The pull cord on my lawnmower is near impossible to pull. My son can get it started, but it is just too hard for me. Any ideas on what could be causing it? I've checked to make sure nothing is jamming the blade, so I'm not sure whay this keeps happening.

Mark McKinnon, November 2005

Does your lawnmower have a bail that has to be held to allow the engine to run? If it does that cable releases a flywheel brake designed to stop the engine quickly. If that cable has worked loose it may not be pulling far enough the totally release the brake. Another possibility would be that the flywheel brake has been damaged and is binding.

Rick, November 2005