Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): replacing a broken started pull rope on a briggs and stratton engine, vise grip pliers, briggs and stratton

Question
Michael
I have a Model 9D902 Type 2007 E1 Briggs and Stratton engine on my push type lawnmower. Nowhere can I find detail (not even on their website) on how to replace the pull rope. Simple enough procedure I would have though!! I have removed the top and checked the spring mechanism. All OK there and replaced the rope. I am sure there is something else I need to do as the old rope initially rewound unto the pully when it parted. Do I need to tension the spring etc.

Answer
Hi Ken,

Follow my replacement proceedure below.  Skip down to the rope replacement section.  

Let me know how you make out.
Michael

Remove the recoil shroud and take a look at the assembly.
You might have a broken spring or just a rope that has slipped out of the reel.
The spring usually breaks at one of the end tabs. If so, you will need to get a replacement spring and carefully wind that in, before re-assembling the rope reel. You might wish to replace the rope also, if it shows signs
of wear. Below is my proceedure for replacing a broken recoil rope.

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.