By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
When a Craftsman mower with a Honda engine won’t start, the fix often comes down to the starter. Many Craftsman Honda lawn mower won’t start complaints trace back to a worn recoil assembly or a failed electric starter motor, and a replacement part is usually cheaper than a new mower. This guide compares four replacement parts that match common Honda-powered Craftsman setups. Selection criteria: fit with the engine family, part type (recoil or electric), how clearly the listing identifies compatible models, and recurring owner feedback about fit and durability. We have not installed or bench-tested these parts.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallSOFO GCV160 Pull Start Assembly for Honda GCV135 GCV160 GC135 GC160 EngineView on Amazon - 2
Best for GCV135 and GCV160 enginesFits Select GC135 GC160 GCV135 GCV160 Engines GCV160 Pull Start Recoil Starter for HondaView on Amazon - 3
Best for Craftsman M105 mowersRecoil Starter Assembly Fits Craftsman M105 140 cc 3-in-1 Lawn MowersView on Amazon - 4
Best for electric start systemsBriggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934 693551 12HP-21HPView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| SOFO GCV160 Pull Start Assembly | Honda GCV135/GCV160 engines with a recoil pull start | Broad compatibility across the 216 series engine family |
| GCV160 Pull Start Recoil Starter | Owners matching older Honda GC/GCV part numbers | Lists several OEM Honda part numbers for cross-reference |
| Craftsman M105 Recoil Starter Assembly | Craftsman M105 140 cc 3-in-1 mowers | Model-specific fit for that Craftsman line |
| Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934 | Electric starter failures on compatible Briggs and Stratton-based mowers | Replaces an electric starter motor rather than a pull cord |
SOFO GCV160 Pull Start Assembly for Honda GCV135 GCV160 GC135 GC160 Engine
SOFO GCV160 Pull Start Assembly for Honda GCV135 GCV160 GC135 GC160 Engine Recoil Starter 216 Series Lawn Mower Pressure Washer Pull Cord Replacment Parts
Best for: Owners who need a general-purpose recoil replacement for a Honda GCV135 or GCV160 engine.
This assembly suits anyone whose pull cord snapped, whose rewind spring has lost tension, or whose starter pawl no longer engages the flywheel. It is listed for a wide range of Honda 216-series engines, which makes it a practical choice when the original part number is hard to read. A related read: 3 Best Craftsman Lawn Edger Electric Models for Clean Lines (2026).
Key specs
- Designed for Honda GC135, GC160, GCV135 and GCV160 engines
- Recoil (pull start) assembly with rewind spring and pull cord
- Listed for 216-series engines and pressure washer applications
Pros
- Covers multiple Honda engine models under one listing
- Complete assembly, so no separate spring or pawl sourcing
- Straightforward bolt-on replacement for most owners
Cons
- Broad compatibility means you must confirm your exact engine model before ordering
- Installation still requires removing the blower housing or shroud on most mowers
Bottom line: The most flexible choice if you are unsure of the exact part number and your engine is a GC or GCV 135/160.
Fits Select GC135 GC160 GCV135 GCV160 Engines GCV160 Pull Start Recoil Starter for Honda
Fits Select GC135 GC160 GCV135 GCV160 Engines; Replaces 28400-ZL8-023ZA, 28400-ZL8-013ZA, 28400-ZM0-003 GCV160 Pull Start Recoil Starter for Honda GC135 GC160 GCV135
Best for: Owners who want to match a recoil starter to specific original Honda part numbers.
This listing names several Honda OEM numbers it replaces. If you read a part number off your old starter, this is the listing most likely to show a direct cross-reference, which reduces the chance of a fit mistake.
Key specs
- Fits select Honda GC135, GC160, GCV135 and GCV160 engines
- Replaces Honda part numbers 28400-ZL8-023ZA, 28400-ZL8-013ZA and 28400-ZM0-003
- Recoil starter (pull start) design
Pros
- Explicit OEM cross-reference numbers in the listing
- Covers the same engine family as the GCV160 starter assembly
- Easy to compare against the part number stamped on your old unit
Cons
- “Select” engine fitment means you still need to match your exact model
- Some owners report needing to transfer the pull handle or cord from the old unit
Bottom line: Best for owners who can read an old Honda part number and want a clear cross-reference before buying.
Recoil Starter Assembly Fits Craftsman M105 140 cc 3-in-1 Lawn Mowers
Recoil Starter Assembly – Fits Craftsman M105 140 cc 3‑in‑1 Lawn Mowers
Best for: Owners of Craftsman M105 140 cc 3-in-1 mowers with a failed pull start.
This is the most model-specific option in the group. It is aimed at a particular Craftsman line rather than a general Honda engine family, so it fits best when your mower’s model number matches the listing.
Key specs
- Fits Craftsman M105 mowers with 140 cc engines
- Designed for 3-in-1 mowing configurations
- Recoil starter assembly
Pros
- Model-specific listing reduces guesswork
- Recoil design matches the original pull-start setup on that model
- Useful when a Craftsman model number is the only identifier you have
Cons
- Narrow fitment; it will not suit other Craftsman models or engine families
- Confirm the 140 cc engine before ordering, since similar mowers use different engines
Bottom line: The right pick if your mower is specifically a Craftsman M105 and you want a part listed for that model.
Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934 693551 12HP-21HP
Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934 693551 12HP-21HP Fit 31C707 31R907 31P777 John Deere Z225 D105 L100 Troy Bilt Craftsman DLT-3000 Husqvarna PP19A42 YTH18542 MIA13018 SE501848 5777N
Best for: Owners whose electric starter motor has failed, not the pull cord.
This is an electric starter motor rather than a recoil assembly, so it applies only when your mower has a key or button start. Several cross-listed brands appear in the listing title, which suggests it targets a shared Briggs and Stratton platform, but confirm the part number against the original motor before ordering.
Key specs
- Electric starter motor for 12 HP to 21 HP engine applications
- Replacement references include Briggs and Stratton 593934 and 693551
- Electric start (not recoil) design
Pros
- Addresses electric start failures a recoil part cannot fix
- Lists the original Briggs and Stratton numbers for cross-checking
- Covers a range of compatible equipment brands
Cons
- Not a Honda engine part, so it will not fit a true Honda GCV-series mower
- Electrical work and battery disconnection are required; consult a professional if unsure
Bottom line: Only worth buying if you have confirmed an electric starter motor failure on a compatible engine.
Buying Guide
Confirm Whether Your Mower Uses Recoil or Electric Start
Before ordering anything, check how you start the mower. A pull cord means a recoil starter assembly. A key or push-button start means an electric starter motor. Ordering the wrong type is the most common mistake with this kind of repair.
Good picks for this: SOFO GCV160 Pull Start Assembly, Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934
Identify the Engine Model and Part Number
Look for a model or spec label on the engine shroud or valve cover. Honda GCV160 and GC135 engines are common on Craftsman mowers, but similar-looking engines differ in fit. Matching the engine model is more reliable than matching the mower’s marketing name.
Good picks for this: GCV160 Pull Start Recoil Starter, SOFO GCV160 Pull Start Assembly
Check Mower Model Compatibility
Craftsman sold many mower lines with different engines over the years. The model number on the deck or the rating plate tells you which engine and starter your mower uses. A model-specific listing helps when the model is clearly identified.
Good picks for this: Craftsman M105 Recoil Starter Assembly, GCV160 Pull Start Recoil Starter
Compare Original Part Numbers
Read the part number stamped on the old starter or printed in the parts manual. Cross-referencing that number against the listing is the most reliable way to avoid a fit error, especially when listings describe compatibility as “select” or “fits” several models.
Good picks for this: GCV160 Pull Start Recoil Starter, SOFO GCV160 Pull Start Assembly
Decide Between a Full Assembly and a Single Component
Complete recoil assemblies include the housing, spring and pawl. Replacing only the cord or spring can be cheaper but often fails sooner if the pawl or housing is worn. For most owners, a complete assembly is the more reliable repair.
Good picks for this: SOFO GCV160 Pull Start Assembly, Craftsman M105 Recoil Starter Assembly
Plan for Installation and Safety
Disconnect the spark plug wire before working on the starter. On electric start mowers, disconnect the battery first. Expect to remove the blower housing or shroud on most recoil replacements. If you are not comfortable with small engine work, a small engine shop can install the part.
Good picks for this: Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934, Craftsman M105 Recoil Starter Assembly
Consider Durability and Owner Feedback
Owners often report that pull cords and rewind springs wear first, while cheaper starter parts may fail when the pawl or ratchet teeth round off. Look for listings that describe complete assemblies and clear fit data rather than vague compatibility claims.
Good picks for this: SOFO GCV160 Pull Start Assembly, GCV160 Pull Start Recoil Starter
FAQ
Why won’t my Craftsman Honda lawn mower start even though the engine turns over?
If the engine turns over but does not fire, the problem is usually fuel, spark or compression rather than the starter. A recoil or electric starter replacement only fixes a starter that fails to crank the engine. Check fuel, the spark plug and the air filter before replacing the starter.
How do I know if the recoil starter is the problem?
Pull the cord. If it retracts too quickly, feels loose, or does not engage the engine, the recoil assembly is a likely cause. If the cord pulls tight but the engine does not turn, check the pawl and flywheel teeth as well.
Can I use a Honda GCV160 starter on any Craftsman mower?
Not automatically. Craftsman has used Honda and other engines across many models. Confirm the engine model and starter part number before ordering, because a starter that fits one engine may not fit another.
What is the difference between a recoil starter and an electric starter motor?
A recoil starter uses a pull cord and spring to turn the engine. An electric starter motor uses battery power to crank the engine. The two are not interchangeable, so the mower’s starting method determines which part you need.
Should I replace the whole recoil assembly or just the pull cord?
Owners often report that replacing only the cord works for a simple break, but a complete assembly is more reliable when the spring or pawl is also worn. If the rewind spring is weak, a full assembly is usually the better repair.
Is starter replacement a job I can do myself?
Many owners complete recoil replacements with basic hand tools and the manufacturer’s service manual. Electric starter work involves battery and wiring steps and may be better left to a professional if you are unsure.
Conclusion
For a Craftsman Honda lawn mower that won’t start because the pull cord fails, the SOFO GCV160 Pull Start Assembly is the most flexible option for GC and GCV 135/160 engines. If you can read an original Honda part number, the GCV160 Pull Start Recoil Starter helps you cross-reference it directly. The Craftsman M105 Recoil Starter Assembly suits that specific model, and the Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934 only applies if you have an electric starter failure on a compatible engine. Confirm your engine and mower model before ordering, and consult a small engine professional if the repair involves electrical components.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on working with powered lawn equipment and avoiding injury during repairs (cpsc.gov)
- Workplace safety standards that apply to maintenance of powered equipment (osha.gov)
- University extension resources on small engine maintenance and troubleshooting (extension.org)
Related reading
- Toro Lawn Mower with Honda Engine Won't Start: 7 Fixes That Work
- Honda Troy Bilt Lawn Mower Won't Start: 3 Parts Compared (2026)
- Honda Lawn Mower Won't Start: Causes and Step-by-Step Fixes
- Honda Easy Start GCV160 Lawn Mower Won't Start: Causes and Fixes
- Craftsman V20 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 6 Best Replacement Parts (2026)
- Craftsman V20 Electric Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Best Replacement Picks (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.
