How to Replace a Starter Rope on a Craftsman Gas Suitcase Blower Model 316.794830

Set the Craftsman suitcase blower onto a flat workspace. Unscrew the four mounting screws on the starter recoil cover. Lift the bottom end up and pull the cover down to remove it from the engine. Turn the cover over to replace the starter rope.

Cut the rope just below the base of the starter handle and at the knot in the center of the pulley. Hold your thumb onto the pulley to prevent the pulley and recoil spring from flying out. Pull out the old starter rope.

Insert an end of the new rope through the access hole in the center of the pulley. Thread the rope through the starter cover and the starter handle. Tie a knot in both ends of the rope to anchor it to the handle and the pulley.

Wind the rope following the directional arrow on the pulley. Wind all but 10 inches and twist a loop into the 10 inches. Pinch the loop at the bottom and hold the starter cover with your other hand. Wiggle the loop back and forth until the recoil spring catches onto the pulley.

Spin the loop and pulley until you feel tension on the recoil spring, usually four to six revolutions. Let go of the loop and the pulley and let the rope retract back onto the pulley. Add or subtract turns on the pulley if the rope is still too loose or too tight. Turn the starter cover over and tighten the four mounting screws.