This demonstration guide answers one field question about a broken spring or a rope that jumped the pulley. Measurements come before parts, and the notes are not a generic equipment FAQ.
Diagnose before replacing parts
Start with rewind tension and pulley-dog engagement. That reading separates a broken spring or a rope that jumped the pulley from adjacent faults that share the same complaint.
If the measurement is out of spec, treat the recoil spring as the primary path. If it is in spec, do not replace the recoil spring just to complete a parts list.
Repair the failed system
The usual correction is the recoil spring, installed to the documented spec for this complaint.
A demonstration shop records the finding so the next technician is not repeating a guess about a broken spring or a rope that jumped the pulley.
Stop before you make it worse
Do not pulling until the rope snaps after a hydrolock. That shortcut hides the original measurement and creates a second failure.
If the machine still fails after the recoil spring is corrected, convert the visit to a broader diagnosis rather than stacking parts.
Written and published by Ridgeline Small Engine.