ORIGINAL: Paradoxmaker

The truth is that most pullstarts break due to operator error.

IMO pulling the starter cord too far when starting the engine is the single biggest killer of pullstarters and their internal windup spring.

Then once the cord doesn't wind up all the way you end up melting the cord on the muffler.

BTW the jerk on the pullstarter cord when the motor stalls out and cuts off is normal.....