You can fix a jammed lawn mower pull string by checking for obstructions, lubricating moving parts, removing rusted mechanisms, and resolving hydro-locking or recoil issues. Finding your lawn mower pull cord jammed is incredibly frustrating, but thankfully, there are a few easy steps to fix a lawn mower pull cord showing a little resistance.
Our team at Mowrator has written this blog to help you understand everything you need to know about how to fix your jammed pull cord, why it can get jammed, and signs your lawn mower cord is stuck.
Key Takeaways
- Fixing a jammed lawn mower pull cord involves clearing blade obstructions, lubricating moving parts, removing rust, repairing or replacing the recoil mechanism, and resolving hydro-locking issues.
- Common causes of a stuck pull cord include jammed blades, lack of lubrication, rusted or worn components, hydro-locking, and mechanical failures.
- Regular maintenance and DIY repairs can prevent pull cord issues, with costs ranging from $10 to $25 for parts or up to $100 for professional service.
How to Fix Your Jammed Lawn Mower Pull Cord | 5 Steps for Success
You can fix a jammed lawn mower in 5 easy steps: clearing blade obstructions, lubricating moving parts, removing rust, repairing the recoil mechanism, and resolving hydro-locking issues. With just some DIY knowledge and determination, you'll be back to mowing your lawnmower quickly. Let's dive right in!
1. Clear Blade Obstructions
As with any lawn mower maintenance routine, fixing a stuck pull cord for your lawnmower starts with safety. Remove the spark plug and any electric wires and circuitry connected to your lawnmower pull cord. Find a place to flip over your lawnmower and check for any debris blocking your mower's blades, such as clumps of grass, dirt, or rocks from uneven ground.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
Once you're confident that your lawnmower pull cord is stuck because of an internal mechanism and not a rogue piece of debris, it's time to lubricate any moving parts that may cause the issue. Remove the housing of your lawn mower and spray your chosen lubricant (any will do) onto the pull cord rope, starter assembly, and the recoil mechanism beneath it.
3. Remove Rust
While applying lubricant to your lawn mower's starter mechanism, watch for any rust. While rusting is rare with regular internal maintenance, it can lead to a faulty pull cord. You may find rust in the recoil mechanism and ball bearings, but thankfully, removing rust is a simple fix.
A fine steel wool or wire brush is enough to remove rust from your starter rope and ball bearings. For any severely rusted pieces, it's better to replace them instead.
4. Repair or Replace Recoil Mechanism
If your lawn mower cord is stuck because of a broken recoil mechanism, then you can fix your lawn mower pull cord by either repairing or replacing it. You can access the recoil mechanism by using a screwdriver to remove the bolts and screws that cover the engine. Carefully detach the recoil assembly and test its tensions and positioning.
If the spring is loose, tangled, or catches when you seize it, it's best to re-tension it.
5. Resolve Hydro-locking Issues
Hydro-locking is another easy DIY fix that you can accomplish to relieve a jammed pull cord. Once the spark plug is removed, pull the cord several times and take note if any oil is expelled out of the cylinder. Once the oil is removed after multiple pulls, clean around the spark plug hole and attempt to start your lawn mower again.
Why is My Lawn Mower Pull Cord Jammed?
Your lawn mower pull cord is likely jammed because of internal resistance, such as a rusted component or a mechanical issue like hydro-locking. Here are the common reasons that a pull cord is jammed:
- Jammed mower blades
- Hydro-locking
- Rusted starter assembly
- Lack of lubricant
- Frayed or worn-out cord
- Stuck flywheel
- Mechanical failure
Is it easier if you don't need a pull cord to start your lawn mower? Forget the piston and petrol and adopt the latest and greatest lawn mower technology - Mowrator's S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD. Built with power and precision, the S1 4WD lets anyone live out their dreams of mowing. Shop today.
FAQs on Lawn Mower Pull Cord Jammed?
What does it mean when the pull cord is hard to pull?
When a lawn mower pull cord is hard to pull, it typically means internal resistance within the engine or starter mechanism. Issues that can cause this internal resistance are a compression stroke lock, where the piston is stuck against engine compression, or hydro-locking, when oil or fuel floods the cylinder, preventing the piston from moving freely.
How much does it cost to fix a lawn mower pull cord?
The cost of fixing a lawn mower pull cord in Australia typically ranges from $10 to $25 for the replacement cord if you handle the repair yourself. However, if you need professional labour, the total cost can increase from $50 to $100, depending on the complexity and location of the service.
Back to Top: Lawn Mower Pull Cord Jammed? Here's How You Fix It
