Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda Engine, recoil starter, sod cutter

Question
I just bought a billy goat sod cutter 2005 model with a honda 5.5 engine.  I was trying to start it but it wouldn't start because of old gas in the bowl.  I have it started now, but I broke a 8 inch length off the pull cord.  I would like to install a new cord but don't want to cause more problems.  How would I go about doing this, and can I buy just the string.  If so, where?  Please advise.  Thank you very much.

Answer
Hello Sean:

You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower/Engine at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog American Honda. Then Select the Engine or Mower File. Then Scroll to your Mower/Engine and Select it. Then Select the Recoil Starter File. This will Show a Breakdown of the Recoil Starter. If the Rope has Broken and the Spring is Good, then Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover and recoil Starter)fome the Engine. Remove the Old Rope from the Recoil Pulley. 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. Some Automotive Parts Suppliers and Hardware Stores will have the Rope or your Local Small Engine Service Center. 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