i have acquired a tacumseh 35 lawn mower which unfortunately i know nothing about other than it wont start! the cable running down the right hand side has snapped, I need to know what this cable is called and what it is used for so i can replace and repair, would this stop the engine from starting.

Martin Whelan, April 2009

thanks john it does appear that the broken cable opens a mechanism on the engine opposite side to the primer its all new to me as i am used to simple electric mowers

martin whelan, April 2009

If its the throttle cable that is broken, it will certainly stop the machine from starting - however, it could be the drive cable if the machine is self propelled. Operate the throttle - if you see a mechanism moving on the engine, this cable is ok. If the broken cable disappears into the depths of the cutter deck, then its the clutch cable.

John, April 2009