By Lawn mowers are essential tools for keeping your lawn neat and tidy. However, like any other machine, they require maintenance and repair. One common issue that many lawn mower owners face is a broken pull cord. The pull cord is what you use to start the engine, and if it breaks, you’ll need to replace it. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to replace the lawn mower pull cord.
Before you begin, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a 4-in-1 screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, nut driver, leather gloves, and a new pull rope. Once you have everything you need, you can start by removing the old pull cord. This involves removing the starter housing cover, detaching the old cord from the pulley, and then pulling it out of the starter handle.
Once you’ve removed the old cord, you can start installing the new one. This involves threading the new cord through the starter handle, tying a knot at the end, and then winding the cord around the pulley. You’ll also need to reattach the starter housing cover and test the new pull cord to make sure it’s working properly. With these simple steps, you can replace the lawn mower pull cord and get back to maintaining your lawn.
Understanding the Lawn Mower Pull Cord
The pull cord, also known as a recoil starter, is an essential component of a lawn mower. It is responsible for initiating the engine’s combustion process. When the cord is pulled, it rotates the engine’s crankshaft, which in turn starts the engine.
The pull cord is made up of a cord wound around a pulley connected to the engine’s crankshaft. The cord is typically made of nylon or similar material, which is strong and durable. Over time, however, the cord may wear out or break, and it will need to be replaced.
To replace the pull cord, the user will need to remove the starter housing, which is usually located on the top or side of the engine. Once the housing is removed, the user can access the pulley and the old cord. The old cord can be removed by unwinding it from the pulley and pulling it out of the housing.
When replacing the pull cord, it is important to choose a cord of the appropriate size and strength. The cord should be long enough to allow for several inches of excess cord to be wound around the pulley. This excess cord will provide the user with a good grip when pulling the cord to start the engine.
In summary, the pull cord is a critical component of a lawn mower that initiates the engine’s combustion process. When it wears out or breaks, it needs to be replaced with a cord of the appropriate size and strength.
Tools Required for Replacement
Replacing a lawn mower pull cord requires a few tools that are commonly found in most households. Here are the essential tools required for the replacement process:
1. Screwdriver
A 4-in-1 screwdriver is an essential tool that is required for most lawn mower repairs. It is used to remove screws, bolts, and nuts that hold the engine cover in place.
2. Pliers
Needle-nose pliers are required to remove the old pull cord and install the new one. They are also useful for bending wires and holding small parts.
3. Nut Driver
A nut driver is used to remove nuts that hold the starter assembly in place. It is an essential tool for replacing a broken pull cord.
4. New Pull Rope
A new pull rope is required to replace the old one. The thickness and length of the rope will depend on the make and model of the lawn mower. It is important to ensure that the replacement rope is of the correct size and length.
5. Leather Gloves
Leather gloves are recommended to protect the hands from cuts and bruises during the replacement process. They provide a good grip and prevent slipping of tools.
It is important to have all the necessary tools before starting the replacement process. This will ensure that the process is completed quickly and efficiently.
Removing the Old Pull Cord
When a lawn mower pull cord breaks, it will need to be replaced. Here are the steps to remove the old cord.
Unscrewing the Pull Cord Cover
The first step is to remove the pull cord cover. Most lawn mowers have a plastic cover that is held in place by screws. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws and take off the cover. Some lawn mowers may have a metal cover that is held in place by bolts. Use a wrench to remove the bolts and take off the cover.
Cutting the Old Cord
Once the cover is removed, locate the old pull cord. Use a pair of scissors or a knife to cut the old cord near the knot. Be sure to hold onto the handle so that the spring does not unwind. Once the old cord is cut, remove it from the handle and discard it.
It is important to note that some pull cords may be attached to the spring. In this case, do not cut the cord. Instead, unwind the cord from the spring until it is fully removed from the lawn mower.
By following these steps, the old pull cord can be easily removed from the lawn mower. With the old cord out of the way, it is time to install the new pull cord.
Installing the New Pull Cord
Selecting the Right Cord
Before installing a new pull cord, it is important to select the right cord for your lawn mower. The best way to do this is to check the owner’s manual of your lawn mower. The manual will provide information on the type of cord that is recommended for your specific model. If you don’t have the manual, you can take the old cord to a hardware store and ask for a replacement.
When selecting a new cord, make sure it is strong and durable enough to withstand the tension and wear of regular use. A cord made of nylon or synthetic materials is a good choice for most lawn mowers.
Attaching the New Cord
To attach the new cord, follow these steps:
- Remove the old cord from the pulley and the handle.
- Tie a knot at one end of the new cord.
- Thread the other end of the cord through the hole in the pulley.
- Pull the cord through the pulley until the knot stops at the pulley.
- Tie a knot at the other end of the cord.
- Attach the cord to the handle.
Re-attaching the Cord Cover
After attaching the new cord, it is important to re-attach the cord cover to protect the cord from damage. To do this, follow these steps:
- Place the cord cover over the cord and align it with the holes in the engine housing.
- Insert the screws into the holes and tighten them with a screwdriver.
- Test the new cord by pulling it a few times to make sure it is properly installed.
By following these steps, you can easily install a new pull cord on your lawn mower. Remember to take your time and follow the instructions carefully to ensure a successful installation.
Testing the New Pull Cord
After replacing the pull cord, it is important to test whether the new cord is properly installed and functioning as expected. Here are the steps to test the new pull cord:
- Reassemble the mower: Before testing the new pull cord, ensure that the mower is reassembled correctly. This includes reattaching any parts that were removed during the replacement process.
- Pull the cord: Once the mower is reassembled, pull the cord gently to check if there is any resistance. If there is no resistance, it means the cord is not installed properly. If the cord is installed correctly, it should offer some resistance when pulled.
- Start the mower: After checking the resistance, start the mower to ensure that the pull cord is functioning properly. If the mower starts without any issues, then the new pull cord is installed correctly.
- Repeat the process: It is recommended to repeat the above steps a few times to ensure that the new pull cord is working correctly.
If the new pull cord is not working as expected, then it may need to be replaced again. It is important to ensure that the cord is installed correctly to avoid any issues in the future.
Overall, testing the new pull cord is an important step in the replacement process to ensure that the mower is functioning correctly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble with your lawn mower pull cord, there are a few common issues that you may be experiencing. In this section, we’ll cover two of the most common issues and how to troubleshoot them.
Cord Doesn’t Retract
If your pull cord doesn’t retract after you’ve used it, there may be a problem with the recoil spring. This is the spring that helps the cord retract back into the mower. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot this issue:
- Remove the starter assembly cover and inspect the recoil spring. If it’s broken or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the pulley for any damage. If it’s damaged, it may need to be replaced as well.
- If the recoil spring and pulley are both in good condition, try cleaning the starter assembly. Dirt and debris can build up over time and cause the cord to stick.
Cord is Too Loose
If your pull cord is too loose, it may not engage the engine when you try to start it. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot this issue:
- Remove the starter assembly cover and inspect the pulley. If it’s loose, it may need to be tightened or replaced.
- Check the recoil spring for any damage. If it’s damaged, it may need to be replaced.
- If the pulley and recoil spring are both in good condition, try adjusting the tension on the starter assembly. This can be done by tightening or loosening the screws that hold the assembly in place.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and fix common issues with your lawn mower pull cord. If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to take your mower to a professional for repairs.
Comments