How to Repair the Pull Cord on a Toro Snowblower

Toro snowblowers have gas engines. To engage the engine and start the snowblower, you pull on a pull cord. The cord can eventually become frayed and break. When this happens, you will no longer be able to start the Toro snowblower unless you replace the cord. Instead of taking your snowblower to a repair shop, you can save money and fix the pull cord at home.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Zip tie
• Cord
• Scissors
• Lighter

Instructions

1. Turn off the Toro snowblower. Take the snowblower somewhere above freezing so any stuck-on snow or ice can melt. Before beginning work on the snowblower, allow it to dry completely.

2. Remove the four screws around the handle of the Toro snowblower. There is one screw located on either side of the snowblower, and two screws between the handle.

3. Tip up the Toro snowblower so you can see underneath the shooting spout. Locate the two screws on either side of the shooting spout. Use a wrench to hold the nuts of these screws in place while you loosen the screws with a screwdriver. Remove the screws and nuts.

4. Slide up the shell, and tip it slightly to the side so you will be able to work on the exposed blower motor. Do not entirely remove the shell.

5. Remove the screws surrounding the cover of the blower motor and the wheel bracket. There is one screw in the center of the motor cover, three screws on the upper portion of the cover, and two screws on the wheel bracket next to the right wheel.

6. Remove the blower motor cover. The pull cord will be found wrapped around the pulley inside the cover. Pull the cord out as far as it can go, as if you are starting the snowblower.

7. Tie a zip tie around the spokes of the reel to hold the proper tension. Cut the pull cord with scissors. Remove the cord from the reel.

8. Melt the end of the new pull cord with a lighter. This will stop the cord from fraying. Thread the new cord through the reel and out the hole of the blower cover. Tie a firm knot to hold the cord in place.

9. Use the old pull cord as a reference for how long to make the new pull cord. Cut the length with scissors. Attach the T-handle to the opposite end of the cord. Cut the zip tie off the reel, and allow the cord to be spun around the pulley.

10. Replace the blower cover. Put the screws back in place and tighten them. Slide down the shell. Replace and tighten the screws you removed from it.

References

• Red House on 7th: Toro Powerlite Snow Thrower Blower Pull-Cord Replacement