497680 Recoil Starter Compatible with Brigs & Straton Pull Start Assembly, 497680 Rewind Starter Compatible with 6.75 Motor Craftman, Rotary 12368 Lawn Mower Recoil Starter Replace

What It Is

This is a recoil starter assembly (pull-start mechanism) designed to replace a broken or worn-out starter on small engines, typically found on walk-behind lawn mowers, tillers, and other outdoor power equipment. It’s a direct-fit aftermarket part for Briggs & Stratton engines and compatible Craftsman, Rotary, and 6.75 ft-lb torque models.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your engine’s make, model, and starter mounting pattern:

• OEM cross-reference: Replaces Briggs & Stratton part #497680, and fits many 6.75 ft-lb Craftsman and Rotary mowers (e.g., model 12368).
• Check bolt pattern: Measure the distance between the two mounting holes on your old starter—common spacing is 3.5 inches center-to-center.
• Rope length & diameter: Verify the rope is at least 60 inches long and 3/16-inch thick (most mowers use this, but double-check your old rope).
• Engine series: Works on Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder engines with a vertical shaft (e.g., 450E, 500E, 550E series). Not for horizontal-shaft engines.
• Visual match: Compare the housing shape and pulley diameter to your original—some aftermarket starters have slightly different plastic molding that may interfere with engine cowls.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: At $14.99, it’s a budget-friendly replacement. Expect plastic housing and nylon rope—not as durable as OEM, but functional for light-to-medium use.
• Installation difficulty: Easy for DIYers—usually requires removing two bolts and a retaining clip, then routing the rope through the handle. No special tools needed.
• Common gotcha: The rope may be too long or too short out of the box. You can cut and re-knot it, but measure your original rope length first.
• Performance: Some users report the spring tension is slightly weaker than OEM, meaning the rope may not retract as quickly. If you mow thick, wet grass often, this could be an annoyance.

Should You Buy It

If you have a common Briggs & Stratton, Craftsman, or Rotary mower with a dead pull start and want a cheap, quick fix, this is a solid budget option. It’s not built for heavy commercial use, but for a homeowner mowing a standard yard, it’ll get you back running. Skip it if you need exact OEM fit or a starter for a high-torque engine.