Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn Mower Pull Cord, vise grip pliers, rope thread

Question
The pull cord on my mower will not move and I would like to know how to fix this myself.

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Laura,

If the cord is frozen, then the rope may be jammed.  You might be able to just remove the recoil assembly, get the rope unstuck and back on the reel.  You might find another problem when you get into it.  Following, is my proceedure for removal and rope replacement.  Use what you can and 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.