The recoil spring has broken. These are available at any lawn mower parts supply store. The process of changing the spring is tedious but can be done by anyone with average mechanical ability. If you removed the recoil assy (and air shroud if it is riveted on) and took the assembly to a Lawn Mower Repair shop usually they will change out the spring while you wait. If you can't get the recoil assy off take the mower with you to the repair shop. Again most shops will fix it while you if wait but if they are very busy usually they are serviced within 24 hours.
If you do attempt this yourself check in the tips section of FixYa on how to change the recoil stater rope after replacement of the spring.
I highly recommend you replace the pull rope at the time of the recoil spring replacement.
One final note... there is a possibility that the pull rope spool has been damaged where the spring attaches.
Answers & Comments
The recoil spring has broken. These are available at any lawn mower parts supply store. The process of changing the spring is tedious but can be done by anyone with average mechanical ability. If you removed the recoil assy (and air shroud if it is riveted on) and took the assembly to a Lawn Mower Repair shop usually they will change out the spring while you wait. If you can't get the recoil assy off take the mower with you to the repair shop. Again most shops will fix it while you if wait but if they are very busy usually they are serviced within 24 hours.
If you do attempt this yourself check in the tips section of FixYa on how to change the recoil stater rope after replacement of the spring.
I highly recommend you replace the pull rope at the time of the recoil spring replacement.
One final note... there is a possibility that the pull rope spool has been damaged where the spring attaches.
Thanks for using FixYa,
Kelly