How do I re-attach the starter pull cord on a push lawn mower?

how do i fix the RECOIL SPRING?
I put it in and it pulls and has SOME tension but not alot! and when i let go of it to let it rewind it either goes in but 1/3 sticks out and hangs or it doesn't go in at ALL.
CAN SOME1 HELP ME PLZZZZ?

devin
February 2008

Didn't realize the answers appeared LIFO . . . so my asnwer below should reference the first answer below it, not above :-)

John
September 2004

The solution above will work provided that the problem is simply that the pull cord snapped at or near the point it connects to the fly wheel. There are two other possibities: 1) The cord broke at some other point, probably because it was already frayed. This may indicate a problem in the fly wheel assembly (such as a sharp edge fraying the cord) or it may have happened simply because of normal wear and tear. In the former case, it is best to replace the entire fly wheel assembly; in the latter, a new cord will need to be installed (and can usually be obtained at a hardware store. 2) The cord broke because the recoil spring jammed or broke first. This is a fairly common reason for the cord to break. If, when you remove the fly wheel assembly and attempt to put tension of the fly wheel before reinstalling the cord, you either can't turn the wheel or can't get any tension, the the recoil spring is jammed or broken and you will need to replace the enitre assembly. On most standard push model mowers, a replacement assembly only costs about $20-$30, so if you are not sure of the cause of the starter cord breaking, you might want to consider replacing the whole assembly anyway. A new assembly will pull smoothly and freely (when properly installed), whereas a repaired one will always tend to be a bit stiff, so putting a new assembly on an older mower is really not a bad option, as it will extend the life of the mower with easier starts.

John
September 2004

I have done many. There realy not hard to do. Take the top cover off the mower. Turn the center unit clockwise about 8 to 10 revelutions. This will tighen up the rewind spring in the head. There is a hole near the center edge that the rope end has do go through. Take a match or lighten and melt the end of the rope . Use a piece of clothe to put out the fire on the rope. The rope should melt to a point. This will make it easier to put thr rope back through the hole from the inside. You will have to work to get it through the hole but it will go. Once you have the rope through the hole than tie a double knot in the end and replace the motor cover. Punn the rope and start your mower. Good luck!

Chetsbro1

Lester
August 2004