It’s necessary to replace pull cords for lawn mowers once they have given up.
We all know that these things won’t always last and may need to be changed many times over before your lawn mower itself requires to be replaced.
A rope-only replacement may be straightforward on some starters, but the recoil spring is under tension. Check the exact engine’s service instructions before opening the starter.
Choose an OEM or compatible replacement with the correct rope diameter, length, handle, and starter fit; an arbitrary cord is not a suitable substitute.
Below are two replacement rope-and-handle options. Confirm compatibility with your engine model before buying.
The installation overview below explains what to check; the model-specific service instructions determine the actual removal and spring-tension procedure.
2 Pull Cords for Lawn Mowers – Product Reviews
While they all share some aspects of design and features, these pull cords for lawn mowers differ from one another in terms of essentials like length, general construction, etc.
Read on for a detailed look at each model.
1. Briggs & Stratton Starter Pull Rope and Grip 5042K
The Briggs & Stratton 5042K is a genuine rope-and-grip kit for selected Briggs & Stratton engines. It is not a universal fit for every walk-behind mower.
Briggs & Stratton identifies the kit contents as handle 691915 and rope 280399S. Match those parts against your engine’s parts list instead of assuming the cord fits most mowers.
Use the service instructions for your starter design. A general installation video cannot establish the correct spring preload, winding direction, or fasteners for every mower.
The 5042K manufacturer listing provides the kit contents and engine compatibility information.
The included grip and rope make this an option when both parts need replacement on a compatible starter.
Pros
- Genuine Briggs & Stratton replacement kit.
- Includes both rope and handle.
- Part numbers can be checked against the engine’s parts list.
Cons
- Fits selected engines only; engine model verification is required.
2. Stens 140-301 Starter Handle with #4½ Rope, 88 Inches
The Stens 140-301 pairs a starter handle with #4½ rope, 88 inches long. Match the rope size, usable length, and handle fit to your mower’s starter requirements.
The Stens catalog identifies this as #4½ rope, 88 inches long. Do not substitute it for a different rope size simply because the handle looks similar.
Check that the cord passes through the starter’s guides and fits its pulley as specified by the engine manufacturer. Required length may differ between machines.
Pros
- Rope and handle supplied together.
- Specified #4½ rope size.
- 88-inch supplied length.
Cons
- Requires a starter that accepts this rope size and the appropriate installed length.
Continue reading to learn how to install your rope..
How to replace pull cord on lawn mower
Use the exact engine model’s service manual before beginning. Recoil assemblies contain a spring under tension; wear eye protection, keep the engine off and cool, and disconnect the spark-plug lead. Do not remove or release the spring unless the prescribed procedure and tools are available.
This is a general overview, not a universal spring-rewinding procedure. Fasteners, rope routing, pulley direction, and preload differ by starter model. Use the video only if its starter design matches yours.
Preliminaries
- Ensure that the mower stands on a perfectly flat and level ground.
- Locate the machine’s spark plug and disconnect the plug wire. You don’t want to do anything else before this (I shudder to imagine what would happen if the engine starts accidentally).
Step-by-step guidelines
Stage A: Removing the old cord
STEP 1: Remove the starter housing fasteners specified in the service manual; their type and location vary by engine.
STEP 2: Lift off the starter assembly as instructed, keeping the pulley and spring retained in the housing.
STEP 3: Remove the old rope using the prescribed method while controlling any remaining spring tension. Do not pry out the recoil spring.
Air ride seats for zero-turn mowers reviews.
Stage b: Preparing to add the replacement cord
STEP 4: Follow the manual’s pulley-preload procedure, including its winding direction and number of turns. Do not wind an unspecified spring until it stops.
STEP 5: Align the rope opening in the pulley with the opening in the starter housing as instructed; the rope does not pass through the spring itself.
STEP 6: Hold or secure the pulley using the method specified for that starter so it cannot release unexpectedly.
Stage C: Fixing the new cord
STEP 7: Thread the correct replacement rope through the housing and pulley openings, following the specified routing.
STEP 8: Tie and seat the knot specified by the starter instructions. Do not use an open flame near the mower or fuel to finish the cord.
STEP 9: Keep control of the pulley as you release its retaining method and allow it to take up the cord slowly.
STEP 10: Route the other end through the correct handle opening and any mower-mounted rope guide.
STEP 11: Secure the handle knot and installed rope length as specified. Verify that full rope extension does not over-tension the spring.
STEP 12: Reinstall the starter and housing with the prescribed fasteners and tightening specifications.
STEP 13: With the engine still disabled, check smooth rope travel and return. Reconnect the spark-plug lead only after reassembly, then test the mower according to its operating instructions.
One last thing……
How to fix lawn mower pull cord spring
Some people wrongly blame the pull cord for their lawn mower starting problems when the real culprit is the starter spring.
Here is how to approach the matter…
Failure to retract can indicate a spring problem, but it can also come from a jammed rope, pulley, or incorrect preload. Diagnose the starter before replacing parts.
An unusually hard pull is not proof of a failed recoil spring. Stop and investigate according to the engine manual rather than forcing the cord.
There are two steps you can take when you bump into this scenario:
- Have the starter inspected and repair the confirmed fault.
- If the spring or starter assembly requires replacement, use the correct part and model-specific service procedure.
Replacing the spring
A replacement spring or complete starter assembly may be the appropriate repair, depending on the model. Recoil springs can release suddenly; if you lack the specified procedure or tools, use a qualified repairer.
Steps:
- Identify the engine and starter model and obtain its service instructions.
- Use the specified replacement spring or starter assembly, not an approximately matching part.
- Follow the model-specific method for retaining and releasing spring tension, disassembly, and reassembly.
- Set the specified pulley preload and check smooth rope travel with the engine disabled before returning the mower to service.
Rewinding the spring
- Do not hand-rewind an exposed spring using a generic finger-grip method.
- Check whether the manufacturer permits rewinding and specifies a retaining fixture or preassembled replacement.
- If the spring has escaped its housing, is damaged, or its preload procedure is unclear, stop and have the starter repaired.
Note: Winding direction and spring preload are model-specific. Never choose the direction arbitrarily or assume that more tension is better.
You just found out which pull cords for lawn mowers you should consider and why.
Hopefully, this has made your purchase decision easier.
Remember to check the starter cord size, handle fit, and required installed length before buying.
Use the engine’s parts list or service instructions to confirm the rope specification. The old rope is only a useful comparison if it was correct and remains complete; a broken rope does not establish the required full length.