Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn mower starter rope will not rewind, vise grip pliers, rope thread

Question
I have a Craftsman 5.0 HP mower, model 917.372480.  The starter rope is pulled all the way out and will not rewind. Can you offer guidance on how to repair this.  

Answer
Hi Richard,

Below is my proceedure for replacing a broken recoil rope.  You might have a broken spring. They usually break 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.

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