QuestionMichael, I need to tune-up a 21" Craftsman Push Mower, B&S 6.5hp, Model 917.388521. The nearly new mower was given to me by my son's friend who is in the military and it started for me three times (with some difficulty) before the starter cord disengaged. I want to replace the spark plug, repair the starter cord, and perform a general tune-up but I do not have the operations manual. I have replaced a broken starter cord on my previous Murray lawnmower, but this starter cord is just loose. Thanks for your help from the Lady Handyperson at this house.
AnswerHi Precilla,
Very sorry for my delay.
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.
Let me know how you make out.
Michael
