I have a Tecumseh HM100 engine (on a Coleman Powermate PM0525202.02 generator). The recoil mechanism doesn't consistently engage the starter cup on the flywheel. Most of the time, the cord pulls out effortlessly and the engine doesn’t turn (i.e., the recoil’s teeth aren’t engaging with the cup). However, if I jiggle the cord hard or try yanking quickly, it'll tend to catch and engage the engine as normal. I removed the recoil and found that the recoil’s two metal teeth do not pop out when the cord is pulled.

Can this problem be fixed, or do I need a new recoil?

THANKS!

Try giving the teeth some oil and see if maybe they are just stuck.

Spray teeth with WD40.

The brake is not holding the retainer tight enough, spraying or getting oil on the brake will only make it worse. Depending on the specific starter assembly on your engine you may need to tighten up the retainer or it may need a new friction washer for the retainer. The retainer should be tight enough that it does not move when the starter rope is first pulled. It should only rotate with the starter when the starter dogs (teeth) are fully extended.

Thanks for the reply. I guess what I need to do is disassemble the recoil and inspect for damaged parts. But how do you disassemble the recoil? There's a pin at the center that holds everything together. Do you just hammer/force it out, or do you use a special tool? Thanks again!

The pin comes out, from the top of the starter, there may be a decal or a plastic plug that needs to come off first. Then just drive the pin out with a punch and a hammer.

Before you take it apart, you might want to drive the pin in more just a little, this will put more pressure on the spring and brake assembly and it might just start working. Remember just a little on the pin don't drive it in a bunch.