Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): How to replace the cord pull on a weed eater, vise grip pliers, rope thread

Question
Hi, I have an Echo 2 cycle engine gasolene weed eater.  The pull cord breaks three times a year... I need to learn how to install a new cord. The secret seems to lie in getting the cord wound properly, and getting the spring recoil mechanism properly tightened.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Mike, mikeub12@aol.com

Answer
Hi Mike,

Below, is my recoil rope replacement proceedure for a push mower.  Use what applies to your trimmer.

You will need to remove the entire cooling shroud. There should be 4 bolts on the sides. You might need to remove the fuel tank also.  Pre-wind the recoil reel by hand [about 6 turns, to set the spring tension] and clamp it with Vise-Grip pliers. Remove the old rope. Thread
the new rope through the shroud housing eyelet and to the reel hub. Let the reel re-wind itself until it is full. If there is not enough spring tension you can wind it a couple of turns more by slipping the rope around
between the reel and shroud. Re-clamp the reel. Cut the rope to length and thread it though the handle. At all knots, burn and melt the rope with a lighter to prevent untying. Re-assemble.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael