Hi Minstroker,
I've given Neighbours a free starter for them to only destroy it the minute they fit the starter because they haven't checked the starter pawls then they come back asking for another starter.I had one Neighbour break 2 flywheels this way.
How the stuck plastic pawl caused the original problem
The symptoms you had before opening the starter are classic:
The cord rarely “catches”
Engine sometimes turns over, sometimes not
You heard something break just before the failure
This points to the starter pawls (dogs) not engaging the starter properly.
On most whipper snippers (string trimmers) blowers etc:
The pawls are usually small plastic pieces on the pulley
They swing outward when you pull the cord
They engage metal cups or notches on the flywheel
If one pawl sticks, or the spring behind it fails:
The pawl won’t swing out reliably
The pulley spins freely without turning the engine
You feel the cord go “light”
Sometimes it catches just enough to start the engine
A stuck pawl can also jam between the pulley and housing, which can crack, deform, or lift the pulley slightly—enough to upset the tensioned recoil spring underneath.
Inspect both pawls (dogs) — look for wear, cracks, sticky movement
✔ Check tiny pawl springs — if missing or bent, replace
✔ Inspect the flywheel engagement cup for damage
✔ Rewind and reinstall the recoil spring (or replace the entire starter assembly if damaged)
You can even end up with a broken flywheel or key when the starter jams but in this case it may have just damaged the spring,where
the spring locates it often can break the plastic tabs that hold the ends of the spring, then you will need a new starter.
Cheers
Max.
