I have a Craftsman Mower, and the rope will not withdraw?

Bruce:
I will try to help you as have done this many times in the past. First thing is to remove the housing from the motor body by taking out the bolts that hold it to the Motor. They are 4 bolts that hole it in place. You will fine 2 in the head of the mower or just above the spark plug. They should be 5/16" and don't know for sure but the other two should be 3/8" bolts . These bolts will be under the gas tank if the tank mounts on the motor. This part of the motor is call the shroud or cap. Once you have taken this off try to pull the rope and see if it will release from the cap. If so your problem is dirt or grass clippings ckked up in the starter cluch. Blow it out with air and replace the cap back on the motor. Try to pull the rope and see if it will work. Don't replace the bolts incaes this doesn't work. If it still won't work remove the cap and look in the inside of the cap and see if the rope may have jamed the recoil rope carrier. This should fix the problem. Good luck and let me know if it works for you.

Lester (chetsbro1@cs.com)
July 2004