How to Replace a Starter Pull Cord

Locate the screws or bolts that hold the cover onto the recoil pulley and remove them with a screwdriver or socket, depending on what type of fastener is used. Although the cover may look different on different mowers, you can easily locate the cover because the starter string protrudes from it.

Cut the old string in half with scissors if it is still attached.

Lift the cover off the recoil pulley.

Unwind the remaining string from the pulley and inspect the inside edge of the pulley for a setscrew. If you locate one, remove it with a screwdriver and then pull the pulley off the mower shaft. If you do not locate a setscrew, simply pull the pulley off the shaft. On some mowers, the pulley remains attached to the underside of the recoil pulley cover. If this is the case, leave the pulley mounted into the cover. Do not bend the metal tabs that hold it in place. You will have access to the hole in the pulley to secure the rope.

Tie a knot onto the end of the replacement string and then thread the string up through the hole in the bottom of the pulley until the knot butts up against the pulley.

Wrap the string around the pulley until you have approximately 6 inches left unwound.

Thread the string through the eyelet on the recoil pulley cover and then secure the cover onto the mower.

Remove the old string out of the old pull string handle and then slide the new string into the handle. Tie a knot on the end of the string and then pull on the handle to seat the knot inside the handle.