How to Remove a Starter Rope Cover on a Briggs & Stratton Lawnmower

Unplug the spark plug wire from the spark plug on your Briggs & Stratton lawnmower. Open the gas tank and set a gas can next to the mower. Siphon the gas from the lawnmower's gas tank into the gas can with a hand siphon.

Locate the fuel line at the bottom of the lawnmower's gas tank. Place a rag under the area where the fuel line attaches to the gas tank. Twist and pull the fuel line from the nipple on the gas tank.

Loosen the two hex head bolts that secure the tank-holding clamps with a socket wrench. Lift the side of the gas tank closest to the engine with your fingers then angle it up and away from the engine.

Untie the knot from the end of the starter rope where it fits inside the pull handle if the rope is not broken. Hold the rope firmly so it does not recoil into the starter housing. Reinsert the rope through the pull handle and retie a knot in the end if you are not replacing the rope. Allow the rope to slowly recoil until the rope pull handle is against the cover.

Remove the five hex bolts that secure the top engine cover and starter rope cover with the socket wrench. This is a two-piece cover. The starter rope cover is pop-riveted to the main cover and does not require removal unless you have a damaged housing that needs replacement.

Lift the cover away from the engine slowly to avoid allowing the spring under the recoil starter wheel from disengaging.