Hey all, First time forum poster so I hope I communicate this correctly: I have an issue with a small Craftsman "single" pull gas lawn mower. The unit is a few years old and has been sitting in storage for a long while. After ensuring a new air filter is installed, oil and gas levels are correct, I have this problem: 1. Pull the start cord...nothing. 2. Pull the start cord over and over... nothing 3. Pull the start cord and suddenly a quick puff of white smoke from the exhaust and, 4. The start cord retracts/"catches" violently, and gets ripped out of my hand. Engine doesn't start. It almost feels as if the engine "catches" but then the start cord is still engaged. The last time I tried this the handle ripped out of my hand, wound itself around the lawn mower push bracket and smacked my arm, broke skin! Ow!... I figured that was the last straw and that I would seek out some wise folk who might help me out. Is there anything a do it yourself type can do? What could cause such dramatic lawn mower behavior? Thanks for your time!

I have an older craftsman mower (model # 917.273070) and sometimes it just won't cut the grass on one pass even if I am in granny gear. It usually happens when the grass has tall seed heads, like bahia grass, or tall weeds. I was wondering if there is any way to change out a pulley in order to make the blades turn faster, that way I could mow faster and still cut the grass uniformly. The blades were replaced last season and it cuts shorter grass just fine so I don't think sharpening the blades will do any good. Besides, even if it did I would probably have to sharpen them every time I mow and I don't want to get into that. Thanks.