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Went to start my lawn mower and when I pull on the rope, there was no resistance at all. So I took off the top and I can spin the shaft that goes down into the engine. Is there a key or something that might have come out/broke?

First you must turn as the recoil turns as it is an one way clutch.

It can be either sticky steel balls or the clutch threads stripped out.

This is the tool used to removal and tightening of this clutch to 55 ft/lbs.

tool in use.

I can turn it either way with the same results. Could it be that the steel balls are stuck because it's cold?

Update: I took my rubber mallet and hit the shaft a few times and that did the trick. Must of been stuck steel balls.

Thanks for your input, it made it an easy fix.