How to Repair a Chain Saw Starter Cord

The starter cord on a chain saw is wrapped around a rotor inside the starter assembly. When you pull the cord out, it simultaneously spins the flywheel and the crankshaft. As the crankshaft and flywheel get spinning, they allow the combustion process to begin. However, if you pull too hard on the cord, or you pull on it too much, the cord may get ripped off the rotor or rip in half. Likewise, if the cord gets covered in a sticky substance, like engine oil or pitch, the cord may not spin along the rotor.

Safety glasses
Screwdriver
Replacement starter cord

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the retaining screws holding the starter cover to the side of the chain saw, using the screwdriver. Lift the cover off and turn it over. Press your thumb against the rotor.
- 2
  Cut the starter cord at the base of the rotor and the starter handle. Lift your thumb up slowly off the rotor to let out tension on the recoil spring. Remove the starter cord and discard.
- 3
  Thread the replacement starter cord through the hole in the center of the rotor. Continue threading it through the starter cover and handle. Tie a knot in both ends of the cord.
- 4
  Wind all but 10 inches of the starter cord against the rotor. Form a loop in the unwound 10 inches of starter cord. Wiggle the loop back and forth to reengage the recoil spring.
- 5
  Hold the starter cover and wind the loop and rotor three to six times until the recoil spring feels tensioned. Press your thumb against the rotor. Straighten the starter cord and lift your thumb off the rotor slowly to rewind the cord. Reattach the starter cover to the chain saw.

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