
How to Fix a Lawn Mower That Won’t Pull
- Removing Debris in the Deck First, tilt your lawn mower over the correct way. ...
- Repositioning the Debris Shield For this fix, you’ll need to tilt over the lawnmower to gain access to the bottom of the deck. ...
- Replacing a Bent Blade ...
- Repairing a Broken Shroud ...
- Releasing a Hydro-Lock ...
- Freeing a Seized Engine Due to a Lack of Oil ...
- Releasing a Vapor Lock ...
How to fix a stuck pull cord on a lawn mower?
When the mower pull cord is stuck, check the automatic brake whether it is working properly or not. When dirt and debris block the lawnmower blade area, the pull cord becomes stuck. Tilt the lawnmower into its sideways to check the blade area. And clean it if you identify any blockage.
How to fix a lawn mower that won’t start?
Tilt the lawnmower into its sideways to check the blade area. And clean it if you identify any blockage. Sometimes the mower starter clutch becomes seized because the ball bearing inside the clutch becomes rusted. Fixing this issue helps you to pull the starter cord freely.
How do you fix a self propelled lawn mower that won’t pull?
You try to push it forward or backward, but it just won’t budge. So, in this circumstance, how do you fix the issue? The most common problems and fixes for a Honda self-propelled lawnmower not pulling is the belt being worn out, the drive pulley is worn or broken, or the pins in the gears being worn out.
What to do if your lawnmower blade is stuck?
When dirt and debris block the lawnmower blade area, the pull cord becomes stuck. Tilt the lawnmower into its sideways to check the blade area.

How do you fix a stuck pull cord?
0:051:42How to fix a pull cord stuck after tipping mower - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst put a rag down to catch the oil pull off the spark plug wire. And move it out of the way thenMoreFirst put a rag down to catch the oil pull off the spark plug wire. And move it out of the way then remove the spark plug. Pull the starter rope several times to clear oil out of the cylinder.
How do you unlock the pull cord on a lawnmower?
0:572:30Can't Pull Lawnmower Rope??? EASY FREE FIX!!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just rock it back and forth. And you can see now that it spins as I do that and now you'llMoreAnd just rock it back and forth. And you can see now that it spins as I do that and now you'll notice that if we grab the rope. That's where it stops. And magically you can pull the rope.
How do you fix the lawn mower when the string does not retract?
0:412:58HOW-TO Tighten A Limp Starter Rope That Won't Retract On A Small EngineYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm just going to turn counterclockwise. One turn on this one if the rope was out further I would goMoreI'm just going to turn counterclockwise. One turn on this one if the rope was out further I would go two turns counterclockwise. And with this recoil here one turn counterclockwise fix.
What causes a lawn mower to lock up?
Seized Engine Your lawn mower's piston can seize if the mower stands for a long time in wet conditions or if you forget to put oil in the crankcase. You may be able to free the piston by removing the spark plug and manually rocking the blade. Be sure to wear leather gloves when you do this.
How do I know if my lawnmower is locked up?
How to tell if a riding lawnmower engine is seized:It sounds rough.Hard to start the engine.The blades are stuck.The piston and cylinders won't move.The oil will be deficient.The fuel quality will have deteriorated.
How does the pull string on a lawn mower work?
The starting cord is wound around a spring-loaded hub that is designed to engage with the engine flywheel. When you pull the cord, the flywheel rotates, which in turn rotates the crankshaft and moves the piston. A magnetic coupling on the flywheel causes the spark plug to fire cyclically as the piston moves,.
Why won't my mower move forward or backwards?
If your riding mower won't move forward or reverse, check to see what the wheels are doing. If they are spinning, you could just be stuck or have a flat tire. On the other hand, it could be something simple, like forgetting to release your break.
How does a recoil pull starter work?
In the center of the pulley, a recoil spring connects to the pulley through a hook. When the starter rope gets pulled off the pulley and out of the engine, the recoil spring stretches out. When the operator lets go of the rope, the recoil spring snaps back and the rope recoils onto the pulley.
How do you fix an engine lock up?
If your engine has seized up while you're driving, there's nothing you can do about it short of an intensive engine repair or replacement. If you have an engine that seized from sitting for a long time, pull the spark plugs out of all the cylinders. Fill the cylinders with engine oil and let it sit for a few days.
Can a seized lawn mower be fixed?
Drain the oil from the mower. You will also need to buy a penetrating oil spray can. Remove the spark plug from the engine and face up the spark plug hole to fix the seizure. Spray a good amount of the penetrating oil in the mower hole plug and wait for the oil to soak fully.
Which way do you turn to loosen a lawnmower bolt?
To remove the blade, you must turn the blade's retaining bolt to the left, or counterclockwise. Before undoing the blade, tip the mower on its side with the engine air cleaner facing up and block the blade with a piece of wood so it can't turn.
Why can't I pull the cord on my Craftsman lawn mower?
0:041:30How To Release Pull Cord On New Lawn Mower - Craftsman M100YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you don't know why you can't pull your start cord there's one simple reason for this it'sMoreAnd you don't know why you can't pull your start cord there's one simple reason for this it's because if you look underneath your blades are being blocked by the poles.
Which way do you turn the bolt to loosen a lawn mower blade?
No. According to the Cub Cadet website, the bolt holding the mower blade in place is threaded in the normal fashion. That is, turn it right (clockwise) to tighten it, and turn it left (counterclockwise) to loosen it. These bolts typically have a 5/8 inch thread and need to be tightened to 70-90 foot pounds of torque.
How do you turn off lock on lawnmower 4?
0:000:24How To Use The Travel Lock On The Lawn Mower® 4.0 (On/Off Switch)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPress once more to turn the device back off to enable travel lock quickly press the on off switchMorePress once more to turn the device back off to enable travel lock quickly press the on off switch three times to exit travel lock quickly press the on off switch three more.
Step 1- Measure the length of the Cord
First, remove the recoil assembly with a ¼ nut driver to fix the lighters.
Step 2- Measuring the Winder Circumference
Next, you need to know the winder’s circumference, and to measure it use a measurement tape shown in the picture.
Step 3- Winding the Cord
Now you need to wind the cord three times. But first, get the hole lined up outside the exit and wind the cord three times by using your hand.
Step 4- Test the Cord
If the three winds do not seem enough, you have to take it back out and again just wind it. Back up all the way and jam the screwdriver in for the cord lined up.
How to check if a lawn mower pull cord is working?from mowersboy.com
You need to press it downwards when you pull the cord. When the mower pull cord is stuck, check the automatic brake whether it is working properly or not. When dirt and debris block the lawnmower blade area, the pull cord becomes stuck. Tilt the lawnmower into its sideways to check the blade area. And clean it if you identify any blockage.
Why won't my mower pull the starter cord?from gardentoolexpert.com
The firing of the spark plug initiates the ignition. Hence, your engine starts over. If there are obstructions within the mower blades or the engine’s starter hub , you won’t pull the starter cord.
How to check if my lawn mower is hydro locked?from gardentoolexpert.com
To check for this, remove the spark plug and the spark plug wire. Clamp the control bar at the mower handle to release the blade brake. With the blower housing removed, manually rotate the starter cup to see if the engine turns. If it turns, reinstall the blower housing.
What does it mean when a lawnmower pull cord is broken?from gardentoolexpert.com
In a lot of cases fixing the lawnmower pull cord means replacing it. This is the case when the cord is broken or when the recoil spring is damaged, and it does not return properly to the housing. If the pull cord is damaged, it is probably also a good idea to replace it. The step-by-step procedure will help with this.
Why is my lawn mower starter clutch seized?from mowersboy.com
Sometimes the mower starter clutch becomes seized because the ball bearing inside the clutch becomes rusted. Fixing this issue helps you to pull the starter cord freely. These are the reasons that are actually working behind the lawnmower pull cord stuck.
Why is my pull cord stuck?from gardentoolexpert.com
For one, the development of grass or debris needs to be removed to allow the pull cord to work again . You might also have an issue with your recoil starter, which may be broken.
How to fix a dead engine on a lawn mower?from gardentoolexpert.com
To prevent this lock-up, you need to remove the spark plug and add the lubricant from the hole into the engine . Afterward, put the spark plug back on and rotate the mower blades with the safety gloves on. This remedy shall help you in cranking up your dead engine.
Why is my lawn mower not turning?from repairclinic.com
If the transmission pulley is spinning, but the lawn mower wheels don’t turn, this indicates that the transmission is defective. The transmission is not repairable—if the transmission is defective, you must replace it. Required Part. Lawn Mower Transmission.
What does a V belt do on a lawn mower?from repairclinic.com
The V-belt rotates the drive pulleys to drive the lawn mower wheels. If the V-belt is worn out or broken, the lawn mower wheels won’t turn. Inspect the V-belt for damage. If the V-belt is defective, replace it.
What happens if a drive pulley is broken?from repairclinic.com
The drive pulley connects to the engine crankshaft. If the drive pulley is worn out or broken, the transmission won’t be able to engage the wheel assembly. Inspect the drive pulley for damage. If the drive pulley is defective, replace it. Required Part. Lawn Mower Drive Pulley.
How does a transmission work on a lawn mower?from repairclinic.com
The transmission is powered by the drive belt, and the drive belt connects to the engine crankshaft. When the drive belt powers the transmission, the lawn mower wheels turn. To determine if the transmission is defective, check the transmission while the lawn mower is running.
What to do if traction control cable does not move?from repairclinic.com
If the control cable does not move freely, try squirting a small amount of oil into the end of the cable to lubricate it. If lubricating the traction control cable is not effective, replace it. Required Part. Lawn Mower Traction Control Cable.
What happens if the wheel assembly is worn out?from repairclinic.com
If the gears are worn out, the transmission won’t be able to engage the wheel assembly. If the gears are worn out, replace the wheel assembly. Required Part. Lawn Mower Wheel Assembly.
Why is my lawn mower pulling cord stuck?
When dirt and debris block the lawnmower blade area, the pull cord becomes stuck. Tilt the lawnmower into its sideways to check the blade area. And clean it if you identify any blockage.
What happens when you pull a lawn mower cord?
You know when you pull the cord, it rotates a hub that connects the crankshaft and spins the blades. It also connects the mower spark plug, carburetor, and the motor at the same time. These things all together start your lawnmower. But due to a stuck pull cord, your lawnmower becomes standstill.
How to choose a pool cord for a lawnmower?
Try to choose a pool cord that doubles the length of the distance between the lawnmower motor housing and the handle.
How to clean rust off bearings?
Clean the rust of the bearing by using steel wool. The steel wool must be fine grade. Otherwise, it will damage the bearing. Properly clean the pocket of the bearing and the shaft as well.
Do you need to recoil the starter cord on a lawn mower?
Before reassembling the bearing, you need to recoil the starter cord in the mower starter spring.
Why is my lawn mower not starting?
The pawls are the most likely component to fail and it’s probably why your mower isn’t starting. That said, if the pulley or receiver is damaged, that will also cause issues.
Where is the pull cord on a lawn mower stored?
The mower’s pull cord rope is stored in the pulley, as well as the recoil spring. The pulley will guide and feed the pull cord, in addition to storing it. Pulleys are usually made from plastic and this is a part that can crack.
What kind of parts do lawn mowers use?
Different lawn mower brands make their components differently. Some will use plastic instead of metal for certain components. Plastic parts will wear out faster, and are less capable of withstanding the stresses of consistent use.
How to check if pawls are broken?
To check if the pawls on your mower are broken, remove the starter and pull the rope to make them pull out. If they don’t pull out, either they’re broken or something else is broken.
Where is the starter rope on a walk behind mower?
The starter rope is wrapped around a pulley system. That allows it to be pulled out before it recoils into the engine. The pulley sits below the cover at the top of your walk-behind mower, and a spring is in the center of the pulley. As it’s turned, the recoil spring stretches, then snaps back when let go. This immediate snap-back retracts the pull cord and allows you to pull the rope quickly one time after another.
What is the starter rope on a lawn mower?
The starter rope is the only part of the starting system that can be seen. But inside your mower, the rope activates a series of parts that start the engine.
What is the model number on a Honda lawn mower?
Your mower will have a small plate which shows its model number along with its serial number. You can use the model number to search for a replacement part. Photo courtesy Honda Owner’s Manual
Why won't my mower pull the starter cord?
The firing of the spark plug initiates the ignition. Hence, your engine starts over. If there are obstructions within the mower blades or the engine’s starter hub , you won’t pull the starter cord.
Why is my lawn mower not spinning?
This condition prevents It from spinning due to obstruction between the blade and the mower deck. As said before, the pull cord is responsible for spinning the mower blades that eventually start the engine. Hence, blades not able to spin mean that the cord cannot be pulled.
How to check if my lawn mower is hydro locked?
To check for this, remove the spark plug and the spark plug wire. Clamp the control bar at the mower handle to release the blade brake. With the blower housing removed, manually rotate the starter cup to see if the engine turns. If it turns, reinstall the blower housing.
How to free mower blades from debris?
To free the blades from any debris caught, you should tilt it over first. However, you should do that with your air filter pointing upwards. It is better to remove the spark plug cable so that the engine doesn’t start over. Now check if debris, grass, or a branch getting stuck between the debris curtain and the blade prevents the blades from spinning. If it does, you should remove it. Putting the spark plug back on and tilting the mower back shall now fix your problem with the pull cord.
Why is my pull cord stuck?
For one, the development of grass or debris needs to be removed to allow the pull cord to work again . You might also have an issue with your recoil starter, which may be broken.
How to check if a recoil starter is working?
Check the recoil starter for any damage. Check whether it can spin by pulling the starter cable right near to it. Also, see if it is free from any debris or obstruction that may prevent it from spinning. If the cable appears tangled, you should rewind it.
How to replace a recoil starter?
Replacing the recoil starter: Replacing a recoil starter is seldom difficult. To perform the replacement, remove the recoil starter guard. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the tabs connecting it to the blower housing. Remove the old starter and add the identical one to its place in the tabs.
Why is my Honda lawnmower not pulling?
The most common problems and fixes for a Honda self-propelled lawnmower not pulling is the belt being worn out, the drive pulley is worn or broken, or the pins in the gears being worn out. Identifying and replacing these parts is the best way to fix it. Troubleshooting a problem doesn’t have to be hard. Start with the most common issues.
Why is my lawnmower slow to pull?
If the lawnmower is slow to pull, or hard to pull, you will need to troubleshoot. It could be as simple as adjusting the drive cable. This could also be because one of the parts are worn out.
Why is my self propelled Honda mower not pulling?
If your self propelled Honda mower is not pulling, the issue typically lies within the drive cable or a loose belt. However, there are a wide variety of problems that can cause this particular issue. By working on going through each one, you will eventually find and solve the problem.
What happens if your lawn mower transmission is worn?
If your transmission is worn, your lawnmower will be slow or hard to pull. Since the transmission is a solid-state piece, you will not be able to get parts for it. You must replace the entire transmission/drive axle. Since this could be exceptionally pricey, you might want to look into getting a brand new mower.
What to do if drive pulley is broken?
You will need to inspect the drive pulley to make sure it is not damaged or broken. If the piece is broken, you will need to replace the pulley. To do this, you will need the right tools and a place to work on it. If you do not have the tools, you can rent them or have a local small engine repairman fix it for you.
How much does it cost to fix a lawn mower?
In addition, the professional will then charge you labor fees. You can expect to pay anywhere between $30 and $50 for labor fees for someone to fix your mower. This is not to be mistaken for the storage fee or shop fee.
How to tell if a belt is worn?
You can also tell that the belt is worn if it is making a lot of noise or causing vibration. If this happens, then you will need to inspect the belt to make sure that there is no deflection.
