How to Fix the Pull String of a Lawn Mower

Mowing with a gas-powered lawn mower

Most gas-powered lawn mowers utilize a pull string for starting the lawn mower. Over time, the pull strings on these lawn mowers can deteriorate and break. Changing the pull string can be done in a few minutes with a couple of basic tools to get your lawn mower running again.

Things You'll Need

• 7/16-inch socket and ratchet
• Wide-jaw vise clamp
• Needlenose pliers
• Lighter or matches

Instructions

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.

2. Remove the three 7/16-inch bolts that holds the starter shroud onto the engine. Lift the shroud off of the engine, and place it upside-down on a work table.

3. Hold the shroud with one hand, and twist the center recoil pulley counterclockwise with the other hand until it will not twist farther. Clamp the pulley into place with the vise clamp.

4. Grasp the rope knot in the center of the pulley with the needlenose pliers and pull the broken rope out of the pulley.

5. Insert the new rope (with the handle attached to the other end) through the rope hole in the shroud and into the pulley. Pull about 12 inches of the rope through the knot hole in the center of the pulley.

6. Tie a knot in the end of the rope extended through the pulley. Use a lighter or match to singe the end of the rope to keep it from unraveling.

7. Grab the rope from outside the shroud and pull it taut so that the knot seats in the knot hole of the pulley.

8. Release the vise clamp and allow the rope to recoil into the pulley.

9. Attach the shroud to the engine and re-install the three bolts. Re-connect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only rope designed for starter pull ropes.

• Never work on a small engine without first disconnecting the spark plug wire from the spark plug.

References

• Lawn mower pull rope repair
• Starter rope replacement
• Replace lawn mower starter cord