Recoil snaping back

[Pnlawncare]

Hey i have a 48" lesco belt drive wb. With a kawasaki fc420v fs-15. Occasionally when i go to start the mower the pull cord rips out of my hand. I did a search online and read it was probably the flywheel key. So i asked a small engine shop. He says it probably would be if it was a reg mower with the blade on the shaft. But where its a commercial mower its probably somthing else.

Any one have this issue with a commercial mower? Thanks
-paul

 

[Rivets]

Personally I would check the flywheel key. I have seen this happen when the engine has nothing attached to the PTO.

 

[Pnlawncare]

Alright will do..worth a shot...thanks!

 

[FloGro]

Id definitely check the valves , ive seen this problem alot at my shop on the honda gx390's. one time I saw it rip the metal threw the rubber on the pull cord T handle and cut my buddys fingers almost clean off... it was deeep cut

 

[gregjo1948]

Not sure on your engine but, many small engines have automatic compression release built into the cam/valves. If yours cranks over hard and snaps the recoil handle from you, set the valve clearances. I'm not sure on yours but on most Kawasakis, .004"-.006" is the gap. gregjo1948