How do I Disassemble the Pullstart on a Stihl Weed Eater?

Stihl has a long tradition of producing and manufacturing a wide array of lawn maintenance tools. Among these is the Stihl weed eater. The gas-powered Stihl weed eater has a 2-cycle engine that is started by a pull string, also known as a recoil starter. If the string ever gets jammed or if the spring inside the recoil starter mechanism ever pops, you will have to replace the recoil starter. In order to be able to do this you will first have to know how to disassemble the pullstring, or recoil, mechanism.

Needle-nose pliers
Knife
Screwdriver
Socket set

Instructions

- 1
  Pull the spark plug wire with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
- 2
  Pull the pull string out about three inches if you can and cut it just below the rubber T-shaped pull-handle. If the String is completely recoiled inside your weed eater, you may have to use an Exacto knife or a box cutter to cut the string between the bottom of the handle and the weed eater.
- 3
  Remove the screws holding the weed eater's outer shield in place. Depending on your Stihl's model, there may be anywhere between four to six screws. Remove these screws with a screwdriver and pull the shield free from the rest of the weed eater.
- 4
  Use a screwdriver to unwind the string from the recoil spool. This is the wheel-like assembly that holds the weed eater string.
- 5
  Remove the nut in the center of the recoil spool starter assembly. Pry the recoil starter mechanism up and out with a screwdriver.

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