5 Best Craftsman 140cc Lawn Mower Won’t Start Replacement Parts Compareds

By Graham Fisher

Updated November 2026

When a craftsman 140cc lawn mower won’t start, a worn or broken recoil starter is one of the most common culprits, especially when the cord pulls freely without turning the engine. This guide compares five recoil starter assemblies sold for 140cc Craftsman mowers. Our selection criteria were model compatibility with the 140cc engine, how clearly each listing identifies the fitting Craftsman models, the typical design of the starter assembly, and patterns that owners tend to mention about fit and reliability. We did not install or test these parts ourselves; the picks reflect listing details and general owner feedback.

Our Top Picks

Before you order any part, confirm your mower’s model number, usually on a decal near the engine or under the deck. Starter assemblies are often specific to a model family, and a part that looks identical can have a different mounting bracket or pulley diameter.

XSPANDER Recoil Pull Starter Assembly for Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower CMXGMAM1125499 140cc Engine

XSPANDER Recoil Pull Starter Assembly for Craftsman M110 Lawn Mower CMXGMAM1125499 140cc Engine

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Best for: Craftsman M110 owners with a 140cc engine who want a part number matched to their model.

This assembly is aimed at owners who have confirmed their mower is an M110 and want the listing to match the model number on their engine. Because the title names a specific model code, checking that code before ordering is the key step.

Key specs

• Recoil starter assembly designed for a 140cc Craftsman engine
• Listed for the Craftsman M110 model, with the CMXGMAM1125499 reference

Pros

• The model name in the title makes compatibility easy to verify
• A complete assembly means no transferring a pulley or spring from the old unit
• Clear identification reduces the chance of ordering the wrong bracket

Cons

• Owners of other Craftsman models will need to check fitment carefully
• Installation still requires removing the shroud and engine cover

Bottom line: A strong first choice for an M110 owner who wants a model-matched replacement.

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Pull Start Recoil Starter for Poulan Pro 500 Series 140cc Craftsman 37298 37420 37295 Lawn Mower 21″

Pull Start Recoil Starter for Poulan Pro 500 Series 140cc Craftsman 37298 37420 37295 Lawn Mower 21"

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Best for: 21-inch Craftsman decks that use a Poulan Pro-style 140cc starter.

This listing names several Craftsman and Poulan Pro reference numbers, which suits owners whose mower carries one of those part codes rather than an M-series model label. Matching the old starter’s part number is the most reliable way to confirm fit.

Key specs

• Recoil pull starter for a 140cc engine
• Listed for 21-inch Craftsman lawn mowers in the 37298, 37420 and 37295 family

Pros

• Multiple cross-referenced part numbers help with identification
• Useful when the mower’s model badge is worn or missing
• Covers a broader set of compatible machines than single-model listings

Cons

• A long list of compatible numbers means you must compare carefully
• Not ideal for owners whose mower is a 3-in-1 M-series model

Bottom line: Best for owners who can match a part number on their starter or deck and want the broadest cross-reference.

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Recoil Starter Assembly – Fits Craftsman M105 140cc 3‑in‑1 Lawn Mowers

Recoil Starter Assembly – Fits Craftsman M105 140 cc 3‑in‑1 Lawn Mowers

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Best for: Craftsman M105 3-in-1 mower owners.

The listing is built around the M105 3-in-1 family, which makes it a direct choice if your mower carries that model badge. Owners often mention that single-model listings reduce guesswork during ordering.

Key specs

• Recoil starter assembly for a 140cc engine
• Listed for the Craftsman M105 140cc 3-in-1 lawn mower

Pros

• Explicit M105 3-in-1 fit simplifies ordering
• Works well as a like-for-like replacement for the original starter
• Clear title makes it easy to compare with the old assembly

Cons

• Limited to the M105 family, so other models are not covered
• Still requires careful alignment of the pulley and spring during installation

Bottom line: A focused choice for anyone who has confirmed an M105 3-in-1 mower.

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Recoil Starter Assembly For Craftsman M105 140cc 3-In-1 Lawn Mower

Recoil Starter Assembly For Craftsman M105 140cc 3-In-1 Lawn Mower

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Best for: Budget-minded owners of an M105 3-in-1 mower.

This is a near-identical M105 listing that suits owners who want a straightforward replacement without extra compatibility notes. It is a sensible option when the starter simply needs replacing and the model is already confirmed.

Key specs

• Recoil starter assembly for a 140cc engine
• Listed for the Craftsman M105 140cc 3-in-1 lawn mower

Pros

• Simple, direct listing that is easy to match to a mower
• Suitable for a like-for-like swap on an M105
• A practical option for owners focused on the repair itself

Cons

• Listing details are fewer than some alternatives, so verify the mounting layout
• Only applicable to the M105 family

Bottom line: A practical pick for an M105 owner who wants a no-frills replacement.

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Recoil Pull Starter for Craftsman M100 140cc Lawn Mower

for Craftsman M100 140cc Lawn Mower Recoil Pull Starter

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Best for: Craftsman M100 owners with a 140cc engine.

This listing targets the M100 model directly, making it the natural choice for owners whose mower carries that badge. As with any starter swap, comparing the old pulley and spring against the new part before installation avoids surprises.

Key specs

• Recoil pull starter for a 140cc engine
• Listed for the Craftsman M100 lawn mower

Pros

• Direct M100 fit is easy to confirm
• Replaces the starter without changing other engine components
• Clear model listing reduces ordering errors

Cons

• Not suitable for owners of other Craftsman models
• Installation requires removing the cover and disengaging the spring safely

Bottom line: The right choice for an M100 owner who wants a model-specific replacement.

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Buying Guide

Confirm your model number

Look for the model code on the deck, handle or engine shroud, and match it to the listing before ordering. Starter assemblies can share a look while differing in bracket position or pulley size.

Good picks for this: XSPANDER Recoil Pull Starter Assembly for Craftsman M110, Recoil Pull Starter for Craftsman M100 140cc

Check the engine displacement

These listings are for 140cc engines. Confirm the displacement on the engine decal, since a mismatched engine can look similar but use a different starter layout.

Good picks for this: Pull Start Recoil Starter for Poulan Pro 500 Series 140cc, Recoil Starter Assembly – Fits Craftsman M105 140cc 3-in-1

Compare cross-referenced part numbers

If your mower has a worn model badge, compare the old starter’s part number against the listing. Multiple cross-references can help when the original labeling is unreadable.

Good picks for this: Pull Start Recoil Starter for Poulan Pro 500 Series 140cc

Inspect the old pulley and spring

Before buying, look at the old pulley for cracks and the rewind spring for fatigue. If the pulley is intact and only the cord is frayed, a cord and spring kit may be enough, so consider this before replacing the whole assembly.

Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Assembly For Craftsman M105 140cc 3-In-1 Lawn Mower

Consider the use case

A mower used every weekend benefits from a complete assembly with a fresh spring and pulley, while an occasional-use machine may be fine with a like-for-like single-model part.

Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Assembly – Fits Craftsman M105 140cc 3-in-1, XSPANDER Recoil Pull Starter Assembly for Craftsman M110

Think about durability and care

Keeping the cord clean, avoiding sharp pulls, and wiping the engine area reduces wear. Many owners find that a fresh assembly lasts longer when the old debris is cleaned out first.

Good picks for this: Recoil Pull Starter for Craftsman M100 140cc Lawn Mower

Plan the installation

Disconnect the spark plug wire before working on the starter. Release the spring tension carefully, since the rewind spring can unwind suddenly. If you are unsure, a small engine repair shop can install the part.

Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Assembly For Craftsman M105 140cc 3-In-1 Lawn Mower

FAQ

Why does my craftsman 140cc lawn mower won’t start even though the cord pulls?

If the cord pulls freely without resistance, the pulley may not be engaging the engine, often due to a broken pawl, worn pulley, or a snapped spring. Check the starter before assuming the engine itself has failed.

How do I find the right replacement recoil starter?

Match the model number on your mower to the listing, and cross-check the part number on the old starter if it is visible. Confirm the 140cc displacement on the engine decal.

Can I replace only the rope instead of the whole assembly?

Yes, if the pulley, pawl and spring are intact. A rope-and-spring kit is often sufficient when only the cord has frayed or broken.

Do I need to disconnect the spark plug before replacing the starter?

Yes. Disconnecting the spark plug wire prevents accidental starting while your hands are near the pulley and blades.

Is a starter problem the same as a fuel problem?

No. A starter that spins freely points to the starter assembly, while an engine that cranks but does not fire often points to fuel, spark or air issues. Some owners confuse the two symptoms.

When should I take the mower to a repair shop?

If you are uncomfortable releasing spring tension or if the engine shows other symptoms like smoke or knocking, consult a qualified small engine technician. Spring recoil units can cause injury if mishandled.

Conclusion

For most craftsman 140cc lawn mower won’t start situations caused by a failed recoil starter, the right pick depends on your model code. Owners of an M110 should look at the XSPANDER assembly, M105 owners have two focused options, and M100 owners have a direct match. If your mower has a worn badge, the Poulan Pro-style listing with multiple cross-references offers the most flexibility. Confirm your model before ordering.

For more troubleshooting context, see Craftsman 140cc Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Best Replacement Parts Compared and Craftsman M100 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes. If the starter is fine but the engine still will not run, Craftsman Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Fixes to Try First covers other common causes.

Sources

• Consumer safety guidance on lawn mower operation and recall notices (cpsc.gov)
• Workplace and equipment safety information relevant to powered outdoor equipment (osha.gov)
• Background on small engine efficiency and maintenance practices (energy.gov)

Related reading

• Craftsman M320 Lawn Mower Won't Start: Step-by-Step Fixes
• Craftsman M260 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes
• Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower Won't Start? 5 Best Recoil Starter Replacements (2026)
• Craftsman M220 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Best Recoil Starter Replacements (2026)

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.