Craftsman pusher pull cord sticks

bluegirl

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Model 944.368150 Tecumseh engine 143.985504. Pull cord rips out of my hands on every 3rd or 4th pull only. 2 or 3 clean pulls first but no firing. Had it running this spring just ok. When I let the safety bar go it sounds like something hitting metal on metal. Under deck seems clear of obstructions, blade not even close to the deck.
 

mechanic mark

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CRAFTSMAN ENGINE Parts | Model 143985504 | Sears PartsDirect engine parts, check engine oil level & make sure it's on full mark, you need to adjust valves per engine manual specs. with engine cold., recheck model number for mower, 944368150 is not a good number for sears parts direct. Engine should have data plate with numbers, post all numbers, thanks
 

KrashnKraka

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The safety bar thing reads like a brake/drive stop thing, and unrelated
to the start problem. Read how the feature works and attack that separately.

The engine is backfiring on start, not audible but "kicking back".

Wind the engine over slowly with the pull start until you feel it bind.
That should be "top dead centre" of the firing cycle.
Fully open the throttle.
Then give the pull start one solid sharp pull, the engine should start
or give out an audible backfire. Do not repeat.
Wind the engine over again to TDC and prove the same result.
If the engine starts and runs rough you definitely know then there is a
timing issue, could be valve settings or merely a corroded (rust) flywheel/coil
face.
Easy check first is the plug electrode is clean of debri, I assume you
would have done that?
When your topend is all to spec and the engine still wont start, post more.

Trust that helps some.

KK
 

Rivets

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Kick back during starting are normally caused by a timing problem. I would start by checking and probably replacing the flywheel key. Don't forget to properly torque the flywheel nut when reassembling, or the problem will return.
 

bluegirl

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Removed the shroud and cleaned up the coil. There was a lot of rust on it. Spark plug was clean. Found that the blade was not tight enough. Put it all back together and she fired right up. It's not running smoothly, but at least it runs. Anything I should adjust?
PS the model numbers on the mower and engine are exactly as previously stated.
Cheers all.
 

Rivets

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If the blade was loose, I'll bet as I stated before that the flywheel key is partially sheared. This will cause rough running.
 
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