Toro 6.5 HP Lawn Mower Won’t Start? 5 Best Recoil Starter Replacements (2026)

By Graham Fisher

Updated November 2026

A toro 6.5 hp lawn mower won’t start more often than most owners expect, and in many cases the culprit is a worn or broken recoil starter rather than the engine itself. This guide compares five recoil starter assemblies sold for Toro 6.5 HP walk-behind models, with a focus on fit, the engine families they are listed to match, and the patterns owners often report after installation. Our selection criteria were listing accuracy (specific model and engine compatibility), part-number cross-referencing, and how clearly each listing describes what you are buying.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 149cc/173cc Engines

Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 149cc/173cc Engines; Replaces 1416520, 1416520S And 1416520-S 14 165 20-S Recoil Starter for Kohler XT650 XT675 XT775 XT800

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Best for: Kohler XT-series engine owners who want a part that covers more than one engine size.

This listing is aimed at Toro Recycler owners whose mower runs a Kohler XT-series engine in the 149cc or 173cc range. It is a good starting point if you are not certain which engine family your mower uses.

Key specs

• Engine families: Kohler XT-Series 149cc and 173cc
• Replacement reference numbers: 1416520, 1416520S, 14 165 20-S
• Assembly type: recoil starter (pull start)

Pros

• Lists several engine sizes, which helps when the starter model is unclear
• Includes multiple replacement part numbers for cross-checking
• Names specific Kohler XT650, XT675 and XT775 engine models

Cons

• Multi-engine compatibility means you must verify your exact engine before ordering
• Owners often report that matching the correct sub-version takes extra checking

Bottom line: A sensible choice for owners who have confirmed a Kohler XT-series engine and want a part that cross-references several numbers.

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Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawn Mower

Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawn Mower

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Best for: Toro GTS 22-inch Recycler owners looking for a model-specific match.

The listing names the Toro 6.5HP GTS 22-inch Recycler directly, making it easy to confirm fit against your mower’s model plate before buying.

Key specs

• Model match: Toro 6.5HP GTS 22-inch Recycler
• Assembly type: pull recoil starter

Pros

• Model-specific title reduces guesswork
• Clear description of the intended mower
• Straightforward assembly-type listing

Cons

• Fewer cross-reference part numbers in the listing than some alternatives
• Owners should still compare the pulley and spring layout against the original

Bottom line: Best for owners who want a part named for their exact Toro GTS 22-inch model.

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Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22

Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22 Pull Start Assembly Kohler 6.5 6.75 149cc 173cc XT650 XT 675 Engine Lawn Mower Replace 14 165 20-S

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Best for: Owners with a Kohler XT650 or XT675 engine who want to match a replacement by engine model.

This listing ties the starter to the XT675 149cc engine and cross-references the 14 165 20-S number, which helps when comparing against an original part.

Key specs

• Engine match: Kohler XT675 149cc (listed for XT650/XT675 engines)
• Cross-reference: 14 165 20-S
• Assembly type: recoil starter

Pros

• Engine-model-specific listing
• Part-number cross-reference supports side-by-side checking
• Covers both 6.5 and 6.75 engine labels in the title

Cons

• Title is long and mixes several model names, so confirm against your engine plate
• Some owners report needing to compare mounting bolt spacing

Bottom line: A good fit for XT650/XT675 owners who can read their engine label and want an engine-matched part.

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Recoil Pull‑Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22‑inch Recycler Lawn Mower

Recoil Pull‑Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22‑inch Recycler Lawn Mower – Replacement Rewind Starter

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Best for: Owners who need a direct replacement rewind starter for a 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch mower.

The listing describes the item as a replacement rewind starter for the GTS 22-inch Recycler, suiting owners whose original unit has cracked housing or a broken rewind spring.

Key specs

• Model match: Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler
• Assembly type: replacement rewind (pull-start) starter

Pros

• Clearly described as a replacement rewind starter
• Model-specific title for the 22-inch GTS
• Useful when the original rope and spring have failed

Cons

• Listing offers limited engine-family detail, so confirm the engine yourself
• Installation requires removing the blade and cover on many Toro models; check your manual first

Bottom line: Suited to owners replacing a worn rewind assembly on a 22-inch GTS who are comfortable with a basic installation.

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Pull Recoil Starter for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawnmower

for Pull Recoil Starter for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawnmower

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Best for: Budget-minded owners with a 22-inch GTS Recycler who want a simple, single-model replacement.

This is a straightforward listing for the 6.5HP GTS 22-inch Recycler. It leans on a clear model match rather than long compatibility lists.

Key specs

• Model match: Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler
• Assembly type: pull recoil starter

Pros

• Simple, single-model title
• Easy to match against the original part
• Suits a like-for-like replacement

Cons

• Limited detail on engine sizes and part-number cross-references
• Owners often recommend inspecting the old pulley and spring before ordering

Bottom line: A reasonable pick for owners who have already confirmed their model and want a plain, like-for-like part.

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Buying Guide

Confirm your engine and model

Before comparing starters, read the model plate on the mower deck and the engine label. Toro 6.5 HP mowers have been sold with several engine families, and a starter that fits one may not seat correctly on another. Note the engine model (for example, a Kohler XT650 or XT675) and the cutting width, since 22-inch GTS and Recycler decks share parts but not always the same housing.

Good picks for this: Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 149cc/173cc Engines; Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22

Check the part number

Many listings reference an original part number such as 14 165 20-S. Look for that number printed on the old starter housing or in your Toro parts manual. Matching the reference number is one of the most reliable ways to confirm fit, especially when two models look nearly identical.

Good picks for this: Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22; Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 149cc/173cc Engines

Decide between a full assembly and a rewind unit

Some listings sell a complete recoil assembly, while others describe a replacement rewind starter. A complete assembly includes the housing, pulley and spring. If only the rope or spring has failed, a rewind unit may be enough, but many owners find that replacing the whole assembly avoids repeat failures.

Good picks for this: Recoil Pull‑Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22‑inch Recycler Lawn Mower; Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawn Mower

Match the deck size

The 22-inch cutting width is common on Toro Recycler and GTS models. Starters are usually mounted to the engine rather than the deck, but deck variations can affect how the starter cord routes to the handle. Measure your deck width before ordering if the listing names a specific deck size.

Good picks for this: Pull Recoil Starter for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawnmower; Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawn Mower

Inspect the spring and pulley

A recoil starter fails for a few predictable reasons: the rewind spring fatigues, the pawl wears, or the rope frays at the pulley. When you remove the old unit, check whether the pulley teeth are chipped and whether the spring is still tight. Replacing a starter without addressing a seized engine or a fouled spark plug may not solve a no-start condition on its own.

Good picks for this: Recoil Pull‑Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22‑inch Recycler Lawn Mower; Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22

Think about use and frequency

Mowers used on larger lawns or in hot seasons get more starter cycles. Owners who pull the cord many times a week may want a complete assembly with fresh components rather than a minimal repair. Occasional users can often get by with a basic like-for-like part.

Good picks for this: Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 149cc/173cc Engines; Pull Recoil Starter for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawnmower

Plan the installation

Most recoil starters bolt to the engine and require the blade, cover or shroud to be removed. Disconnect the spark plug wire before working near the flywheel. If the starter rope is pre-wound with tension, release it carefully to avoid injury. For any step you are unsure about, consult a qualified small-engine repair professional.

Good picks for this: Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawn Mower; Recoil Pull‑Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22‑inch Recycler Lawn Mower

FAQ

Why won’t my toro 6.5 hp lawn mower won’t start if the starter pulls freely?

If the cord pulls with little resistance, the starter may be disengaged from the flywheel. Fuel, spark and compression can still be at fault, so check the spark plug and fuel before replacing the starter.

Is a recoil starter the most common reason a Toro 6.5 HP mower won’t start?

It is one of several common causes. Stale fuel, a fouled spark plug and a clogged carburetor are frequently seen as well. A broken starter usually shows up as a cord that pulls loosely or does not rewind.

Can I replace only the rope on a recoil starter?

Sometimes. Rope-only repairs are possible when the pulley and spring are intact. If the spring is weak or the pawl is worn, replacing the full assembly is usually more reliable.

How do I know which engine my Toro 6.5 HP mower has?

Check the engine label or the model plate on the engine shroud. Engine model names such as XT650 or XT675 help you match a starter to the correct family.

Do I need to remove the blade to replace the starter?

Often, yes, or at least the blade cover. Consult your owner’s manual, and disconnect the spark plug wire before working on the engine.

Are these starters interchangeable across all Toro models?

No. Several listings name specific Recycler or GTS 22-inch models and specific engine families. Confirm your model and engine before ordering.

When should I take the mower to a professional?

If the engine turns over but will not fire after fuel and spark checks, or if you are uncomfortable working near the flywheel, consult a qualified small-engine repair technician.

Conclusion

For a toro 6.5 hp lawn mower won’t start issue traced to the recoil starter, the right replacement depends on your engine and model. Owners with a Kohler XT-series engine who want cross-referenced part numbers will likely prefer the Kohler XT-series listing, while Toro GTS 22-inch owners may find a model-named assembly easier to confirm. Those replacing only a worn rewind unit may choose the replacement rewind starter, and budget-focused owners with a simple, single-model match may prefer the straightforward GTS listing. Always verify engine and model before buying.

Sources

• Consumer safety guidance on lawn mower operation and safe starting procedures (cpsc.gov)
• Workplace guidance on handling and maintaining powered equipment and reducing injury risk (osha.gov)
• University extension information on small-engine maintenance and fuel care (extension.illinois.edu)

Related reading

• Why Won't My Toro Lawn Mower Start? 8 Causes and Fixes
• Toro Vortex Lawn Mower Won't Start? 7 Replacement Parts Compared (2026)
• Toro Lawn Mower with Honda Engine Won't Start: 7 Fixes That Work

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.