the starter rope won't pull smoothly, it's very jerky and so can't get a good pull on it to start engine. it started ok at first then died and wouldn't start again. only get an inch or two pull then jerks and again etc.
it's a poulan pioneer 14", model 2050 2.0 c.i.

Mike Foreman, November 2007

Assuming you're not talking about compression 'jerks'..... it sounds like the starter pawl is not engaging properly. Remove the recoil assembly and check for broken springs.

Phil Saunders, November 2007