How to Fix the Recoil Starter on My Blower

Two-cycle lawn blowers are effective tools that help you clean up grass and leaf trimmings. Gas-powered blowers are started with a pull-cord assembly known as a recoil starter. The starter's cord can fray or break when it wears out. If this happens, you will have to change it in order to use your blower. Replacement recoil starters and cords can be purchased at most home improvement stores or you can order them from the manufacturer of your blower.

Screwdriver
Knife
Wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Pull the wire off the tip of your blower's spark plug to prevent the risk of electric shock.
- 2
  Remove the outer casing that covers your recoil starter. The casing will be secured either by screws or small nuts, depending on the model of your blower. Use a screwdriver or a wrench to remove these and lift off the starter cover.
- 3
  Remove the center screw that secures the starter pulley and pry out the pulley.
- 4
  Remove the old cord from the pulley by first unwinding it and then untying it from the tab at the center of the pulley. Throw the old cord away and attach one end of the new recoil cord under the tab inside the spool-shaped pulley. Wind the new cord about halfway around the pulley.
- 5
  Place the pulley into the recoil starter cover and replace the center screw with your screwdriver.
- 6
  Slip the other end of the recoil cord through the starter cover hole. Slip that end of the rope through the rubber starter handle. Tie a firm knot in the cord and pull the knot into the rubber handle.
- 7
  Rotate the pulley counterclockwise or until you feel tension in the spring. Once the spring has tightened, rotate the pulley one full turn clockwise.
- 8
  Place the starter cover back onto your blower and fasten it with the screw or nut . Reattach the wire to the spark plug.

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