How to Troubleshoot a Lawn Mower Starter

Spring-loaded lawn mower starters have been around for nearly as long as lawn mowers. If yours is no longer working, then it is probably a problem with your starter. There are some simple steps you can do to troubleshoot your starter before you replace the lawn mower or call in a repairman.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Spray lube
• Replacement lawn mower starter rope

Instructions

1. Pull out your lawn mower rope. If it is bent, kinked or broken in any way, this is probably your problem and the rope will need to be replaced. If--when you pull out your lawn mower rope--the rope does not go back in, you either have a spring problem or a lubrication problem. You'll need to remove the top of the starter to find out.

2. Replace the old lawn mower rope. New ropes come with easy snap-on attachments that fasten to the end of the spool that the old rope used to coil around. Simply unsnap the old one, and attach the new one.

3. Examine your starter. Most starters are held on by 3 or 4 screws, so using your screwdriver, remove them.The rope and the recoil spring will be held inside the top of the starter, so once it's removed, flip it over.

4. Lube the center spool. In the center of the starter will be a spool that holds the starting rope. Many times through years of use, it loses its lubrication and won't recoil from the spring. So, using your spray lube, spray the center spool heavily. With starter in your hand, pull the rope out and let it rewind. After spraying the spool it should now work effortlessly. If that's the case, simply reinstall the starter and you will be ready to mow.

5. Check the springs. If the rope still does not recoil back after lubricating your center spool, you have a bad spring. Springs are dangerous to attempt and replace yourself, so you will need to take the unit to your local lawn and garden shop and let them professionally install a new starter spring.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make sure that there is no source of power to the motor of the lawn mower when you are working on the insides of the mower.