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Hi I've got an older 6hp craftsman push mower. It starts right up every time but the pull cord doesn't catch! Any way of fixing it?

bmark0610 said:

Hi I've got an older 6hp craftsman push mower. It starts right up every time but the pull cord doesn't catch! Any way of fixing it?

View attachment 26690View attachment 26691

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As you pull on the cord there is supposed to be a slight drag that causes the 2 pawls to extend out and catch
on the notches of the cup bolted to the flywheel .remove the shroud with recoil and inspect the starter recoil
must be worn or dirty that prevents it from working properly try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner.
or else the notches could be rounded off ...requiring a new starter cup ?

I will have to take a look. Also the lawnmower seems to be running at a really low idle! Is there any way to increase the idol? I already tried tightening and loosening the screw on the carb but it doesn't seem to do anything! If I move the lever on the carb then it sounds good! Take a look at the pic to understand what I am talking about!

that top part is the butterfly valve aka the throttle plate which when turned
counter clockwise increases the speed of the engine that screw that you messed with
when turned clockwise will increase the speed of the engine(idle speed )
that bottom screw that you didn't mention is the mixture adjustment screw.
If you haven't messed with it ......don't......If you have ....we need to talk some more :smile:
cheerfully,

Normf

I haven't messed with the bottom screw however that picture of the carb is from one that looks like mine and I'm not sure that mine has a lower screw.

I have tried screwing and unscrewing the top screw and it doesn't seem to make a big difference... However when I rotate the 'butterfly calve' counter clockwise it definitely pep's up the engine!

I don't understand where I am going wrong...

Normf said:

that top part is the butterfly valve aka the throttle plate which when turned
counter clockwise increases the speed of the engine that screw that you messed with
when turned clockwise will increase the speed of the engine(idle speed )
that bottom screw that you didn't mention is the mixture adjustment screw.
If you haven't messed with it ......don't......If you have ....we need to talk some more :smile:
cheerfully,

Normf

Click to expand...

The end of the screw pushes against a little tab on that arm that you rotate
and get positive results .....try taking a small nail and push against the tab where the screw touches
it should give you the same results.
the only 2 things that I can think of is the screw is not touching this tab ....or the threads are stripped
and it doesn't push against this tab no matter how many times you turn it .
If this doesn't work I'll have to send you a pic of one of my typical carbs.
....and yes there are some carbs that have no mixture adjustments at all
and there are others that have 2.
hope this helps l and if the threads are stripped .....you can use a one size larger
bolt .?
Normf