Why is my lawn mower pull string not catching?

Answer by  motorman (7)

The starter clutch must not be catching, replace the starter clutch. The 6 small balls inside the clutch sometimes stick to the outside of the clutch allowing it to spin freely in both directions. You can take the clutch apart and clean it with WD-40, or you can buy a pull starter kit to replace the parts.

Answer by  royce88 (68)

It could be a number of things but the most common reason that a lawnmower string wont catch is because the plastic inside is stripped out.

Answer by  thattractorguy (2970)

Either the spring is broken or the gear is stripped. Take the cover off the flywheel and remove the pull string assembly. Replace it with a new one.

Answer by  timlong (6)

The string has broken from the pulley. When the string is pulled it should have high tension you can feel it pulling from the inside. The best way to fix it is to take it to a local hardware store and ask for help.

Answer by  japratt (1687)

If your lawn mower pull string seems to not be catching then you will need a new string. If you get the new string you should not have any more problems.