The sweet smell of freshly cut grass. The satisfying whir of the engine. The feeling of accomplishment after a well-maintained lawn. But then, disaster strikes. You pull the string on your lawnmower, and nothing happens. No satisfying whir, just a disappointing thunk. Frustration sets in. Why won’t your lawn mower string pull? This article will explore the common reasons behind this frustrating lawn care dilemma, providing you with the knowledge and solutions to get your mower back in action and your grass looking pristine.
The answer lies in understanding the intricate workings of your lawnmower’s starting mechanism. A typical recoil starter relies on a spring, a rope, and a series of gears to engage the engine. When you pull the rope, the spring releases its stored energy, rotating the crankshaft and turning over the engine. If the string won’t pull, it’s likely that one or more of these components has become stuck, broken, or worn down.
Is It The Rope?
The most obvious culprit is the rope itself. A worn, frayed, or knotted rope can be difficult to pull, and may even break entirely.
Inspecting the Rope
- Check for fraying: Look for any worn areas or fraying at the end of the rope where it goes through the pull handle.
- Look for knots: Examine the rope for any knots that could be preventing it from running smoothly.
- Test for elasticity: Try to pull the rope, and see how much give it has. A worn rope may not have the same elasticity as a new one.
Replacing the Rope
If you find any issues with the rope, it’s time to replace it. The process is usually simple:
- Locate the rope end: On most mowers, the end of the rope is accessible behind the recoil housing.
- Loosen the retaining nut: You’ll need a wrench or pliers to loosen the nut that holds the rope in place.
- Pull out the old rope: Carefully pull the old rope out of the housing.
- Thread the new rope: Feed the new rope through the housing and secure it with the retaining nut.
The Engine Isn’t Turning Over
If the rope is in good condition but the engine still doesn’t turn over, the problem might lie within the starter mechanism itself. This is where things get a little more complicated, and troubleshooting requires some familiarity with your lawnmower’s inner workings.
The Recoil Spring
The recoil spring is responsible for storing the energy used to turn over the engine. A weak or broken spring won’t provide enough power to engage the engine.
Testing the Recoil Spring
- Engage the pull handle: With the engine off, pull the rope halfway and hold it there.
- Release the handle: The rope should snap back forcefully. If it doesn’t, the spring may be weak or broken.
- Inspect the spring: If you can access the spring, look for signs of rust, damage, or wear.
Replacing the Recoil Spring
If the spring is faulty, you’ll need to replace it. This is usually a fairly straightforward process:
- Remove the recoil housing: This involves loosening screws or bolts that hold the housing in place.
- Release the tension: Once the housing is removed, you’ll need to release the tension on the spring. This can be done by using a tool or by carefully pressing on the spring.
- Install the new spring: After removing the old spring, carefully install the new one, ensuring it’s seated properly.
- Reassemble the housing: Put the housing back in place and secure it with the screws or bolts.
The Gear System
The recoil starter also includes a system of gears that transfer the power from the spring to the crankshaft. These gears can become worn, broken, or stuck, preventing the engine from turning over.
Examining the Gears
- Open the recoil housing: Access the gears by removing the housing.
- Look for damage: Inspect the gears for signs of wear, cracks, or broken teeth.
- Check for lubrication: Ensure that the gears are properly lubricated.
Repairing or Replacing the Gears
If the gears are damaged or worn, they will need to be repaired or replaced. This may require specialized tools and knowledge. It’s often more cost-effective to consult with a professional mechanic for gear-related repairs.
Other Possible Culprits
While the issues mentioned above are common, other factors could be contributing to your lawnmower’s stubborn refusal to start:
- Fuel problems: A clogged fuel line or a bad fuel filter can prevent fuel from reaching the engine.
- Spark plug issues: A fouled spark plug can prevent the engine from igniting.
- Engine seizure: If the engine is seized due to lack of oil or other reasons, it won’t turn over.
Conclusion:
Your lawnmower’s string refusing to pull can be a frustrating problem, but it’s usually solvable. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can identify the cause of the problem and take steps to fix it. If you’re unsure about any part of the repair process, consult with a qualified mechanic. Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your lawnmower running smoothly and preventing future problems.
FAQs
Here are some common reasons why your lawn mower string might not pull, and what you can do to fix them:
Q1. What if the string is old and worn out?
A: If the string is old and worn out, it may be too weak to pull the engine over. Try replacing the string with a new one. You can buy new strings at most hardware stores. Make sure you buy the correct size and type of string for your lawn mower.
When installing the new string, make sure it’s wound correctly on the spool. If it’s not wound properly, it can get tangled and prevent the engine from starting.
Q2. What if the spark plug is fouled?
A: A fouled spark plug can prevent the engine from starting. The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture. If it’s fouled, it won’t be able to do its job. To check the spark plug, remove it from the engine and inspect it. If it’s black or sooty, it’s probably fouled. You can clean it with a wire brush or replace it with a new one.
Q3. What if the fuel is old or bad?
A: Old or bad fuel can gum up the engine and prevent it from starting. If you haven’t used your lawn mower in a while, it’s a good idea to drain the old fuel and replace it with fresh fuel. Gasoline can go bad after a few months, so it’s best to use fresh fuel whenever possible.
Q4. What if the carburetor is clogged?
A: A clogged carburetor can prevent the engine from getting the fuel it needs to start. If your lawn mower has been sitting for a long time, the carburetor may be clogged with dirt and debris. You can try cleaning the carburetor yourself or take it to a repair shop.
Q5. What if the air filter is dirty?
A: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine and prevent it from starting. The air filter helps keep dust and debris out of the engine. If it’s dirty, it can’t do its job properly. To check the air filter, remove it from the engine and inspect it. If it’s dirty, clean it or replace it with a new one.
Q6. What if the recoil starter is broken?
A: The recoil starter is the part of the lawn mower that you pull to start the engine. If it’s broken, the string won’t be able to engage the engine. If the recoil starter is broken, you’ll need to replace it. This is a job that’s best left to a professional.
Q7. What if the engine is seized?
A: A seized engine is one that’s locked up and can’t turn over. If the engine is seized, you’ll need to take it to a repair shop to have it fixed. This is a serious problem that can be costly to fix.