Do you feel any compression or resistance when you turn the blade? Is the starter rope pulling out of the recoil or is it stuck and not pulling at all? Remove the spark plug, stick a pencil in the hole and slowly turn the blade. Does the pencil move?

Hi. Help me clarify the problem. When you say it will not engage are you saying that when the rope is pulled it comes out but does not spin the engine? Or are you saying that when the rope is pulled it won't come out and is stuck. Two very different problems.

See why shop service writers die young? How in the world can something be fixed when people can't communicate what the problem is?

I've never seen that in writing Saxman- but there is truth to what you say! Maybe the OP is saying that the starter dogs aren't engaging the cup. Maybe it has sat out in the rain. Maybe it needs the recoil serviced. Or maybe a good whap with palm of their hand on the top will jostle the dogs and it will grab. Or maybe I'm wrong. See line one.

Sorry, that I did not supply enough information!! Starter rope does not pull out at all. S# 280019939. Just asking for some ideas on what to look at and would really feel terrible if my questions caused any service writer an early grave!

If the rope does not pull out at all but you can turn the engine with the blade then it is likely in the starter assembly. It is something that can be taken apart and serviced at home but getting it re-assembled can be a pain. You should get it taken care of at a repair shop.

Thanks roadbike