By Lucy FitzgeraldUpdated November 2026
If your Craftsman M230 lawn mower won’t start and the pull cord feels loose, skips, or simply won’t engage the engine, the recoil starter assembly is a likely suspect. This guide compares five recoil starter replacements listed for the Craftsman M230, a 21-inch push mower built around a 163cc engine. The selection criteria were fit with the M230 and compatible engines, build and material notes, the number of owner-reported fit issues we could identify from typical listing feedback patterns, and how clearly each listing describes what is included.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallRecoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230 Lawn MoweView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for multi-brand fit163cc and for Toro Recycler 22 Recoil Starter Pull StartView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for Briggs-style enginesFor Craftsman M230 163cc Engine Recoil Starter for Briggs Stratton 163ccView on Amazon - 4
Best for matching the model numberPull Starter Recoil For Craftsman M230 21" 163cc Lawn Mower CMXGMAM1125502View on Amazon - 5
Best budget pickRecoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman M230 163cc EngineView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower | Owners who want a complete assembly with rope included | Listed for Craftsman M230 plus B&S 163cc and Toro 7.25 engines |
| 163cc and for Toro Recycler 22 Recoil Starter Pull Start | Owners with a Toro Recycler 22 or a similar 163cc setup | Pull-start with rewind starter design |
| For Craftsman M230 163cc Engine Recoil Starter | Owners whose engine is a Briggs & Stratton 163cc | Cross-listed for Briggs & Stratton 163cc engines |
| Pull Starter Recoil For Craftsman M230 21″ 163cc Lawn Mower | Owners who want a model-number-specific match | Listed with Craftsman part reference CMXGMAM1125502 |
| Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman M230 163cc Engine | Owners on a tighter budget who need a direct replacement | Straight assembly replacement for the 163cc engine |
Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower Fits B&S 163cc Toro 7.25
Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower Fits B&S 163cc Toro 7.25 163cc and Toro Recycler 22 Pull Start
Best for: Owners who want a complete assembly with the pull rope included
This listing targets owners who want one part that covers the whole starter, rope and housing, without sourcing pieces separately. It is positioned for the M230 and for other 163cc engines that share the same starter layout.
Key specs
- Designed as a recoil starter with pull rope replacement
- Listed fit: Craftsman M230 lawn mower
- Listed compatibility: B&S 163cc and Toro 7.25 engines
Pros
- Includes the pull rope, so no separate rope purchase is needed
- Broad engine compatibility listed within the 163cc family
- Clear title makes the intended fit easy to confirm
Cons
- Multi-engine listings always require checking the engine decal before ordering
- Installation still requires removing the engine shroud and some disassembly
Bottom line: A strong choice for owners who want the full starter assembly and have confirmed a 163cc engine.
163cc and for Toro Recycler 22 Recoil Starter Pull Start
163cc and for Toro Recycler 22 Recoil Starter Pull Start with Pull Rope Rewind Starter for Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower Fit for Toro 7.25
Best for: Owners with a Toro Recycler 22 or a similar 163cc setup
This pull-start assembly is listed for the Toro Recycler 22 and is also cross-referenced to the Craftsman M230. It suits owners who share parts across machines or who are working from a Toro-branded engine reference.
Key specs
- Recoil starter with pull rope rewind design
- Listed fit: Craftsman M230 and Toro Recycler 22
- Listed compatibility: 163cc engines
Pros
- Useful cross-reference for owners of two different mower brands
- Pull-start rewind design matches standard replacement layouts
- Listing names the 163cc displacement clearly
Cons
- Cross-brand listings can be harder to verify against a specific serial number
- Owners sometimes report needing to transfer the rope pulley from the old unit
Bottom line: Best for owners who want a versatile 163cc starter and can verify the mounting pattern on their own engine.
For Craftsman M230 163cc Engine Recoil Starter for Briggs Stratton 163cc
For Craftsman M230 163cc Engine Recoil Starter for Briggs Stratton 163cc Toro Recycler 22 Craftsman M230
Best for: Owners whose engine is a Briggs & Stratton 163cc
The M230 uses a Briggs & Stratton-family 163cc engine, and this listing is written around that engine family. It is a reasonable fit for owners who want the starter matched to the engine brand rather than to the mower brand alone.
Key specs
- Listed fit: Craftsman M230 163cc engine
- Listed compatibility: Briggs & Stratton 163cc and Toro Recycler 22
Pros
- Engine-family focus helps when the mower badge and engine badge differ
- Clear compatibility statement for Briggs & Stratton 163cc
- Good option for owners rebuilding a 163cc engine setup
Cons
- Engine-based fit still depends on matching the exact shaft and bolt pattern
- Listing does not always make clear whether a rope is included
Bottom line: A good pick if you are matching the starter to a Briggs & Stratton 163cc engine rather than to the Craftsman label.
Pull Starter Recoil For Craftsman M230 21″ 163cc Lawn Mower CMXGMAM1125502
Pull Starter Recoil For Craftsman M230 21" 163cc Lawn Mower CMXGMAM1125502
Best for: Owners who want a model-number-specific match
This listing includes the Craftsman part reference in its title, which makes it easier to check against a parts diagram or the original part number on an old starter. It is aimed at owners who want to match the M230 specifically.
Key specs
- Listed fit: Craftsman M230, 21-inch deck, 163cc engine
- Listed part reference: CMXGMAM1125502
Pros
- Part reference in the title helps confirm the match
- Deck size and engine displacement are both stated
- Good fit for owners checking an old starter’s markings
Cons
- Part-number-specific listings may not cover other models that share the engine
- Installation still requires removing the shroud and recoil housing
Bottom line: The most direct match for an M230 owner who has the original part number to compare against.
Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman M230 163cc Engine
Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman M230 163cc Engine
Best for: Owners on a tighter budget who need a direct replacement
This is a straightforward assembly listed for the M230’s 163cc engine. Its listing is simpler than the multi-brand options, which suits owners who only need a direct swap for their own mower.
Key specs
- Listed fit: Craftsman M230 163cc engine
- Recoil starter assembly design
Pros
- Simple, single-model listing reduces fit confusion
- Direct assembly replacement with no extra brand cross-references
- Budget-friendly option within this set
Cons
- Fewer listing details than the more specific options
- Owners should confirm the rope is included before ordering
Bottom line: A practical pick for owners who only need a direct M230 starter swap and are comfortable confirming details on the listing.
Buying Guide
Confirm the engine and fit before ordering
Check the engine decal on the motor for the displacement and brand. The M230 is generally associated with a 163cc engine, and recoil starters for that displacement are often cross-listed across several mower brands. Match the starter’s mounting bolt pattern and shaft to your engine, not just the mower name.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower, Pull Starter Recoil For Craftsman M230 21″ 163cc Lawn Mower
Check whether the pull rope is included
Some listings include the rope and pulley, while others supply only the housing. Read the description carefully. If the rope is not included, measure the old rope diameter and length before buying a replacement, since a mismatched rope will bind or slip.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower, Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman M230 163cc Engine
Compare cross-brand compatibility
Listings that name several brands can save you a search, but they also mean you should verify the mounting pattern yourself. Compare the old starter’s bolt spacing and pulley shape with the new one before you tear anything down.
Good picks for this: 163cc and for Toro Recycler 22 Recoil Starter Pull Start, For Craftsman M230 163cc Engine Recoil Starter for Briggs Stratton 163cc
Use the part number when you have it
If the old starter has a printed part number, use it to filter listings. Part-number-specific titles are easier to confirm than general descriptions, and they reduce the chance of ordering a near-miss.
Good picks for this: Pull Starter Recoil For Craftsman M230 21″ 163cc Lawn Mower
Inspect the old starter before replacing it
Before buying, pull the old recoil and look for a cracked housing, a worn pawl, or a spring that no longer retracts the rope. If the rope pulls freely but the engine still won’t turn over, the problem may be the engine or the fuel system rather than the starter.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman M230 163cc Engine
Plan for a clean installation
Disconnect the spark plug wire before working on the starter. Remove the shroud, take out the mounting bolts, and transfer any spacers or washers. Tighten bolts evenly and test the rope action before reconnecting the spark plug.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower, Pull Starter Recoil For Craftsman M230 21″ 163cc Lawn Mower
Consider the rest of the starting system
A new starter will not fix a stale-fuel or clogged-carburetor problem. Check the spark plug, fuel, and air filter as well. For a broader set of checks, see Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower Won't Start? 5 Best Recoil Starter Replacements (2026) and Craftsman Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Fixes to Try First.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman M230 163cc Engine
FAQ
Can a bad recoil starter keep a Craftsman M230 from starting?
Yes. A broken rope, a worn pawl, or a damaged spring can prevent the engine from cranking. If the rope pulls freely with no resistance, the starter is a likely cause.
How do I know the engine is 163cc?
The displacement is usually printed on the engine’s decal or shroud. Confirm it before ordering, since several 163cc starters share the same layout.
Do I need to remove the engine to replace the starter?
Usually not. Most owners remove the shroud and the mounting bolts, then swap the recoil assembly with the engine still on the deck.
Why does the rope pull but the engine won’t turn over?
The starter may have lost its engagement, or the problem may be in the engine itself. Check the spark plug and fuel before assuming the starter is at fault.
Should I buy a complete assembly or just the rope?
If the housing is intact and only the rope is worn, a rope kit may be enough. If the pawl or spring is damaged, a complete assembly is the safer choice.
Is a multi-brand starter safe to use on an M230?
It can be, if the bolt pattern and shaft match your engine. Compare the mounting points before installing, and do not force a part that does not seat cleanly.
When should I consult a professional?
If you are uncomfortable working on the engine, or if the problem persists after replacing the starter, have a small-engine repair shop inspect the mower.
Conclusion
For most M230 owners, the best starting point is the complete assembly with the rope included, since it reduces the number of separate parts to source. Owners who want the most direct model match should look at the part-number-specific listing, while those working from a Briggs & Stratton 163cc engine may prefer the engine-family option. The budget-oriented assembly works well when the only need is a straight swap. Whichever you choose, confirm the engine displacement and mounting pattern before you order.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on working with lawn and garden equipment and avoiding injury during repairs (cpsc.gov)
- Workplace safety principles for maintenance tasks, including isolating energy sources before servicing equipment (osha.gov)
- University extension guidance on small engine maintenance, fuel care, and starting problems (extension.illinois.edu)
Related reading
- Craftsman M320 Lawn Mower Won't Start: Step-by-Step Fixes
- Craftsman M260 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes
About Lucy Fitzgerald
Lucy researches and writes buying guides and how-to articles on lawn mowers. Picks are based on product specifications, brand reputation and patterns in owner feedback, and are updated as new models come out.
