Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): john deere string trimmer, drum hole, starter cord


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my john deere is a s1400 with a 30cc engine. how do i replace the pull rope?      
Answer -
Is the starter cord on the back of the trimmer or in the front?

Let me know.
Eric
eric, it is in the front. when i got to the pull rope section one of the tabs on the plate was underneath where the rope is. when i tried to remove the top plate the spring unwound. was that tab supposed to be on the top with the other two.
Answer -
Yes the tab should be on top.  As for the spring installition, start by inserting the outside spring hook into the housing retaining slot.  Just work the spring round and round until it's in the housing.  With the spring in place, install the starter pulley with the rope wound on the pulley into the starter housing.

Leave about 6 to 8 inches of rope hanging out of the pulley.  There should be a slot on the outside lip of the pulley where the rope can fit into.

With everything in place, grab the end of the rope and turn the pulley 5 to 6 times.  This should wind the spring and the rope should feel like it wants to retract onto the pulley.  Holding the tensioned pulley, feed the loose end of the string through the string hole and then tie the handle.  If the rope does not fully retract then you may need a few more turns to tighten it.

Let me know if this makes any sense...it's easy to do but difficult to describe.

Do you have to remove the clutch to access the starter pulley?  JD has too many trimmer models to remember.  If fact, JD does not make any of their own trimmers.  Over the years they have been produced by McCulloch, Homelite, and Tanaka just to name a few.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Eric you have to remove the clutch.  

Answer
If the clutch drum feels connected to the engine then there is a screw inside the clutch drum hole.  It may be a torx or allen bolt headed screw...you'll have to check.

Once the drum is off you will have to remove the clutch.  Give me a rough description of the clutch...does it have 2 springs on the clutch or is 2 or 3 round metal pieces?

The clutch threads on the shaft, normal threads; right to tight and left to loose.  There is probably a special tool to remove the clutch but usually they can be removed with a hammer and brass punch...if you're very careful.

Let me know about the clutch.
Eric