By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
When a Craftsman M105 lawn mower won’t start, the most common culprits are a worn recoil starter or a failed starter solenoid, depending on the model’s setup. This guide compares six replacement parts that match the M105’s 140 cc engine family, sorted by how well each fits the most likely failure. We judged each option on how closely the listing matches the M105, the reputation of the part type, and the patterns owners tend to report, such as fitment confusion, pull-cord durability, and solenoid compatibility. We did not install or test these parts ourselves.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallRecoil Starter Assembly – Fits Craftsman M105 140 cc 3‑in‑1 Lawn MowersView on Amazon - 2TOP CHOICEBest for direct M105 fitRecoil Starter Assembly For Craftsman M105 140cc 3-In-1 Lawn MowerView on Amazon
- 3
TOP CHOICEBest for cross-brand compatibilityRuma 651-05167 Pull Start for Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, Remington, Yard MachinesView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickXIAOWEI Pull Recoil Starter for Craftsman M100 Lawn MowersView on Amazon - 5
Best for electrical starting problems146154 145673 Starter Solenoid 12V for Craftsman LT1000 Poulan Husqvarna AYP Lawn MowerView on Amazon - 6
Best for solenoid replacement across brandsStarter Solenoid Relay Replace for Briggs Stratton 146154 Craftsman 14View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Recoil Starter Assembly – Fits Craftsman M105 140 cc 3‑in‑1 Lawn Mowers | Owners who want a model-specific recoil replacement | Listed for the M105 140 cc 3-in-1 mower |
| Recoil Starter Assembly For Craftsman M105 140cc 3-In-1 Lawn Mower | Direct swap on a worn or broken pull cord | Matched to the M105 140cc platform |
| Ruma 651-05167 Pull Start | Owners with a mower that shares parts across brands | Cross-listed for several Craftsman and MTD-style models |
| XIAOWEI Pull Recoil Starter for Craftsman M100 | Budget-minded repairs on a similar Craftsman housing | Lower-cost recoil option for M100-family mowers |
| 146154 145673 Starter Solenoid 12V | Mowers that click or do nothing when the key or switch is turned | 12V solenoid listed for Craftsman and related brands |
| Starter Solenoid Relay Replace for Briggs Stratton 146154 Craftsman 145673 | Owners matching a solenoid by part number | Cross-referenced part numbers for several brands |
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 who want a recoil starter explicitly labeled for the M105 140 cc 3-in-1 mower.
This is the option to start with if your M105 pulls weakly, won’t engage, or the cord has frayed or snapped. The listing names the exact mower family, which reduces the guesswork that causes many returns.
Key specs:
- Designed for Craftsman M105 140 cc 3-in-1 lawn mowers
- Recoil (pull-start) assembly replacement
Pros:
- Named specifically for the M105 140 cc model
- Replaces the whole assembly, not just the cord
- Straightforward swap with basic hand tools
Cons:
- Fitment still needs a quick check against your engine’s housing
- Owners sometimes report pull-cord stiffness out of the box
Bottom line: Best for owners who want the safest bet for a model-specific recoil replacement on an M105.
Recoil Starter Assembly For Craftsman M105 140cc 3-In-1 Lawn Mower
Recoil Starter Assembly For Craftsman M105 140cc 3-In-1 Lawn Mower
Best for: A direct, like-for-like swap on a worn or broken pull cord.
This listing targets the same 140cc M105 platform and is a practical alternative when the first option is unavailable. It suits owners comfortable matching the old starter’s mounting pattern before installing.
Key specs:
- Built for the Craftsman M105 140cc 3-in-1 mower
- Complete recoil starter assembly
Pros:
- Clear model match on the listing
- Full assembly, so no separate spring work
- Good option as a backup source
Cons:
- Owners often recommend comparing mounting holes before purchase
- Limited detail on cord length in the listing
Bottom line: Ideal for owners who want a second model-specific recoil option for the M105.
Ruma 651-05167 Pull Start for Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, Remington, Yard Machines
Ruma 651-05167 Pull Start for Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, Remington, Yard Machines, M105 TB105 RM105 RM110 RM130 951-05167 951-05320 Recoil Starter for MTD Mower with Powermore 132cc 140cc
Best for: Owners with a mower that shares parts across several brands.
The listing cross-references many MTD-family mowers, which is useful if the part number on your old starter is hard to read. Always confirm the cross-reference against your own model before buying.
Key specs:
- Cross-listed for Craftsman M105, TB105, RM105 and related models
- Listed for 132cc and 140cc Powermore-style engines
Pros:
- Broad compatibility across brands
- Useful part-number cross-reference
- Works well as a second source
Cons:
- Broad listings can create fitment confusion
- Owners sometimes report mismatched hardware
Bottom line: Good for owners whose exact model is unclear but whose engine matches the listed family.
XIAOWEI Pull Recoil Starter for Craftsman M100 Lawn Mowers
XIAOWEI Pull Recoil Starter for Craftsman M100 Lawn Mowers CMXGMAM201102 11A-B0BY793
Best for: Budget-minded repairs on a Craftsman mower with a similar housing.
This is an M100-family recoil option that can work on closely related Craftsman models. Because it is not labeled for the M105 specifically, confirm the mounting pattern before ordering.
Key specs:
- Pull recoil starter for Craftsman M100-family mowers
Pros:
- Lower-cost recoil option
- Easy to compare against your old starter
- Suitable for owners doing a DIY repair
Cons:
- Not labeled specifically for the M105
- Owners may need to check cord length and hardware
Bottom line: A practical budget pick if you can verify the mounting fit against your mower.
146154 145673 Starter Solenoid 12V for Craftsman LT1000 Poulan Husqvarna AYP Lawn Mower
146154 145673 Starter Solenoid 12V for Craftsman LT1000 Poulan 532145673 Husqvarna 532146154 AYP 109081X Lawn Mower
Best for: Mowers that click or do nothing when the start circuit is engaged.
If the M105 engages but does not crank, a failed starter solenoid is a common cause. This 12V part lists the Craftsman 145673 and Briggs-style 146154 numbers, which helps owners confirm a match.
Key specs:
- 12V starter solenoid
- Listed part numbers 146154 and 145673
Pros:
- Clear part-number cross-reference
- Addresses a common electrical failure
- Inexpensive to test as a first step
Cons:
- Electrical work requires care with the battery disconnected
- Owners sometimes report terminal layout differences
Bottom line: Best for owners whose symptom points to the starting circuit rather than the recoil.
Starter Solenoid Relay Replace for Briggs Stratton 146154 Craftsman 145673 AYP John Deere Cub Cadet
Starter Solenoid Relay Replace for Briggs Stratton 146154 Craftsman 145673 AYP 109946 John Deere L100 L110 L118 L120 Cub Cadet 725-04439
Best for: Owners matching a solenoid by part number across several brands.
This relay-style listing cross-references multiple brands, including Craftsman 145673. It suits owners who want a replacement matched by number rather than by mower badge.
Key specs:
- Starter solenoid relay replacement
- Cross-referenced to 146154 and 145673
Pros:
- Broad cross-brand part-number reference
- Useful when the original label is worn
- Fits a common repair category
Cons:
- Cross-brand listings require careful number matching
- Terminal spacing may differ from the original
Bottom line: A solid pick for owners who will verify the part number before installing.
Buying Guide
Confirm Your Exact Failure Point
Before buying anything, work out whether the problem is mechanical or electrical. If the pull cord is loose, slips, or doesn’t engage the flywheel, the recoil assembly is the likely issue. If you hear a click or nothing at all when the start circuit is engaged, suspect the solenoid or battery connections. Check the spark plug and fuel as well, since many no-start complaints trace back to those rather than the starter.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Assembly – Fits Craftsman M105 140 cc 3‑in‑1 Lawn Mowers; 146154 145673 Starter Solenoid 12V
Model Compatibility and Engine Size
The M105 is generally associated with a 140 cc engine, and many aftermarket parts are sold across families. Find the model and engine data on the mower’s decal, usually near the engine or on the deck, and compare it with the listing. Mismatched engine families are the most common reason parts are returned.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Assembly For Craftsman M105 140cc 3-In-1 Lawn Mower; Ruma 651-05167 Pull Start
Mounting Pattern and Hardware
Recoil starters bolt to the engine shroud or blower housing, and hole spacing varies between generations. Lay the old and new parts side by side and compare bolt holes before you start disassembly. Keep the original hardware if it is in good shape, since replacement bolts sometimes differ in length.
Good picks for this: XIAOWEI Pull Recoil Starter for Craftsman M100 Lawn Mowers; Recoil Starter Assembly For Craftsman M105 140cc 3-In-1 Lawn Mower
Cross-Reference Part Numbers
Many replacement parts are sold under cross-referenced numbers, such as 145673 and 146154 for Craftsman-compatible solenoids. Use the number printed on your original part rather than the mower name alone. Confirm that the number on the listing appears on your existing component before you order.
Good picks for this: Starter Solenoid Relay Replace for Briggs Stratton 146154 Craftsman 145673; 146154 145673 Starter Solenoid 12V
Cord Quality and Recoil Durability
Owners often report that cheap cords fray at the handle or near the pulley. Look for a listing that describes the complete assembly rather than just a cord, and check whether the spring and pawl are included. A complete assembly generally holds up better than a cord-only repair.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Assembly – Fits Craftsman M105 140 cc 3‑in‑1 Lawn Mowers; Ruma 651-05167 Pull Start
Electrical Components and Safety
Solenoids and relays carry current, so disconnect the battery and remove the spark plug wire before testing or replacing them. Use a multimeter to check voltage and continuity before buying a replacement, since a bad connection can look like a bad solenoid. If you are not comfortable with electrical testing, a small-engine technician can diagnose it quickly.
Good picks for this: 146154 145673 Starter Solenoid 12V; Starter Solenoid Relay Replace for Briggs Stratton 146154 Craftsman 145673
Use Case and Maintenance Habits
A mower that is stored outdoors, left with old fuel, or run on a weak battery will fail more often than one that is maintained. Fresh fuel, a clean air filter, and a charged battery reduce the number of times the starter has to work hard. Replacing a worn part is a good moment to inspect the rest of the starting system.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter Assembly For Craftsman M105 140cc 3-In-1 Lawn Mower; XIAOWEI Pull Recoil Starter for Craftsman M100 Lawn Mowers
FAQ
Why won’t my Craftsman M105 start even after I pull the cord?
A few causes are common: a worn recoil spring or pawl, a fouled spark plug, stale fuel, or a clogged air filter. Check spark and fuel first, since they are cheap to verify. If the cord pulls freely but does not turn the engine, the recoil assembly is the likely problem.
How do I know if the recoil starter or the solenoid is the problem?
A recoil problem usually feels loose, slips, or does not catch the engine. A solenoid problem often produces a click or no response when the start circuit is used. If you hear nothing at all, check battery voltage and the connections before replacing anything.
Do I need to remove the blower housing to replace the recoil starter?
On many Craftsman push mowers, the recoil assembly is accessible after removing a few bolts and the air filter cover, but layouts vary between generations. Consult the owner’s manual for your exact model before disassembling.
Can I use a generic recoil starter on an M105?
Some aftermarket starters fit, but mounting holes, cord length, and spring tension can differ. Compare the new part with the original before installation, and confirm the listing names your engine family.
Is it safe to test the starter solenoid myself?
Working on electrical components is safe when the battery is disconnected and the spark plug wire is removed. If you are unsure about voltage readings or wiring, consult a qualified small-engine technician.
How long should a replacement recoil starter last?
Lifespan depends on use, storage, and build quality. Owners often report that complete assemblies outlast cord-only repairs, but there is no universal figure, so inspect the cord and spring periodically.
Conclusion
For most Craftsman M105 owners, a model-specific recoil starter is the most direct fix when the cord pulls loosely or fails to engage. The two M105-labeled recoil listings are the safest starting points. If the mower clicks or does nothing when the start circuit is used, a 12V starter solenoid such as the 146154 145673 option is a more likely repair. Verify part numbers and engine family before buying, and disconnect the battery before any electrical work.
Sources
- Safety guidance for handling and operating lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment (cpsc.gov)
- General information on small engine maintenance and fuel storage practices (energy.gov)
- Workplace guidance on safe handling of electrical equipment and lockout practices (osha.gov)
Related reading
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- Craftsman M260 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes
- Craftsman M220 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Best Recoil Starter Replacements (2026)
- Craftsman M215 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 6 Best Replacement Parts (2026)
- Craftsman M205 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Fixes to Try First
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.
