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Small engine recoil starter assembly. This item includes the pulley and spring. The recoil starter engages the drive cup on the flywheel to start the engine when pulled.

Recoil repair kit

Recoil starter pulley & spring kit

Recoil spring and
A broken rewind pulley or snapped spring means your Craftsman won't start—and summer's your busiest mowing season. We stock genuine OEM Craftsman starter assemblies that restore that satisfying pull-cord snap and reliable ignition every single time. These aren't aftermarket knockoffs; they're built to Craftsman's exact specifications.
If your recoil starter feels loose, won't catch, or the rope won't retract, one of these parts has failed. Replacing them is straightforward and keeps your mower running strong without voiding model-specific fit and performance.
Find your exact Craftsman model number on the engine or deck, then order Craftsman Lawn Mower parts with confidence. We ship fast.
A broken rewind spring is the most common culprit. The spring provides the tension to snap the rope back into the housing. If it's cracked, separated from the pulley, or lost its coil, the rope stays loose. A cracked or warped rewind pulley can also prevent smooth retraction. Both parts work together, so check both before replacing.
Signs include: the rope won't catch when you pull, the handle feels slack, or you hear clicking instead of the engine turning over. Spin the pulley by hand—it should rotate smoothly with consistent spring tension. Rough spinning, grinding, or complete free-spinning means it's time to replace the pulley assembly.
You can replace individual parts like the spring or pulley separately if only one has failed. However, if your starter assembly is over 5 years old or showing multiple wear signs, replacing the entire rewind starter unit is often more cost-effective and reliable. Craftsman's genuine assemblies come pre-assembled and tested.
Check the engine shroud (plastic cover), the metal frame beneath the seat, or the fuel tank. Craftsman mower model numbers typically start with numbers like 917, 218, or 247. Once you find it, enter it in our parts finder to get the exact rewind pulley and spring assembly designed for your machine.


Ensure the reliable start of your Craftsman Lawn Mower with genuine OEM rewind pulley and spring replacement parts from Repair Clinic. These parts are important for the efficient recoil of the starter rope, making it easier to start your mower. Use our model number lookup to find the proper fit for your specific mower and benefit from same-day shipping, No-Hassle 365-Day Returns, and our Price Match Guarantee. For guidance on installation, visit our Lawn Mower Repair Help page or find additional Lawn Mower Starter Parts for your repair needs.
Craftsman typically puts the lawn mower model number on a label on the engine shroud or metal deck frame. On some models, check beneath the seat or near the fuel tank. Look for a stamped plate or printed sticker showing a longer model code, often beginning with 917, 218, or 247. Once you've located it, type that number into the model number search field. The catalog will then show the Craftsman lawn mower parts that match your complete machine, not just the starter system. That means fewer wrong orders and a faster repair.

Whether you own a Craftsman Lawn Mower or work on one professionally, Repair Clinic's online repair help covers what you need. Start with a symptom guide to narrow the likely cause, then use the model number lookup to confirm the correct replacement part. Written repair instructions and matching videos walk you through each step of the installation for a clean, first-time repair.

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