How to Repair a Cord Starter on a MTD Log Splitter

Remove the cover from the engine using a socket and ratchet. Place the housing on a table face down so that you can see the starter pulley on the inside. Remove the old cord from the pulley if it is still present.

Examine the spring for any damage such as a broken end. The spring is behind the pulley and one end goes into the starter housing while the other end locks into the pulley. Replace it if necessary. Wind the starter pulley until you begin to feel it tighten. At this point, the pulley will be harder to turn. Back off one full turn when you feel it begin to tighten.

Place the housing and pulley between the jaws of a c-clamp and tighten it so that the pulley stays in place. Insert the end of the starter cord into the eyelet and tie a knot at the end so that it does not come out of the eye.

Insert the other end of the pull cord into the handle and tie a knot at the end to secure it to the handle. Release the c-clamp and allow the pulley to slowly draw the pull cord into the housing.

Place the cover back on the engine and tighten the retaining bolts using a socket and ratchet. Pull the cord several times to ensure it will go back into the housing properly.