Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Pull Cord Replacement - Briggs & Stratton Lawnmower Engine, vise grip pliers, briggs stratton

Question
I have a Snapper 21" Deck Self-propelled lawnmower with a Briggs & Stratton 6 HP engine (Model # MRP216015P).

The cord for the pull-start is fraying and is about to break.  How do I replace the cord for the pull-start?

Answer
Hi Greg,

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