Engine stopped after running out of gas. Refueled... attempted to start engine using the pull cord... there was no resistance at all... cord is intact... possible failure points are? Any options other than the shear pin? Any idea on cost of repairs...

Hi sj and welcome, if the cord rewinds when pulled I would check the pawls. This video shows the part. Good luck

HOW TO REPAIR Riveted Pull Start on Briggs & Stratton Snowblower Engine PART 2/2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1QKJxMtQDI)

Update: Just drove home 500+ miles... tried the generator before putting away. It worked perfectly... I'm even more confused... it's a Generac SVP5000 model 09719-2

Sounds like the start pawls were stuck and then released.

Thanks... annoying issue... probably helped along by infrequent use... annoying that they rivet the cover... not tool I usually travel with...