How to Replace a Lawnmower Pull Cord

Lawnmowers require a pull cord to start the motor; even mowers with electric starters have pull cords in the event the electric starter fails. The pull cord can fray and break because of the friction created when the cord rubs against the cord opening. Weather and pets can also damage the pull cord if you store the lawnmower outside. Replace the pull cord on the lawnmower yourself, saving the expense of a repair shop.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips or slotted screwdriver
• Container for gas
• Replacement nylon lawnmower pull cord
• Lighter

Instructions

1. Remove the starter cover from the top of your lawnmower to expose the starter housing. Depending on the manufacturer of your lawnmower, the plastic, fiberglass or metal cover connects to your mower with one or more screws.

2. Drain the gas from the gas tank. Pull the black rubber gas line from beneath the tank and drain the gas into a container. This may not be necessary if the gas tank does not block access to the screws holding the starter housing to the lawnmower. Remove the screws holding the gas tank to the mower and set the tank aside.

3. Loosen the screws to remove the starter housing from your lawnmower. Pull any remaining pull cord from the pulley. The pulley is accessed by turning the housing over on some mowers; on others the pulley remains attached to the mower's motor shaft.

4. Tie a knot at the end of your replacement pull cord. Use a lighter to melt the nylon cord, keeping the knot from fraying and coming loose from the pulley.

5. Thread the cord through the hole on the pulley. Wrap the cord counterclockwise around the pulley twice.

6. Thread the other end of the cord through the hole in the starter housing and the starter housing cover. Attach the pulley and the starter housing to the top of the lawnmower motor.

7. Pull the replacement lawnmower pull cord, letting the spring on the starter retract the cord into the housing. Test the recoil by pulling the pull cord two or three times.

8. Replace the gas tank onto the mower and reattach the gas line. Attach the starter housing cover to the lawnmower.

9. Thread the lawnmower pull cord through the replacement handle. Trim the excess cord from the end of the pull cord. Tie a knot in the cord to keep the handle from pulling from the cord. Use a lighter to melt the knot in the nylon cord.

References

• TheCockeyed.com: How to Fix the Starter Cord on a Lawnmower
• "You Fix It: Lawn Mowers"; Carmine C. Castellano and Clifford B. Seitz; 1974