By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
When a black and decker lawn mower won’t start, the cause is usually a worn starter cord, a weak battery, a clogged fuel path, or a bad spark plug. Before you buy anything, it helps to know which part is failing. This guide compares three products that address the most common starting problems on Black and Decker and similar mowers. Our selection criteria were specification fit, brand reputation for the part type, and the patterns owners commonly describe in their feedback. We have not tested these products ourselves, so treat the notes below as a research summary rather than hands-on results.
Best overall: Fits 093J02 103M02 103M05 104M02 103M0B Lawn Mower Rewind Recoil Starter – View on Amazon
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallFits 093J02 103M02 103M05 104M02 103M0B Lawn Mower Rewind Recoil Starter (Black) 594062View on Amazon - 2
Best for owners who need a starter cord replacementBriggs & Stratton 5042K Genuine Starter Rope and Grip KitView on Amazon - 3
Best for a cordless, pull-start-free optionGreenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower with 4.0 Ah Battery and ChargerView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Fits 093J02 103M02 103M05 104M02 103M0B Lawn Mower Rewind Recoil Starter (Black) 594062 | Engines where the recoil starter has failed or the rope will not retract | Complete rewind starter assembly with listed fitment for several model numbers |
| Briggs & Stratton 5042K Genuine Starter Rope and Grip Kit | Owners who only need to replace a frayed or broken pull cord | Genuine rope and handle kit for select 2 to 4 HP small engines |
| Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger | Owners considering a switch away from gas starting altogether | Push-button start with no pull cord or fuel to prime |
Fits 093J02 103M02 103M05 104M02 103M0B Lawn Mower Rewind Recoil Starter (Black) 594062
Fits 093J02 103M02 103M05 104M02 103M0B Lawn Mower Rewind Recoil Starter (Black) 594062 Recoil Starter Pull Start Assembly, 594062 Rewind Starter
Best for: Replacing a recoil starter assembly that no longer engages or returns properly.
This is the right choice if your mower’s pull cord runs freely but the pulley does not catch, or if the rewind spring has stopped returning the rope. It suits owners comfortable removing a few engine shroud bolts and reconnecting the starter housing.
Key specs
- Rewind recoil starter assembly, black finish
- Listed fitment for model numbers 093J02, 103M02, 103M05, 104M02, and 103M0B
- Replacement reference 594062
Pros
- Complete assembly, so no disassembly of the old pulley is needed
- Addresses the most common cause of a pull-start mower that spins but will not fire
- Multiple model numbers listed, which helps with cross-checking
Cons
- Fitment is model-specific, so confirm your number against the engine decal before ordering
- Installation requires basic hand tools and some patience with the spring tension
Bottom line: A strong pick for owners whose starter pulley is the failed component. Verify your model number first.
Briggs & Stratton 5042K Genuine Starter Rope and Grip Kit
Briggs & StrattonPull cord and handle replacement for select 2 to 4 HP small engines 5042K Genuine Starter Rope and Grip Kit
Best for: Replacing a frayed, stretched, or broken starter rope without replacing the whole recoil assembly.
Owners who see the rope fray near the handle or snap at the pulley will often find this kit is all that is needed. It is a lower-effort repair when the starter housing itself is still sound.
Key specs
- Genuine starter rope and grip kit
- Designed for select 2 to 4 HP small engines
Pros
- Lower-cost repair path than a full recoil assembly
- Genuine parts from the engine manufacturer’s supply line
- Fast to install on most small engines once the old rope is removed
Cons
- Does not repair a broken pulley, spring, or pawl
- Engine compatibility should be checked against your model before ordering
Bottom line: Best for owners whose only problem is a worn or broken pull cord. Skip it if the starter pulley is cracked.
Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower with 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 want to eliminate pull starts and fuel-related no-start problems altogether.
If your Black and Decker has failed repeatedly and you are weighing whether to replace the machine, a battery push-button mower removes the most common starting failures. It fits smaller and mid-size lawns best.
Key specs
- 40V battery platform
- 16-inch cutting deck
- 4.0 Ah battery and charger included
- Push-button start, no pull cord
Pros
- No fuel, spark plug, or choke to troubleshoot
- Quiet operation and no exhaust fumes
- Simple starting routine with a push button
Cons
- Runtime depends on lawn size; larger yards may need a second battery
- Battery and charger must be kept in good condition for reliable starts
Bottom line: A good replacement path for smaller yards if a gas repair no longer makes sense. Consider a higher-capacity battery for bigger lots.
Buying Guide
Identify the Failed Component First
Before buying, confirm what is actually broken. A mower that spins the engine but does not fire usually points to fuel, spark, or compression. A mower where the pull cord runs freely with no engagement usually points to the starter pulley or pawl. Checking these before ordering prevents buying the wrong part.
Good picks for this: Fits 093J02 103M02 103M05 104M02 103M0B Lawn Mower Rewind Recoil Starter; Briggs & Stratton 5042K Genuine Starter Rope and Grip Kit
Match the Model Number
Black and Decker and rebranded engines use model and serial numbers that determine fitment. Look for the decal on the engine shroud or deck and compare it with the listing. Replacement starters and ropes are often model-specific.
Good picks for this: Fits 093J02 103M02 103M05 104M02 103M0B Lawn Mower Rewind Recoil Starter; Briggs & Stratton 5042K Genuine Starter Rope and Grip Kit
Engine Size and Starter Type
Small engine horsepower affects which starter assembly and rope kit will fit. Confirm whether your mower uses a recoil starter, a rope and grip, or an electric start. Mixing up these systems is a common reason for returns.
Good picks for this: Briggs & Stratton 5042K Genuine Starter Rope and Grip Kit
Battery Platform and Runtime
If you consider a cordless option, check the battery voltage, amp-hour rating, and whether the platform matches other tools you own. Higher amp-hour batteries run longer but take more space and weight.
Good picks for this: Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
Lawn Size and Cutting Width
A 16-inch deck suits small to medium lawns. Larger yards benefit from wider decks and higher battery capacity, which reduces the number of charging stops.
Good picks for this: Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
Starting Method and Ease of Use
Pull starts can cause strain, especially for older users. Push-button or electric starts remove that effort but add battery maintenance. Weigh these trade-offs against how often you mow.
Good picks for this: Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
Durability and Replacement Availability
Genuine parts from the engine manufacturer usually last longer than generic substitutes. Check whether replacement parts remain available for your model, since discontinued models can make repairs harder to source.
Good picks for this: Briggs & Stratton 5042K Genuine Starter Rope and Grip Kit; Fits 093J02 103M02 103M05 104M02 103M0B Lawn Mower Rewind Recoil Starter
Care and Preventive Maintenance
Fresh fuel, a clean air filter, and a properly gapped spark plug prevent many no-start problems. Stabilizer added to fuel helps during storage. Batteries perform best when stored at moderate temperatures and charged before long breaks.
Good picks for this: Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
FAQ
Why does my Black and Decker lawn mower won’t start even though the pull cord spins?
If the cord spins freely without resistance, the starter pawl or pulley is usually not engaging the engine. Check whether the pulley teeth are worn or the rewind spring has lost tension. Replacing the complete recoil starter is often more reliable than repairing individual parts.
Can old gas cause a Black and Decker mower not to start?
Yes. Gasoline that is more than about 30 days old can degrade and leave varnish in the carburetor. Draining or replacing the fuel and cleaning the carburetor bowl often resolves this. Ethanol-blended fuel is a frequent contributor to this problem.
How do I know if the spark plug is the problem?
Remove the plug, inspect the electrode for fouling or wear, and check the gap against the engine specification. A plug that is black, oily, or heavily carboned should be replaced. Always reconnect the boot firmly before testing.
Should I replace the battery on a cordless Black and Decker mower?
If the mower powers on but the motor will not start or runs weakly, the battery is a likely cause. Check the charge level and try a fully charged battery. Batteries that no longer hold charge after several years usually need replacement.
Is it worth repairing an older mower or replacing it?
If the engine runs well and the repair is a starter or fuel part, repair is usually the better value. If the engine has internal damage, excessive smoke, or repeated failures, replacement may make more sense. Weigh the cost of parts against the mower’s condition.
When should I take the mower to a professional?
If you are uncomfortable working with fuel, spark, or engine internals, consult a qualified small engine repair technician. Safety matters, especially with gasoline, sharp blades, and stored energy in springs.
Conclusion
For a black and decker lawn mower won’t start problem, begin by identifying whether the fault is in the starter, the fuel system, or the battery. Choose the Fits 093J02 103M02 103M05 104M02 103M0B Lawn Mower Rewind Recoil Starter if the pulley or spring has failed, the Briggs & Stratton 5042K Genuine Starter Rope and Grip Kit if only the rope is worn, and the Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger if you prefer to move away from gas starting. For broader diagnosis steps, see Troubleshooting a Lawn Mower That Won't Start: 8 Steps to Fix It and Black and Decker Cordless Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Fixes to Try.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on small engine and power equipment use, storage, and handling (cpsc.gov)
- Information on battery storage, charging, and energy-efficient outdoor equipment (energy.gov)
Related reading
- Black and Decker 40V Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Fixes to Try
- 3 Best Black and Decker 13 Amp Lawn Mower Won't Starts (2026): Our Picks
- Black Max Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Parts and Fixes Compared (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.
