Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman 5.0 Eager-1 Pull String, vise grip pliers, rope thread

Question
Hello,

The pull string on my lawn mower broke this weekend and I bought a new one, but can't figure out how to replace it. I lost the manual. Can you help with this?

Thanks,
Brad

Answer
Hi Brad,

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 end with a lighter to prevent untying. Re-assemble.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael