Suffolk Punch 43S Activator/Pawl

[Mcintosh85]

Good Evening.  I have inherited a Suffolk Punch 43S from my neighbour.  The mower generally runs very well, but has some issues on start up with the prong of the activator (shown by red arrow in pic) slipping out of the slot in both pawls, and locking in this position.  I have tried to bend the prong on either end of the activator in more, so it engages into the pawl better.  However this still does not stop it slipping out.  I think over years of use the slot in the pawl has become worn.  It can become very annoying, and often requires removal of the recoil housing and activator/pawl, to get them back to their desired position.

To me it seems like a bad design, and I wondered if there was a newer assembly that could be bought to replace the original?

Any help or advice would be greatly received.  I'd love to keep this mower going strong.

[Mick]

Hi Mcintosh85, and welcome to TGMForum.

It's quite a common problem with these recoil starters, it's normally cause by a worn or distorted pulley where the pawls rest against the stops.  A new pulley should stop it from happening.  I would also change both pawls as well if you can get hold of them just in case they are worn.

[Mcintosh85]

Thanks Mick.  Which part are you referring to when you say pulley?  Is that the same as the activator (item name from the manual I have).

Assume there is no 'improved design' over the original then?

And lastly, any recommendations on where to source spares?

Thanks.

[Mick]

Which part are you referring to when you say pulley

Sorry, I mean this part.
 https://www.gardenhirespares.co.uk/1046-atco-suffolk-recoil-starter-pulley.html