What is the function of the starter cord on a small engine?

The starter cord plays a vital role in starting a small engine. When you pull the starter cord, it manually engages the flywheel, which initiates the engine’s operation. The flywheel is attached to the crankshaft, and when engaged, it begins to rotate, causing the engine's pistons to move and the fuel-air mixture to ignite in the combustion chamber. This process starts the engine, allowing it to run.

The other options do not accurately describe the starter cord's function. While turning off the engine, drawing in fuel, and adjusting the throttle are important functions in engine operation, they are performed through different mechanisms and components of the engine, not through the starter cord. This emphasizes the focus on the starter cord's specific role in the starting mechanism of small engines.