I was pressure washing (5.5 hp Briggs). Had to stop. When I went to restart, the pump was fully loaded which meant you had to pull VERY hard on the starter rope (no clutch in these things). As I pulled, the starter rope broke. If I had been throwing frisbee it would have gone 300 miles. I seriously thought I dislocated my shoulder. Turns out I just "sprained" it. Took 6 months to recover. I am more cautious on how hard I pull things after that one.

Yah I would have pulled the string too. First thing you do with a used mower. Worst I've ever had was having the handle pull through my fingers, Stings ! I don't know if it is 50 yrs of tinkering, weakening due to age, or the reptilian part of my brain avoiding pain. I tend to drop stuff because I dont hold on so tight. After decades of flaying my hands , I no longer shed blood. Also, my physical therapist told me that I had to keep my hands in better shape. To wear gloves. I have found a line of thin Chinese leather palm gloves at the local odd lots outlet. I dont use them rebuilding a carb, but for general wrenching and painting, they are great.

They are not cheap, but if you need gloves with a lot of dexterity, I use winter golfing gloves. Snug and very thin leather.

Sounds like you left it outside in the snow all winter. Take it to a professional and get it fixed right.

To: Wheely-boy:
Your name sez it all! Go back to your hole, and when ya have something constructive to say, maybe we'll let ya back in! BY: Rusty Jones

To: Rusty Jones.
Funny response. I am just repeating what you accuse everyone else of without having any facts.

I guess you don't like it. I bet they don't like it either.