I have just replaced the pull cord on my small Murray push lawnmower and I can't get it to pull out. I rewound the spring, snaked in the new cord, reinstalled ; and the cord wound itself in as expected when I released the tension. When I try to pull the cord out as in a normal starting procedure, it doesn't pull out. I don't know whether it's possible to wind the spring to tight or not. I wound it as tight as it would go and then backed of a turn. Sure would be grateful for any help from the experts out there, as this rascal is trying to get the best of me.
Thanks, Chuck

Hmm, check the recoil starter, the part that is connected to the top of the crankshaft. Remove the two or four screws, pry off the cap, and lubricate. The starter should free spin in one direction and lock in in the other direction. Also, check the brake at the end of the cable that runs down from the "bail" handle near the top of the handlebars.