How to Replace the Pull Ropes on Homelite E-Z Chainsaws

Set the chainsaw on a workbench. Pull back on the safety brake and disengage the chain brake if your model chainsaw uses one. Turn the ignition switch to the “Off” setting. Lift the rubber boot off the tip of the spark plug, on top of the engine.

Unscrew the starter cover, on the left side of the saw, using the Phillips screwdriver. Lift the cover off the engine and turn it over. Unscrew the bolt on the starter post. Lift the pulley assembly off the starter cover.

Cut off the old rope and remove it from the pulley. Push the new rope through the center of the pulley. Push the rope through the starter cover’s hole and through the center of the starter handle.

Tie a knot in both ends of the rope. Grease the starter post with a fingertip’s worth of engine grease. Set the pulley back onto the starter post and tighten the bolt.

Wind all but 10 inches of the starter rope onto the pulley. Wiggle the pulley back and forth until the recoil spring engages on the pulley. Twist the pulley and starter rope four to six revolutions to put tension on the recoil spring.

Untwist the starter rope and slowly take your hand off the pulley, letting the rope wind back onto the pulley. Fit the starter cover back onto the chainsaw’s frame and tighten the screws.