How to Fix a Pull String on a Lawn Mower

Understanding the Pull String Mechanism

Lawn mowers are a valuable tool for homeowners. They help keep the yard looking great and also save time and energy. However, like most machines, lawn mowers can break down and require repairs. One common issue that homeowners face with their lawn mowers is a broken pull string. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy problem to fix on your own. In this article, we will discuss the pull string mechanism in detail, and how to fix it when it breaks down.

When you pull the cord on your lawn mower, it rotates the flywheel, which in turn rotates the crankshaft. The crankshaft is responsible for moving the piston, which allows the engine to start. While this may seem simple, there are many parts involved in this process, and any one of them can cause the pull string to malfunction. Some common reasons for a broken pull string include a broken recoil spring or a damaged pull cord. Often, these problems can be fixed using basic tools and a little know-how.

The recoil spring is one of the most crucial components of the pull string mechanism. It stores and releases energy when the cord is pulled, which allows the engine to start. If the recoil spring is damaged or broken, it will need to be replaced. This may seem daunting, but it can be done with a little patience and attention to detail.

The first step to fixing a broken recoil spring is to remove the starter cover by unscrewing the bolts that hold it in place. Once the cover is off, you should be able to see the recoil spring. If the spring is broken, you will need to carefully remove it from its housing and replace it with a new one. This can be done by carefully winding the new spring onto the starter handle and securing it into place.

Another common reason for a broken pull string is a damaged pull cord. Over time, the cord can become frayed or break altogether, making it impossible to start the lawn mower. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix as well. To replace the pull cord, you will need to remove the starter housing and unwind the old cord from the pulley. Next, you’ll need to attach the new cord to the pulley and wind it back up. Finally, you’ll need to reassemble the starter housing and test the lawn mower to ensure that it starts properly.

In conclusion, a broken pull string is a common problem that homeowners face when using their lawn mowers. Fortunately, it is a relatively easy problem to fix, and most repairs can be done using basic tools and a little know-how. Understanding how the pull string mechanism works is the first step in diagnosing and fixing any issues that may arise. By taking the time to learn about the various components of the pull string mechanism and how they work together, you can save yourself time and money by fixing simple problems on your own.

Identifying the Cause of the Problem

If the pull string on your lawn mower isn’t working, the task of trying to figure out what’s wrong might seem daunting. But if you take a methodical approach, you can make the task less intimidating. Identifying the cause of the problem is the first step in troubleshooting the issue and fixing it. Before you disassemble your mower or tinker with it, it’s important to perform a thorough inspection and troubleshoot the problem systematically.

There are several culprits that could cause the pull string in your lawnmower to stop working including,

The Starter Mechanism is Not Functioning Properly

The starter mechanism is the part of the lawn mower that is responsible for engaging the crankshaft. A faulty starter mechanism can be the cause of many issues including a broken or stuck string. When you pull the starter rope, the starter mechanism engages the crankshaft, increasing its speed to start the engine. A weak or faulty starter mechanism can lead to a malfunctioning pull string.

The Pull String Itself is Damaged

If the pull string appears frayed or damaged, it can cause it to break or get stuck. Physical wear and tear can cause the pull string to become weak or rusted, leading to the string getting stuck or breaking. Examine the string for wear and tear and replace if necessary.

The Recoil Spring Is Broken or Weak

The recoil spring works hand in hand with the starter mechanism to re-coil the starter string when you pull it. When the spring is weak or broken, it can lead to a malfunctioning starter mechanism that will cause the pull string to stop working.

The Blade is Damaged or Worn Out

If the blade is damaged and no longer properly attached to the engine, it can cause the engine to stall when you try to start it. A worn-out blade can also make the engine work harder than it should, leading to a malfunction. Check the blade for any damages and replace if necessary.

The Carburetor is Dirty or Clogged

The carburetor is a vital component in the engine’s air-fuel mixture delivery. When the carburetor is dirty or clogged with debris, the proper fuel to air mixture is not delivered to the engine, causing it to stall. You can clean the carburetor yourself or have it done professionally.

The Fuel Tank is Empty or the Fuel is Stale

It may seem obvious, but a lack of fuel in the tank may be the problem. If the fuel in the tank is stale, it can also cause issues. Gasoline can degrade over time, and stale gasoline can damage critical components like the carburetor, causing it to fail and the pull string to stop working.

Identifying the cause of the problem will require a close examination of your lawn mower and its components. Use the process of elimination to determine what is causing the issue. With a little patience and a methodical approach to the troubleshooting process, you should be able to diagnose and fix the issue with your lawn mower’s pull string in no time.

Steps to Disassemble the Lawn Mower

Disassembling a lawn mower is an important step in repairing its pull string. Before disassembly, make sure the lawn mower is not running. Disconnect the spark plug wire and let the engine cool for 15 minutes before working on it. To disassemble the lawn mower, follow these steps:

1. Remove the spark plug: Locate the spark plug on the lawn mower’s engine. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the spark plug. This will release any pressure built-up in the engine and make it safer to work on. Put the spark plug in a safe place where it won’t get lost or damaged.
2. Remove the engine cover: Locate the engine cover on the top of the lawn mower’s engine. It is typically held in place by a few bolts or screws. Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to remove the bolts or screws and take off the engine cover. Be careful not to lose any small pieces or screws that may be attached to it.
3. Remove the air filter and carburetor: The air filter and carburetor are typically attached to the engine with bolts or screws. Remove any bolts or screws holding them in place, and then carefully remove the air filter and carburetor from the engine. Be sure to take note of how they are attached so you can easily reattach them later. The carburetor may have a fuel line attached to it, so be careful not to damage or disconnect it.
4. Remove the recoil starter assembly: The recoil starter assembly is what the pull string is attached to. It is typically held in place by a few bolts or screws and may have other parts attached to it, such as a flywheel or brake. Use a socket wrench or screwdriver to remove any bolts or screws holding it in place, and then carefully remove the recoil starter assembly from the engine.
5. Inspect and repair the pull string: Once the recoil starter assembly is removed, you can inspect and repair the pull string. Check for any knots or tangles in the string, and make sure it is not frayed or damaged. If it is frayed or damaged, replace it with a new pull string. To reattach the pull string, feed it through the hole in the center of the recoil starter assembly and tie a knot on the inside of the assembly. Wind the string around the assembly and then attach the handle to the end of the string.
6. Reassemble the lawn mower: Once you have inspected and repaired the pull string, reassemble the lawn mower in the reverse order of disassembly. Reattach the recoil starter assembly, carburetor, air filter, engine cover, and spark plug. Start the lawn mower to ensure everything is working properly.

By following these steps, you can easily disassemble a lawn mower to fix a broken pull string. However, if you are not comfortable working on engines or are unsure of how to repair the pull string, it is always best to seek professional help to avoid causing further damage to your lawn mower.

Fixing the Pull String Assembly

As a lawn mower owner, you may have had the unfortunate experience of a pull string breaking or not pulling out smoothly. If this has happened to you, it is important to fix it as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the starter assembly or engine. Here are some steps to follow when fixing the pull string assembly on your lawn mower:

Step 1: Remove the Pull Cord Cover

The first step in fixing the pull string assembly is to remove the pull cord cover from the top of the engine. Locate the cover on your lawn mower, which is usually located near the starter assembly and is held in place by a few screws. Carefully unscrew the screws and lift the cover off to access the pull string assembly.

Step 2: Check the Condition of the Pull String

Once you have access to the pull string assembly, check the condition of the pull string. If it is broken, frayed, or worn, it will need to be replaced with a new one. If it is still in good condition, move on to step three.

Step 3: Check the Starter Pulley

Next, check the condition of the starter pulley, which is the round wheel around which the pull string is wound. Make sure it is turning smoothly and has no cracks or damage. If the pulley is worn or damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Step 4: Re-Wind the Pull String

If the pull string is still in good condition and the starter pulley is functioning properly, then you may need to simply re-wind the pull string. To do this, carefully unwind the existing string from the pulley and check for any tangles or knots. Once you have removed any tangles, re-wind the string around the pulley in a clockwise direction. Make sure there is tension on the string when you are finished winding it, which will help the engine start more smoothly.

Step 5: Reassemble the Pull Cord Cover

After the pull string assembly has been fixed, it is important to reassemble the pull cord cover. Carefully place the cover back on top of the engine and replace the screws that hold it in place. Make sure the cover is tightly secured to prevent debris or dirt from entering the engine.

By following these simple steps, you can fix a broken or poorly functioning pull string assembly on your lawn mower. It is important to regularly inspect and maintain your lawn mower to keep it running smoothly and extend its life.

Reassembling the Lawn Mower

After fixing the pull string on your lawn mower, the next step is to reassemble the machine. If you’re not familiar with the ins and outs of a lawn mower, reassembly may seem daunting at first. However, with a bit of guidance, you’ll have it back together and ready to use in no time.

First, gather all the parts you removed during the disassembly process, including the housing, fuel tank, air filter, spark plug and carburetor. Make sure they are all clean and free of debris before you begin reassembling.

Step 1: Install the Carburetor

The first step in reassembly is to reinstall the carburetor. Place it back into the slot on the engine and secure it with the bolts you removed earlier. Make sure the carburetor is aligned correctly, and the throttle linkage is in place.

Step 2: Reattach the Air Filter

After the carburetor is in place, you can reattach the air filter. Replace the filter and fasten its cover back onto the machine. The air filter is important to prevent unwanted debris from getting into the engine and causing damage.

Step 3: Install the Spark Plug

Now it’s time to install the spark plug. Clean off any dirt or debris from the plug before you place it back into the engine. Tighten it in place using the spark plug wrench, but make sure not to overtighten it as this may damage the plug or the engine.

Step 4: Reconnect the Fuel Lines

The next step is to reconnect the fuel lines to the carburetor. Make sure you have the right lines going to the right places. You can refer to your owner’s manual if necessary. Reconnect any other fuel line fittings and make sure they are securely in place.

Step 5: Replace the Fuel Tank and Housing

The final step in reassembling your lawn mower is to replace the fuel tank and housing. Place the fuel tank back onto its mount and reattach any bolts or screws. Then, place the housing back on, lining up the tabs with the right slots. All the bolts or screws removed earlier should be replaced with the same ones.

After you’ve completed the reassembly, try pull starting your lawn mower to ensure that it starts properly. If it doesn’t, you may want to check over your work and make sure everything is tight and in its proper place.

Reassembly is a critical part of fixing a pull string on your lawn mower. Knowing what to do and how to do it can save you time and potentially lots of money in repair bills. With patience and attention to detail, you can have it up and running in no time, ready to tackle your next mowing job.