How to Repair a Broken Pull Starter
Most small gasoline-powered engines--such as those commonly used in walk-behind lawn mowers, snow blowers and other garden implements--use a pull starter with a rope wound around a spring-loaded pulley. The rope in these pull starters can deteriorate and break due to exposure to weather or normal wear and tear. Repairing a broken pull starter rope is a simple task that can be accomplished in a few minutes with basic hand tools. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- New starter rope with handle
- Socket set
- Wide-jaw locking pliers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Lighter or matches
Instructions
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1
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug by pulling on the black rubber boot that covers the tip of the spark plug.
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2
Remove the bolts that hold the starter shroud to the engine with a socket set. Lift the shroud off the engine and place it upside down on a work table.
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3
Hold the starter shroud with one hand. Rotate the pulley in the center of the shroud counter-clockwise with the other hand until it stops turning. Clamp the pulley into place with a pair of wide-jaw locking pliers.
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4
Grasp the knot in the knot hole found near the center of the pulley with a pair of needle-nosed pliers, and pull out the broken section of rope.
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5
Insert the end of the new starter rope (with the handle on the opposite end) into the hole in the outside of the starter shroud. Guide the rope into the pulley, toward the knot hole in the center. When the rope appears in the knot hole, grab it with the needle-nosed pliers. Pull out about 12 inches of slack.
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6
Tie a knot in the exposed end of the rope. Singe the remaining end of the rope with a match or lighter to prevent fraying.
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7
Pull on the rope from outside the starter shroud to seat the knot in the knot hole. Release the wide-jaw locking pliers. Allow the pulley to recoil, winding the rope around the pulley.
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8
Replace the starter shroud onto the engine. Secure it in place by reinstalling the bolts. Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
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Tips & Warnings
When replacing the broken pull-starter rope, always use rope designed for small engine starters.
To prevent accidental firing of the engine, always disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug before beginning to work on the engine.
References
- Photo Credit mower image by Tomasz Wojnarowicz from Fotolia.com
