How to Repair a Lawn Mower Cord
Without a functional pull cord on your lawnmower, there is no way to start the mower engine. This problem means the difference between a working mower and a broken one. The repair is simple enough, and can be accomplished at home with a bit of cord from the hardware store and a few basic tools. The old cord is removed from the starter pulley and a new one is installed in its place. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Purchase a replacement cord. You do not need to find a specific replacement for your lawnmower; any 1/8"-inch thick cotton or nylon cord can be used.
-
2
Unbolt the top cover of the lawnmower engine and remove it to access the start cord pulley housing. In some cases the gas tank may need to be removed to gain access to the bolts. Discard any old, broken string still wound around the pulley.
-
-
3
Twist the pulley in the direction the cord would unwind, matching up the cord anchor point with the eyelet on the top cover. Secure the pulley in this position with a clamp.
-
4
Thread new cord into the pulley housing through the eyelet in the top cover. Push the cord through the anchor point on the pulley and tie a knot to secure it in place. The knot in a nylon cord can be sealed by melting it with a lighter.
-
5
Remove the clamp holding the pulley in place. It will recoil and draw in the correct length of cord. Examine the pulley and make sure there are no tangles in the cord.
-
6
Replace the top cover on the engine, but do not bolt in place yet, in case adjustments need to be made.
-
7
Thread the cord from the pulley housing through the guide holes on the mower handle to the handle anchor point. The line should be taut without putting stress on the pulley when it is in its resting position. Cut the cord to length.
-
8
Attach the handle from the old cord with a staple or knot.
-
9
Bolt the top cover in place and reinstall the gas tank if necessary.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
