How to Replace a Recoil Starter Rope on a Toro Snowblower

The starter rope on the Toro snowblower is subject to a great deal of stress because it rubs against the opening when you pull on it to start the blower’s engine. The friction from rubbing against the opening breaks down the fibers, and the rope will start to fray. Eventually, this action will cause the rope to break. Replacing the rope is not a difficult process, nor does it require any special tools. The procedure is the same for most pull-start engines.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• C-clamp

Instructions

1. Place the Toro snowblower on a flat, level surface to make it easier to work with. Grasp the boot of the spark plug wire and pull it off before you begin working on the engine.

2. Remove the starter assembly from the engine using a Phillips screwdriver to remove the retaining screws. Pull the housing away from the engine. Remove the remnants of the old starter rope from the pulley.

3. Wind the pulley by turning it clockwise until you feel the spring begin to tighten. Back off one full turn and line up the hole on the pulley with the eyelet in the starter housing. Secure the pulley in place using a C-clamp so that it does not move. To do this, place the pulley and housing between the jaws of the C-clamp and tighten them up.

4. Insert one end of the new starter rope through the eyelet on the starter housing and into the hole on the pulley. Tie a knot in the end of the rope to secure it. Insert the other end of the starter cord into the starter handle. Tie a knot in the end of it to secure it on the handle.

5. Remove the C-clamp from the starter housing and pulley. Allow the spring to retract the rope into the starter housing slowly. Pull the cord out of the housing several times to make sure the spring will pull it back in correctly. Place the starter housing on the engine and tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

6. Push the spark plug wire back onto the plug until you feel it snap into place.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt to service the Toro snowblower when the engine is hot.

References

• Cockeyed: How to Replace the Starter Cord on a Lawn Mower
• You Tube: How to Replace the Pull Cord on a 5HP Briggs and Stratton Engine