By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
If your craftsman eager 1 lawn mower won’t start, the pull cord and recoil starter assembly is one of the most common culprits. The starter is the part that spins the crankshaft when you yank the cord, so when the cord snaps, the pawls wear down, or the rewind spring loses tension, the engine never gets the turn it needs. This guide compares six replacement recoil starter assemblies sold on Amazon for the Eager 1 and the 6.75HP Tecumseh-style engine it commonly uses. Our selection criteria were fit accuracy for the Eager 1 model, the number of listed compatible engines, how the assembly is described for direct replacement, and patterns in owner feedback about fit and durability.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallHURI Pull Start Recoil Starter for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn MowerView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for Tecumseh-style enginesFits Tecumseh LEV80 LEV100 LEV115 LEV120 LEV150 For Craftsman Toro EngView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for direct-fit replacementRecoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn MowerView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickPull Start Recoil Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn MowersView on Amazon - 5
Best for a quick direct-fit swapFits Craftsman Eager 1 6.75HP lawn mowers, Direct-fit pull cord assembly, Qty 1View on Amazon - 6Best for a second opinion on fitFOLIAGE for Recoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears for CrView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| HURI Pull Start Recoil Starter for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower | Owners who want a model-specific match | Listed for the 6.75HP Eager 1 engine |
| Fits Tecumseh LEV80 LEV100 LEV115 LEV120 LEV150 Recoil Pull Starter Assembly | Owners checking engine-family compatibility | Multiple Tecumseh LEV model numbers and OEM cross-references |
| Recoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower (B0D5R6HPW2) | Straight-up direct replacement | Named for the Eager 1 6.75HP mower |
| Pull Start Recoil Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mowers | Shoppers looking at a lower-cost option | Named for the Eager 1 6.75HP mower |
| Fits Craftsman Eager 1 6.75HP lawn mowers, Direct-fit pull cord assembly, Qty 1 | Single-piece direct-fit replacement | Direct-fit assembly, quantity of one |
| FOLIAGE Recoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears for Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower | Buyers comparing listing details side by side | Named for the Eager 1 6.75HP mower |
HURI Pull Start Recoil Starter for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower
HURI Pull Start Recoil Starter for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower
Best for: Owners who want a starter explicitly named for the Eager 1 6.75HP engine.
This is a good fit for someone who has already confirmed the engine size and model on the mower decal and wants the listing to match that exactly. Owners who prefer to avoid cross-referencing OEM numbers usually start here.
Key specs:
- Recoil pull start assembly
- Designed for the 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 lawn mower
- Replacement for the original recoil starter
Pros:
- Listing names the exact Eager 1 6.75HP model
- Straightforward replacement for the stock starter
- Simple to match against the old unit by eye
Cons:
- Owners sometimes ask for more detail on the rewind spring specification
- Still requires basic mechanical comfort to install
Bottom line: A strong first choice for an Eager 1 owner who wants the most model-specific listing.
Fits Tecumseh LEV80 LEV100 LEV115 LEV120 LEV150 For Craftsman Toro Engines Recoil Pull Starter Assembly
Fits Tecumseh LEV80 LEV100 LEV115 LEV120 LEV150 For Craftsman Toro Engines, Replace Oem#: 590635 590702 590476 590621 590642 590739 590472 Recoil Pull Starter Assembly Fits Eager 1 Lawn Mower
Best for: Owners who need to confirm compatibility across Tecumseh engine families.
This listing is useful if your engine decal shows a Tecumseh model number rather than a clear Eager 1 reference. Because it lists several Tecumseh LEV models and multiple OEM cross-reference numbers, you can compare them against the number stamped on your old starter.
Key specs:
- Recoil pull starter assembly
- Listed for Tecumseh LEV80, LEV100, LEV115, LEV120 and LEV150 engines
- Cross-referenced to several OEM part numbers
Pros:
- Broad engine-family compatibility listing
- Multiple OEM numbers help with verification
- Useful when the mower badge is unclear
Cons:
- Requires matching the OEM number to be confident about fit
- Broader listing means more checking before you buy
Bottom line: Best for owners who want to verify fit by part number rather than model name.
Recoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower
for Recoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower
Best for: A straightforward direct replacement for the Eager 1.
If you have already removed the old starter and want a part that matches the same engine, this listing is a clean option. It is aimed at owners who know their model and do not need a broad compatibility list.
Key specs:
- Pull start recoil starter with rewind
- Designed for the 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 lawn mower
Pros:
- Model-named listing for the Eager 1
- Direct swap for the original starter
- Easy to compare against the removed unit
Cons:
- Listing offers limited detail on engine family cross-references
- Installation still requires removing the blower housing or shroud on most setups
Bottom line: A solid direct-replacement pick for owners who already know the part they need.
Pull Start Recoil Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mowers
Pull Start Recoil Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mowers
Best for: Budget-minded owners who still want a model-named replacement.
This option is often considered by owners who want a replacement for an older, still-serviceable mower and prefer not to spend heavily on a starter assembly. It is named for the Eager 1 6.75HP mower, so the fit question is answered in the listing itself.
Key specs:
- Pull start recoil starter with rewind
- Named for the 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 mowers
Pros:
- Budget pick among model-named replacements
- Clear model reference in the listing
- Works well as a like-for-like swap
Cons:
- Owners report that build quality varies between units
- Less detail is given about the rewind spring than in premium listings
Bottom line: A reasonable choice when the goal is a budget-friendly, model-matched replacement.
Fits Craftsman Eager 1 6.75HP lawn mowers, Direct-fit pull cord assembly, Qty 1
Fits Craftsman Eager 1 6.75HP lawn mowers, Direct-fit pull cord assembly, Qty 1 Recoil Starter Fits Tecumseh 6.75HP Lawn Mower Engine
Best for: Owners who want a single-piece direct-fit assembly.
This listing emphasizes a direct-fit pull cord assembly and a quantity of one, which suits someone who wants exactly one replacement part and no extra hardware to sort through. It is also named for the Eager 1 6.75HP mower and the Tecumseh 6.75HP engine.
Key specs:
- Direct-fit pull cord assembly
- Quantity of one
- Fits Craftsman Eager 1 6.75HP lawn mowers and Tecumseh 6.75HP engines
Pros:
- Clearly described as direct-fit
- Names both the mower and the engine family
- Single unit keeps the purchase simple
Cons:
- Some owners prefer a listing with more OEM cross-references
- Cord length and handle style should be compared with your old assembly
Bottom line: A good pick for a plain, direct-fit swap on a 6.75HP Eager 1.
FOLIAGE Recoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears for Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower
FOLIAGE for Recoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears for Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower
Best for: Buyers who want to compare listing details before deciding.
This is a useful alternative when you want to check fit notes side by side with other listings. It is named for the 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1, which makes it easy to confirm the match against your mower’s model plate.
Key specs:
- Pull start recoil starter with rewind
- Named for the 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 lawn mower
Pros:
- Model-specific listing for the Eager 1
- Easy to cross-check against the old starter
- Straightforward direct replacement
Cons:
- Listing offers limited technical detail
- Owners should confirm spring and pawl orientation during installation
Bottom line: A dependable alternative for owners who want a model-named starter and a second listing to compare.
Buying Guide
Confirm your engine model and size
Check the decal on the engine shroud or the mower’s model plate. The Eager 1 is commonly fitted with a 6.75HP engine, but the engine family can vary by production year. Matching the horsepower rating and engine family is the most reliable way to avoid buying the wrong starter.
Good picks for this: HURI Pull Start Recoil Starter for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower and Recoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower
Compare OEM part numbers
Old recoil starters often carry a Tecumseh or OEM number stamped on the housing or the rope handle. Comparing that number against a listing’s cross-reference list is one of the most dependable ways to confirm fit, especially for engine-family listings.
Good picks for this: Fits Tecumseh LEV80 LEV100 LEV115 LEV120 LEV150 For Craftsman Toro Engines Recoil Pull Starter Assembly and Fits Craftsman Eager 1 6.75HP lawn mowers, Direct-fit pull cord assembly, Qty 1
Check the rewind spring and pawl design
The rewind spring returns the pulley and cord after each pull, while the pawls engage the flywheel or crankshaft. Worn pawls cause the cord to slip without turning the engine. When comparing listings, look for descriptions that mention a complete rewind assembly rather than just a rope.
Good picks for this: Pull Start Recoil Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mowers and FOLIAGE Recoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears for Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower
Decide between a full assembly and a rope-only repair
If the starter housing is cracked or the pulley is damaged, a rope replacement will not solve the problem. A complete assembly is usually the safer choice when the starter has failed more than once.
Good picks for this: HURI Pull Start Recoil Starter for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower and Recoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower
Match the cord length and handle style
Cord length and handle geometry affect how comfortable the pull feels and whether the handle clears the deck. Measure the old cord from the handle to the knot before ordering, and compare the handle shape in the product photos.
Good picks for this: Fits Craftsman Eager 1 6.75HP lawn mowers, Direct-fit pull cord assembly, Qty 1 and Pull Start Recoil Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mowers
Consider durability and build quality
Owners often report that the most common failure points are the cord, the pawls and the spring. Assemblies with a complete rewind unit and clearly described components tend to hold up better than bare cord kits, though results vary with use and maintenance.
Good picks for this: Fits Tecumseh LEV80 LEV100 LEV115 LEV120 LEV150 For Craftsman Toro Engines Recoil Pull Starter Assembly and HURI Pull Start Recoil Starter for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower
Plan for installation and care
Disconnect the spark plug wire before working on the starter. Most installations require removing the blower housing or shroud, unscrewing the starter bolts, and reattaching the new unit. Keep the cord clean and lightly lubricated at the pulley, and avoid yanking the cord hard when the engine is cold.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower and FOLIAGE Recoil Starter Pull Starter Rewind for 6.75HP Sears for Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower
FAQ
Can a bad recoil starter stop a craftsman eager 1 lawn mower from starting?
Yes. If the cord won’t engage the engine or spins freely without turning the crankshaft, the recoil starter is a likely cause. Check the pawls and rewind spring before assuming the engine itself has failed.
How do I know if I need a new starter or just a new rope?
If the rope is frayed or broken but the housing and pulley are intact, a rope replacement may be enough. If the pulley is cracked, the pawls are worn, or the rewind spring is broken, replace the whole assembly.
Will any 6.75HP recoil starter fit an Eager 1?
Not always. Many 6.75HP Tecumseh-family engines share mounting patterns, but the starter must match your engine model and mounting bolts. Compare the OEM number on your old starter with the listing before buying.
Do I need to remove the blower housing to replace the starter?
On most Eager 1 models, the starter sits under or beside the blower housing or shroud, so removing it is usually required. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact procedure for your model year.
Why does the cord keep retracting without turning the engine?
This usually points to worn or broken pawls that are no longer engaging the flywheel or crankshaft. Replacing the starter assembly typically resolves the issue.
Should I take the mower to a small engine repair shop instead?
If you are not comfortable removing the shroud, handling the spring, or checking the spark and fuel system, a small engine technician can diagnose the problem quickly. This is a reasonable option when the mower is under warranty or you are unsure of the cause.
Is the starter the only reason the engine won’t turn over?
No. Fuel, spark plug, air filter, and carburetor problems can also prevent starting. Rule out the basics before replacing the starter, since a faulty spark plug or stale fuel is far more common.
Conclusion
For most Eager 1 owners, the HURI Pull Start Recoil Starter for 6.75HP Sears Craftsman Eager 1 Lawn Mower is the most model-specific place to start. Owners who need to verify fit by OEM number will find the Tecumseh LEV-series listing more useful. The direct-fit pull cord assembly suits someone who wants a single piece with a simple purchase, while the budget-named option and the FOLIAGE listing work well for owners comparing details side by side. Confirm your engine model before ordering, and rule out fuel and spark issues before assuming the starter is the only problem.
Sources
- Safety guidance on working with powered lawn equipment and avoiding injury during repairs (cpsc.gov)
- General information on small engine maintenance and fuel system care (energy.gov)
- Workplace safety principles for maintenance tasks, including isolating power sources before service (osha.gov)
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About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our lawn mowers guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
