Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sears Craftsman mower, recoil starters, sears craftsman

Question
Hi John,
I have the same problem as Laura who you helped:  Pull string got caught up in the blade and was ripped out.  I got a replacement pull string and took apart the top part of the motor and got to the rotor housing where there's a coiled spring.  Well, the spring sprung out and I can't get it back into the small housing it was in.  Is there a secret to getting the spring coil back into the housing or do I need an expert to do this for me?  Your advice will be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Tara

Answer
Hello Tara:

No Worries. You Should be Able to Replace the Spring, Pulley and Rope with Ease. However, I do Require the Model Numbers Off the Mower. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Ther are Several Styles of Recoil Starters and the Model Numbers will Assist me in Seeing Whch Style your Engine Uses. Also, I can Give you a Site Addy where you can View a Breakdown of the Unit. Thanks.

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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

Hello Again Tara:

I Just Read your Post. Thanks for the Ratings and the Model Numbers. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Hook the Spring to the Spring Anchor in the Housing. Now Wind the Spring and Hold it in the Housing as you Wind the Spring Towards the Center of the Housing. Before the Last Loop of the Spring Goes Into the Housing, Attach the Pulley and Carefully Place the Pulley Into the Housing. Now Wind the Pulley in the Same Direction the Pulley will Turn when Starting the Engine. Once the Pulley Stops and the Spring will Not Tighten Anymore, Reverse Direction 1 or 2 Truns. Thread the Starter Rope Through the Pulley Hole and Out the Housing Hole. Tie a Slip Knot in the Rope to Hold the Pulley and Rope in Place for the Handle to be Attached. Once the Handle is Attached, Release the Slip Knot and the Rope Should Recoil Into the Housing. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John