Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn mower repair (replace pull rope), recoil starter, plastic wings

Question
Hi John -- I saw an earlier answer that you provided on this same subject for a Lawnboy Silver Series.  There you said to "turn the pulley clockwise and tighten the spring until the pulley stops...."  My model is 10533 (the medallion series) and when I tried this the pulley never tightened and stopped.  It just keeps turning.  I tried getting information from the lawnboy website, but they are not into supporting their legacy machines it seems.  Also there are plastic wings that fold out.  Do I use these for any purpose?
I have the unit disassembled.  I just need to know how to put tension on the spring and thread the rope.  
Thanks,   Carl

Answer
Hello Carl:

Turn the Pulley that the Rope is On in the Same Direction that the Rope would Pull the Pulley when Starting the Engine. If the Pulley Just Turns and Does Not Tighten the Spring, then the Spring has Broken and Requires Replacing. The Following is a Recoil Starter Repair Instruction File. Any Input/Suggestions are Appreciated. Remove the Starter Housing/Engine Cover. Remove the Old Rope. Now Turn the Pulley in the Same Direction that the Pulley would Turn if the Rope was Turning it. Once the Pulley will Turn No More, then Reverse Direction 1 or 2 Turns and Thread the New Rope Through the Hole in the Center of the Pulley and Out the Hole in the Blower Housing. Pull the Rope Through Until it is Tight Against the Pulley. Now Tie a Slip Knot in the Rope to Hold the Pulley in Place While the Handle is Attached to the Rope. Once the Handle is Attached, Release the Slip Knot and the Rope Should Retract Into the Housing. Reassemble the Blower Housing Onto the Engine. On Some Models you May have to Install the Rope Before you Lock the Pulley in Place. If So, there is a U in the Pulley that the Rope is Held in While Turning the Pulley to Tighten the Spring. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (99772) and Type Numbers (0938) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. According to the Lawnboy Site the Engine Model and Type Numbers are 99772-0938. The Recoil Starter Breakdown is Shown on Page 8 of 12 in the Breakdown at the Site Addy I Provided Above. If this is Not the Correct Engine Model Numbers, then Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. Using the Breakdown, can you Show me the Plastic Wings you are Asking About? If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John