Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman starter pulley question, vise grip pliers, rope thread

Question
Thanks!  What part number is the spring?  I can't figure out which one I need.


-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi, I have a Craftsman 20" Eager-1 Mower.  The model # is 917.386020.  If I wind the pull cord back and pull, the mower starts but the cord doesn't retract.  I'm guessing a spring or something is broke?  What part do I need and how do I repair it?
Answer -
Hi Mike,

Remove the recoil shroud and take a look at the assembly.
You are probably right, I think you have a broken spring.
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  

Answer
Hi Mike,

I don't know the part number.  You will need to bring the engine model, serial and maybe spec numbers to a repair shop to get the proper spring.  The numbers are located on the cooling shroud.  You might be able to bring the old spring and match one up.

Good luck,
Michael