Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): pull start - yard machine mower, vise grip pliers, rope thread

Question
Have a yard machine mower - model # 11B509N062, serial # 1C300K80713 - Pull start/rope broke. What is the procedure to replacing the pull start?  I took off 2 screws to take off the top cover and now what I see is 3 rivet-like screws to be able to off to get to the pull rope.  Is there is a special tool or am I going about this in the wrong way.  Please advise. Purchased Apri.2000 at Lowe's.  No repair history. Rope broke - need to replace the rope. Thanks

Answer
Hi Mike,


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