By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
A Black and Decker 13 amp lawn mower that won’t start is usually a problem with the starting circuit, the recoil starter, or a worn component inside the motor housing. Before buying anything, you need to know which part has actually failed. This guide compares three commonly searched replacement items: a recoil pull starter assembly, a starter solenoid relay, and a push-button electric walk-behind mower, which is the option if you would rather replace the whole starting system than repair it. Each pick is weighed against the same criteria: fit with the mower type, how the part fails, ease of installation, and how consistently owners report it working after replacement.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallRecoil Pull Starter Assembly – Fits MTD/Huskee/Yard Machines 139 cc PuView on Amazon - 2
Best for electric starting circuitsStarter Solenoid Relay Replace for Briggs Stratton 146154 Craftsman 14View on Amazon - 3
Best budget pick for a full replacementGreenworksQuiet walk-behind mower with push-button start; gas-free opeView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Recoil Pull Starter Assembly (Fits MTD/Huskee/Yard Machines 139 cc) | Pull-cord starts that fail to engage or spin freely | Direct replacement starter with recoil spring and pawl |
| Starter Solenoid Relay Replace for Briggs Stratton 146154 and others | Electric start that clicks or does nothing when the key is turned | Replaces the relay that routes battery current to the starter motor |
| Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower | Owners who want to replace the gas starting system altogether | Push-button start with no pull cord and no gasoline |
Recoil Pull Starter Assembly – Fits MTD/Huskee/Yard Machines 139 cc Push Lawn Mowers (Model SKU01)
Recoil Pull Starter Assembly – Fits MTD/Huskee/Yard Machines 139 cc Push Lawn Mowers (Model SKU01)
Best for: Pull-cord starts that fail to engage, spin without turning the engine, or retract too slowly.
This is the right choice if your mower has a working engine but the pull rope either does not catch the flywheel or snaps back without cranking. Owners with a 139 cc push mower who want a like-for-like replacement tend to pick this kind of assembly over repairing a worn pawl by hand.
Key specs
- Designed as a recoil starter assembly for 139 cc push lawn mowers
- Listed compatibility with MTD, Huskee and Yard Machines models
- Replaces the complete pull-start unit, including the rope and housing
Pros
- Complete assembly, so you do not need to disassemble the old starter to rebuild it
- Restores normal rope tension and rewind on a worn unit
- Generally quicker to install than troubleshooting internal engine components
Cons
- Only useful if the engine itself turns over when the rope is pulled
- Fit depends on matching the listed model compatibility to your mower’s engine
Bottom line: Choose this if the rope is the failure point and the engine still spins freely. Confirm the compatibility list against your model number before ordering.
Starter Solenoid Relay Replace for Briggs Stratton 146154 Craftsman 145673 AYP 109946 John Deere L100 L110 L118 L120 Cub Cadet 725-04439
Starter Solenoid Relay Replace for Briggs Stratton 146154 Craftsman 145673 AYP 109946 John Deere L100 L110 L118 L120 Cub Cadet 725-04439
Best for: Electric-start mowers that click, buzz, or do nothing when the key or button is engaged.
A starter solenoid acts as a heavy-duty switch between the battery and the starter motor. When it fails, the starter often clicks but never cranks. This relay is aimed at owners who have confirmed the battery is charged and the wiring is intact, and who suspect the solenoid is the weak link.
Key specs
- Solenoid relay replacement listed for multiple Briggs & Stratton and other brand part numbers
- Designed to replace the relay that switches starter current
Pros
- Addresses a common failure point in electric-start systems
- Typically a straightforward swap compared with rebuilding a motor
- Covers several cross-referenced part numbers, which helps with fit checks
Cons
- Will not help if the battery is discharged or the starter motor itself has failed
- Requires confirming the part number matches your mower; cross-listings vary
Bottom line: A sensible pick for a click-but-no-crank problem. Test battery voltage and terminal connections first so you are not replacing a relay that was never at fault.
GreenworksQuiet walk-behind mower with push-button start; gas-free operation eliminates fumes and pull starts 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
GreenworksQuiet walk-behind mower with push-button start; gas-free operation eliminates fumes and pull starts 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
Best for: Owners who would rather replace the whole starting system than keep repairing a gas engine.
If the old 13 amp Black and Decker has a tired engine, a cracked housing, or repairs that add up, a battery-powered push mower sidesteps the starting problem entirely. It suits smaller, mostly level lawns where a single battery charge covers the job.
Key specs
- 16-inch cutting width
- 40V battery platform
- 4.0 Ah battery and charger included
- Push-button start, with no pull cord
Pros
- Push-button start removes the pull cord and the gasoline engine entirely
- No fumes and no fuel, which simplifies storage and use indoors near a garage
- Battery and charger are included, so you can start mowing right away
Cons
- Runtime is limited by the 4.0 Ah battery, which may not cover a large lawn in one pass
- The cutting width is narrower than many gas push mowers
Bottom line: The best fit if you are replacing rather than repairing and your lawn is small to medium-sized. Owners with large yards usually need more runtime than this battery provides.
Buying Guide
Diagnose the failure before you buy
The symptom tells you which part to replace. A click with no crank points to the solenoid or battery. A rope that pulls freely with no engine response points to the starter pawl or a seized engine. A rope that spins without catching points to a worn starter. Check the battery voltage with a multimeter, since a battery that reads below about 12 volts under load is a likely cause for electric starts.
Good picks for this: Starter Solenoid Relay Replace; Recoil Pull Starter Assembly
Confirm model and part compatibility
Black and Decker, MTD, Briggs & Stratton and other engine-based mowers share starter designs across many models, but not all. Find the model and serial number on the mower decal, then compare them against the compatibility list in the listing. A mismatch is the most common reason a replacement part does not work.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull Starter Assembly; Starter Solenoid Relay Replace
Engine type: gas versus electric start
Know whether your mower uses a pull cord, an electric start, or both. Pull-start parts will not help an electric-start circuit, and vice versa. Many 13 amp electric-start models use a battery and solenoid, while pull-start models rely on a recoil assembly.
Good picks for this: Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower; Starter Solenoid Relay Replace
Size and cutting width
Replacing the starting system is only worthwhile if the mower still fits your yard. A 16-inch cutting width is comfortable for small lawns but will take longer on larger areas. Estimate your mowing time before choosing a replacement mower instead of a repair.
Good picks for this: Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower; Recoil Pull Starter Assembly
Battery capacity and runtime
For battery-powered replacements, the amp-hour rating sets runtime. A 4.0 Ah battery suits small lawns, while larger yards may need a higher-capacity pack or a second battery. Check whether the battery and charger are included so you know what you are paying for.
Good picks for this: Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower
Durability of the replacement part
Starter components take repeated mechanical and electrical stress. Look for listings that specify the materials or the original part numbers they replace. Owners generally report better results with direct-replacement assemblies than with generic parts that have vague compatibility claims.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull Starter Assembly; Starter Solenoid Relay Replace
Care and prevention
Keep the battery charged during storage, clean the terminals, and drain or stabilize fuel before winter if you have a gas engine. Dirty or corroded connections are a frequent cause of no-start conditions and are far cheaper to fix than a replacement part.
Good picks for this: Starter Solenoid Relay Replace; Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower
FAQ
Why does my Black and Decker 13 amp mower click but not start?
A click usually means the solenoid is receiving a signal but the starter is not getting enough current. Check the battery voltage first. If the battery is strong and the terminals are clean, the solenoid or starter motor is the likely cause.
Can I fix a pull cord that won’t catch?
Sometimes. A worn pawl or a broken return spring can often be replaced in the recoil assembly. If the rope pulls freely with no engine response, the problem may be deeper in the engine.
Do I need to replace the battery before the solenoid?
Test the battery first. A weak battery can cause the same click-without-crank symptom as a bad solenoid, and it is the cheaper and quicker check.
Will a generic starter part fit my mower?
Only if its compatibility list matches your model and part number. Cross-referenced listings are common, so verify before ordering.
Is it worth repairing an older 13 amp mower?
That depends on the condition of the rest of the mower. If the engine runs well and the deck is sound, a starter repair is usually reasonable. If several systems are worn, a replacement mower may make more sense.
Can I switch from a gas mower to a battery mower?
Yes, if the new mower’s cutting width and runtime suit your lawn. Battery mowers remove pull-start and fuel issues but require charging between sessions.
When should I take the mower to a repair shop?
If you smell fuel strongly, see damaged wiring, or are uncomfortable working near the engine, have a qualified small-engine technician inspect it. Battery and electrical work carries a shock or fire risk if done incorrectly.
Conclusion
A Black and Decker 13 amp mower that won’t start usually points to one of three areas: the pull starter, the solenoid, or the battery. The Recoil Pull Starter Assembly suits pull-cord failures, the Starter Solenoid Relay suits click-without-crank electric starts, and the Greenworks 40V 16in push mower suits owners who want to replace the gas starting system entirely. Test the battery and confirm your model number before buying any part, since compatibility is the most common reason a replacement fails.
For a full symptom-by-symptom walkthrough, see Black and Decker Cordless Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Fixes to Try and Troubleshooting a Lawn Mower That Won't Start: 8 Steps to Fix It. If your mower is a tractor-style model, Tractor Lawn Mower Won't Start: 5 Best Fixes and Parts Compared (2026) covers related starter problems.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on operating and storing gas-powered lawn equipment (cpsc.gov)
- Background on battery types, capacity and safe charging practices (energy.gov)
Related reading
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.
