How to Replace Rope on a Stihl Easy Start Chainsaw

Slide the master control lever into the "Stop" position. Move the front hand guard forward to activate the safety brake. Unscrew the shroud cover on top of the chainsaw and remove it.

Unscrew the four screws mounting the starter cover to the side of the chainsaw. Take the starter cover off the engine and turn it over to replace the rope. Pull the circlip off the center of the recoil starter using the pliers. Slide the washer, carrier and spring housing off the starter.

Pry the spring clip off the axle in the upper-left corner of the starter. Pull the rope rotor, with starter pawls, slowly off the starter cover. Cut away the old rope and remove it.

Thread the replacement starter rope through the starter handle. Form a knot in the end to secure the rope to the handle. Thread the rope through the guide bush in the starter cover and then through the rope rotor. Tie another knot at the other end to secure the rope to the rotor.

Apply a small amount of grease to the center hole in the rope rotor. Set the rope rotor onto the starter post. Wiggle the rotor back and forth lightly until the recoil spring engages. Press the two starter pawls back into position on the starter.

Slide the washer onto the starter post. Press the spring clip onto the starter post and over the pegs of the upper pawl. Make sure the spring clip points clockwise.

Form a loop in the unwound section of starter rope. Turn the rope and rotor six full rotations in the direction of the arrow on the starter cover. Press the rotor down firmly and let go of the loop, making sure the rope is untangled. Lift your thumb up off the rotor slowly to let the rope onto the rotor a little at a time.

Refit the spring housing, carrier and washer to the recoil starter. Press the circlip into the groove in the center of the starter. Screw the starter cover back onto the engine and refit the shroud to the top of the engine.