How to Repair the Pull Cord Retraction Spring on a Toro Snowblower

The retraction spring in the Toro snowblower recoils the starter cord around the pulley after you start the motor. Over time, the spring will begin to weaken, and in some cases, it will break, requiring you to replace it. The pull starter on a small engine is a simple part consisting of the pulley, the recoil spring and the pull cord. Replacing any of the parts is not difficult and requires no special tools. Replace the starter cord when you have everything apart as well. The procedure is the same for most small engines, regardless of the brand. The average do-it-yourselfer can rebuild the starting mechanism in less than an hour.

Phillips screwdriver
Scissors
C-clamp

Instructions

- 1
  Place the Toro snowblower on a level surface. Pull the spark plug wire from the plug at the top of the engine, by grasping the boot and pulling it away from the plug. Do not pull by the wire itself or you will damage it.
- 2
  Remove the screws securing the starter assembly to the engine using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the starter away from the engine and lay it face down on the level surface.
- 3
  Cut the existing cord on the starter assembly and remove the handle using a pair of scissors. Allow any tension to go out of the starter spring by allowing it to spin counter clockwise slowly. Remove the screw and washer securing the pulley to the starter housing using a Phillips screwdriver.
- 4
  Pull the pulley away from the starter housing and set it aside. Remove the old spring and discard it. Place a new spring in the housing, inserting the bottom end of the spring into the opening in the housing.
- 5
  Place the pulley in the housing with the top end of the spring going into the opening on the pulley. Install the washer and screw for the pulley using a Phillips screwdriver.
- 6
  Turn the pulley clockwise until you feel the spring begin to tighten. Back off one full turn and then place the C-clamp over the pulley and starter housing. Make sure the opening for the cord on the pulley lines up with the opening on the starter housing. Tighten the C-clamp so it holds the pulley in place.
- 7
  Insert one end of the new cord through the eyelet of the housing and into the starter pulley. Tie a knot in the end of it so that it stays on the pulley. Insert the other end of the cord through the starter handle and tie a knot to secure it.
- 8
  Release the C-clamp on the pulley and allow the pulley to retract the starter rope into the housing. Pull the cord out several times to make sure the recoil is working properly.
- 9
  Place the starter housing on the Toro snowblower engine and install the screws using a Phillips screwdriver. Plug the spark plug wire onto the plug, making sure it snaps into place.

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