Replacing BS starter cord

[les_from_syracuse]

I have a Toro snowblower from the early 70's that I need to replace the starter cord on. The engine is an 8hp Briggs & Stratton, model 190402, Type 0754-01. Would anyone have a procedure for replacing the cord? Thanks in advance.

 

[CJ3b_jeep]

I guess I'll jump in since no one else has. To change the cord, you take the cover off the engine, turn it over and make sure the spring is not broken in the housing. What you're going to do is wind the spring assembly by turning the pulley that the rope goes into, it'll get tough at a certain point and want to fly out at you. Once you think you have it wound enough, clamp it with something, like one of those quick clamps. Thread the rope into the pulley and tie a knot on the end where it comes through. Release the clamp, being sure not to let the pulley fly out on you, it should wind the rop itself. I'm not sure on an engine that old, but some of them have something to retain the pulley in the housing.

 

[duck1]

go to your napa store and order the whole top unit with the cord. it costs a little more but after trying to wind my own ropes and springs it is well worth the money. Also any small engine place that deals with "MEDART' ( i believe thats the name of the company) would be able to order it also.

 

[rustyj]

Yes, there are several metal tabs, made in the housing top, and they must be bent down to retain the pulley, especially when trying to rewind the spring, before installing the rope. A piece of wooden square stock, which will fit in the square hole of the pulley, and a crescent wrench or vise-grips, to hold the pulley after you get it rewound, and when trying to get the rope back into the pulley, helps immensely, too. Just make sure the end of the spring with the little cut-outs is the last part of the spring to go into the housing! Hook the outer end of the spring in the housing, install the rope end, tie a knot in the end, push the knot down into the place for it in the pulley, then slowly let the spring rewind the rope.
NOTE: It is always best to melt the end of the rope with a match or cig lighter, or other means, and wipe it with a shop rag, making it into a point at each end. Oh, don't forget to hook the inner end of the spring into the pulley before you install it in the housing. If you finally get everything back together, and the handle hangs out loosely, pull out several inches of rope agains the rewind spring tension, and move the knot down some, and that will tighten the handle.

 

[JDemaris]

Just want to add a few comments. In regard to what the two posters stated - that's certainly the way to do it, and it's pretty easy as long as you pay attention to what you're doing.

Keep in mind though - that when done - you want to be sure the rope comes to the end - BEFOFE the rewind spring is bottomed out - or you can break the spring. It's a common reason for broken rewind springs.

Also, make sure your starter-clutch isn't binding, sqealing, etc. If it does - it will tear the starter apart. It also needs to be lubed internally once in awhile.



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