See full version: Why Wont My Hedge Trimmers Pull Cord Rewind
Your hedge trimmer should have been fitted with a pull cord that helps you to turn the machine on; it turns a flywheel that, when it spins fast enough, connects with the ignition module and sends an electric charge up to the spark plug. The pull cord should recoil once you let it go. Occasionally, however, your cord will not recoil as it is supposed to – why is this?
Recoil spring problems
The most common reason for the cord refusing to rewind is a broken or worn out recoil spring. This tiny spring hooks onto the pulley and is stretched out when you pull the cord; when you let go the spring is meant to snap back to its original position. Pulling too hard, wrapping the cord around your hand or pulling it in the wrong direction can all cause the spring to be damaged, which will require it to be replaced.
Pulley problems
The pulley, which the recoil spring connects to, is comprised of plastic. This means that it can break if you pull on the cord too hard, wrap it around your hand or pull it in the wrong direction. This pulley also sits on a metal starter post, which needs to be properly lubricated with engine grease to ensure that it spins properly. All of these problems will require the pulley to be replaced, as it cannot be fixed.
Most people refer to the cord that does the actual trimming on a weedeater, or string trimmer, as line or string; the rope is the starting cord on a gasoline-powered model. This rope can get stuck simply because it's tangled, but sometimes the problem is in the starting coil. The spring may be displaced or, if the cord doesn't retract, it may be broken. Occasionally, the problem is deeper inside the engine. In order to troubleshoot and fix a stuck cord, you have to remove the starter housing. A general procedure works for most string trimmer models.
Turn off the string trimmer and let it cool down, if it's been running. Pull the wire off the spark plug.
Unscrew the spark plug and insert a length of thin cord through the empty hole to bind the piston, then unscrew the single screw holding the clutch drum and remove it. Unscrew and remove the clutch plates. You may have to tap their rims with a hammer and flathead screwdriver to loosen the screws holding them.
Or needle bearing has gone south maybe?
This could be several problems, bearings could be worn/wore-out, cylinder could be burned or scored and have aluminum transfer from a piston, Unfortunately until the saw is taken apart the problem likely won't be indentifiable. Check clutch side of the saw first before going to a dealer, look for brake band partially engaged or brake parts broken or worn also check clutch for damage etc. and move brake lever in and out of lock position it could be as simple as it never disengaged properly due to build-up of debris, this is the least expensive initial check. Good luck and let us know outcome.
This past weekend, from one pull to the next, the action became very jerky and difficult, such that the rope now can barely be pulled out in a serious of very stiff jerks. I first thought that perhaps the rope had fouled, so I opened up the housing, but the rope was running free and clear, so no problem there. However, when I rotated the now exposed flywheel by hand, there is an extremely stiff section once every revolution, that feels like back-pressure that won't release. So my thinking now is that something is wrong internally.
I had a 440 (albeit squished) that was very stiff like you say, but it had semi-dry lower end from sitting up. Got some lube in there and it freed right up. [links]
Be sure you're filled with fresh gas first. Old gas can also lead to problems starting. If you have last season's gas in your mower, drain your fuel tank and fill with fresh gas. Other possible causes include: here
This might look a little scary, but it's usually not serious. Your lawn mower's engine can smoke if your oil chamber is too full, or if oil leaked into the exhaust muffler when you tilted your mower to the side. It's simply burning off while the engine is hot. But if you're seeing lighter colored smoke, plus have trouble keeping your mower running, it's time for a serious look by a professional.
Regular lawn mower maintenance helps prevent problems, plus lengthens the life of your lawn equipment. But even with plenty of TLC, normal wear and tear from hours of mowing the lawn increases the chances of hitting a glitch from time to time.
Warning: Always refer to the operator's manual before starting any maintenance project on your equipment.
Here's why this happens and what you can do: