Petrol Lawnmower Pull Start.

[malagabob]

Mowed the sons partners lawn. The grass was so long had to have mower on highest setting,but grass was still jamming the blades randomly.
Stopped the motor to empty basket. Tried restarting it. Normally it’s take up slack on pull cord then pull as normal to fire up engine. Now it’s pull up slack but that’s as far as the pull cord will travel. There isn’t any slack. Just a metallic sound. Was going to do an inspection but events didn’t make that possible. Had to travel home. Son not living with partner at present.

[alavahalf]

Sounds as though the spring has broken in the recoil. Remove the recoil housing from the top of the mower and have a look inside.

[alavahalf]

Actually having read this again.. It could be more serious, as in a seizure!

[bhg481]

Give it a good time to cool down, make sure the air-intake/filter isn't blocked with grass cuttings and then try again.

[Chipchopper]

Watch out for the coiled spring uncoiling, if you are taking it apart.
It may be that you are asking too much of it. If you get it running again you could try taking off the grass box and go into the tall grass at 1/2 the width at each pass. And of course rake up afterwards

[malagabob]

Thanks to all. Will investigate further on my next visit.