How Do I Rewind the Recoil String on a 45cc Saw?

Unscrew the starter housing cover, on the opposite side as the bar, using the screwdriver. Lift the cover up and push it down to take it off the chainsaw. Turn the cover over to rewind the recoil string.

Reattach the recoil string to the pulley, if it ripped off or it's being replaced. Tie a knot in the end of the string to anchor it to the pulley. Thread the string through the starter cover and the starter handle. Tie another knot in the opposite end, above the handle.

Press the pulley down lightly. Jiggle it back and forth until the recoil spring engages, making it difficult to move the pulley back and forth. Twist a loop into the unwound string.

Hold the starter cover in one hand, and turn the loop and pulley four to six revolutions, following the arrow on the pulley. Continue pressing down on the pulley. Let go of the rope and unfurl the twisted sections.

Take your thumb off the pulley slowly to wind the string back onto the pulley. Repeat the tensioning step if the string is either too tight or too loose, adding or subtracting a full revolution. Set the recoil starter cover back in place over the crankshaft. Tighten down the starter screws.