How to Repair a Briggs & Stratton Pull Cord

An outboard motor is started by pulling a starter cord.

Briggs and Stratton is an engine manufacturer that makes engines for many types of equipment, such as outboard motors. Outboard motors used with small boats are started by pulling on a starter or pull cord. If the starter pull cord on your Briggs and Stratton outboard motor snaps or breaks it will need to be replaced. This can be done by a professional or you can replace the pull cord yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Spring clamp
• Needle nosed pliers
• Replacement pull cord

Instructions

1. Release the clamps that are used to secure the motor cover and then lift the motor cover up.

2. Find and remove the bolts that are used to secure the starter unit to the outboard with the wrench. The starter unit may be on the top of the motor or on the side.

3. Remove the starter unit from the engine and turn it upside down to find the spring loaded pulley.

4. Wind or turn the pulley until you can align the small hole in the pulley with the top of the starter or recoil unit.

5. Secure a spring clamp to the pulley to prevent it from moving.

6. Pull the knotted end of the rope out of the pulley with the needle nosed pliers. Use the pliers to grab the end of the cord and then pull it out.

7. Take the new pull rope out of the package. Insert the end of the cord into the two holes on the pulley and the starter or recoil unit. Pull at least 4 inches of cord through the holes.

8. Tie a knot in the end of the 4 inches of cord you pulled out in step 7, to prevent the cord from coming out of the pulley and starter unit. Make the knot in the cord larger than the holes in the pulley and starter unit.

9. Remove the spring clamp and then turn the pulley counterclockwise to wind the cord around the pulley.

10. Set the starter unit back in place and tighten the bolts to secure it in place. Pull the new starter cord and start the motor to test the rope.

Tips & Warnings

• If the pulley is not held in place you will not be able to remove the old pull cord.

References

• "How to Repair Briggs and Stratton Engines"; Paul Dempsey; 2007
• Briggs and Stratton: Operator Manuals