How to Recoil a Briggs & Stratton 5 HP Pull Starter

Remove the three bolts securing the shroud to the motor using a socket and ratchet. You may need an extension to get the third bolt out from behind the motor. Pull the shroud off the engine. Remove the bolts from inside the shroud using a socket and ratchet.

Remove the bolt from the neck of the recoil, where the pull cord exits. Remove the bolts from the recoil retaining clips using a socket and ratchet. Remove the recoil from the bracket along with the old spring. Remove the old pull cord from the recoil. Inspect it for damage and replace it if necessary. Place a new spring inside the bracket if necessary.

Place the recoil inside the bracket and install the clips, but not the retaining screws. Wind the recoil until the spring begins to tighten. Do not over-tighten it or you will not be able to pull the cord all of the way out of the housing. Turn the recoil counterclockwise to tighten the spring. Insert the pull cord through the eye in the cord neck. Install the retaining screws in the clips using a socket and ratchet.

Tighten the retaining screw in the neck using a socket and ratchet. Insert the pull cord into the starter handle and tie a knot around the retaining pin to secure it in place. Try pulling on the starter cord to make sure you are able to pull it all the way out of the housing. If you cannot, you will have to back off on the recoil spring. This means taking it apart again, so be sure that you do not over-tighten the spring. Try the cord several times to make sure it winds properly.

Place the starter assembly back into the shroud and tighten the retaining screws using a socket and ratchet. Place the shroud on the Briggs & Stratton engine. Install the retaining screws and tighten them using a socket and ratchet. Start the engine to test the new pull cord and spring.