How to Remove the Recoil Housing on a Briggs Stratton Lawn Mower

Remove the shroud from the engine using a socket and ratchet to loosen the retaining bolts. Turn the shroud and recoil assembly over and you will see the starter mechanism.

Remove the bolts securing the recoil assembly to the shroud using a socket and ratchet. On the older engines, these bolts use a 5/16-inch socket, but may vary depending on the actual model engine you have.

Remove the pulley retaining clip bolts using a 1/4-inch socket and ratchet once you have the assembly from the shroud. Pull the recoil pulley from the bracket if you are replacing the spring. If you are not replacing the spring, simply tilt the pulley up to remove the old cord, but do not pull it out of the bracket.

Install the new spring if that is your project and replace the pulley in the bracket. Tie the new cord to the pulley using a knot. Place the retaining clips on the pulley but do not install the bolts. Wind the pulley without allowing the cord to wind around it. Continue turning the pulley until you begin to feel the tension.

Turn the pulley back one full turn once you feel the tension and insert the end of the cord through the eye. Install the retaining clip bolts with a socket and ratchet. Insert the end of the cord through the handle.

Tie a knot in the cord to secure it. Allow the pulley to recoil slowly and draw the starter cord into it. Pull on the cord several times to make sure the recoil pulls it back in properly.

Install the recoil assembly into the shroud, tightening the retaining bolts with a socket and ratchet. Install the shroud on the engine and tighten the bolts using a socket and ratchet.