Hello, I have an old rototiller with a briggs and stratton engine and when I pull the starter cord the cord will not retract. I have to manually pull the belt to wind the cord. What can I do?

Hi,
It is either the spring or the starter clutch, and possibly both. Either way the starter must be removed. If it works okay off, then the clutch must be cleaned or replaced (that is the piece in the center of the flywheel the starter attaches to.)
Peace,
Clarke

I dissagree I have been working on small engines sience I was ten and my only and correct explantion is the spring in the starting cord asembly needs to be replaced

Crigby's answer is the correct one. There are about 6 balls inside the briggs clutch. When dirt builds up, the balls stick. Part is like < $15. Cleaning is free.

Kickback/grabbing while starting probably occurred more frequently until it became a more permanent problem.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid

Crigby's answer is the correct one. There are about 6 balls inside the briggs clutch. When dirt builds up, the balls stick. Part is like < $15. Cleaning is free.

Kickback/grabbing while starting probably occured more frequently until it became a more permanent problem.

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I agree. I have had a clutch stick on me. It was damaged so cleaning it wasn't an option in that instance.

I had the same problem with my tiller. Cleaned clutch and all is fine now.
Mike