pull start with no resistance indicates that the starter pawls are not engaging the flywheel. This can happen due to worn or stuck pawls, a broken recoil spring, or a damaged pulley. In some cases, the flywheel may be misaligned or the key sheared, preventing the engine from turning over.
Why is my lawn mower not catching to start?
If your lawn mower isn’t catching, the engine isn’t being turned over by the pull cord. Causes include broken or worn starter pawls, a loose or frayed rope, dirt or rust in the starter assembly, or a damaged flywheel key. Inspecting and cleaning the starter system usually resolves the problem.
How do you fix a pull string that won’t retract?
A pull string that won’t retract usually points to a damaged or weak recoil spring. To fix it:
- Remove the starter housing.
- Inspect the recoil spring for breaks or tension loss.
- Replace the spring or the entire recoil assembly if necessary.
- Rewind the rope correctly and test the pull cord.
Why won’t my lawn mower catch?
Your lawn mower won’t catch because the pull cord isn’t engaging the flywheel. This can be caused by worn starter pawls, a broken recoil spring, a slipped or frayed rope, or buildup of grass and dirt in the starter mechanism. Checking and repairing these components typically restores normal function.
Final Thoughts
A lawn mower pull cord that isn’t catching is a common problem, but it’s rarely a serious one. In most cases, the issue is caused by worn starter pawls, a weak recoil spring, or dirt buildup. With basic tools and careful inspection, many homeowners can fix the problem themselves and get their mower running again in under an hour.
