How to Fix a Weed Eater Pull String: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the Parts of a Weed Eater Pull String


weed eater pull string parts

If you own a weed eater string trimmer for your yard maintenance, you are aware that it is an essential tool to keep your garden tidy and looking great. However, with regular use, the pull string on the trimmer can become worn out, tangled, or broken. A malfunctioning pull string may lead to a troublesome start-up, making it problem-some to weed eat. In this section, we will take a look at the key parts of a weed eater string trimmer pull cord and explain how to address any issues that develop.

The first part of the weed eater string trimmer pull cord is the handle. It is the part you hold when you need to pull the cord. It is attached to the cord by a duck head-shaped mechanism. The pull cord’s handle is commonly made of rubber, so it is easy to grip and pull. If the handle becomes faded, slippery, or damaged, it may become challenging to start the trimmer.

The next component is the pull cord itself. It is a thin rope made from either nylon or synthetic malleable material. The rope twists around the spool inside the covering housing to prime and fire the weed eater’s motor. Over time, the cord can wear out, fray, or break, leading to difficulties in starting the weed eater.

The third part of the weed eater string trimmer pull cord is the spool. It is typically visible at the top of the weed eater’s covering housing and provides the cord with a storage area when the weed eater is not in use. When the cord is pulled, the spool shifts, thereby providing the motor with the amount of energy needed to start. If the spool has become dirty or damaged, it will make it challenging to prime the startup process as it will be challenging to pull the cord out.

The fourth section of the weed eater string trimmer pull cord is the covering housing. It is the part surrounding the pull cord and spool. The housing is commonly made of plastic that secures the spool and binds the parts of the weed eater in place. If the covering housing breaks, the spool will begin to move around, causing the pull cord to become loose and unusable.

The fifth and final component of the weed eater string trimmer pull cord is the recoil pulley. The recoil pulley is found in the covering housing. It allows the pull cord to retract. The recoil pulley also includes a spring that triggers the pull cord retracting. If the recoil pulley is damaged, it might not retract the cord, rendering it difficult to start.

In conclusion, as you can see, the weed eater string trimmer’s pull cord has many essential components that work with each other to start the motor. By understanding the pull cord’s parts, you can diagnose any problems and fix the weed eater pull string. In the next section, we will explain how to restring a weed eater pull cord.

Removing the Old Pull Cord


Remove the Old Pull Cord

If your weed eater’s pull string is damaged or has become worn out with use, you will need to replace it. Replacing the old pull cord of a weed eater is a quick and easy task that you can do yourself without the need for professional help. Follow these steps to remove the old pull cord of your weed eater:

  • Step 1 – First, locate the pull cord housing of your weed eater. This is typically located on the side of the engine housing and covered by a round plate with screws holding it in place.
  • Step 2 – Use a screwdriver to remove these screws and take off the plate covering the pull cord housing. You will now be able to see the spool and the old pull cord that needs to be removed.
  • Step 3 – Remove the old pull cord from the spool carefully, making sure not to damage any of the internal components. You can do this by gently unwinding the cord from the spool and pulling it out of the housing.
  • Step 4 – Before attaching the new pull cord, it’s important to clean the inside of the pull cord housing and the spool. This will ensure that there is no dirt or debris that could cause issues with the new cord’s operation.

Removing the old pull cord of a weed eater is a simple process that you can do yourself with the right tools and a little patience. Follow these steps carefully, and you will have your weed eater up and running in no time.

Installing a New Pull Cord


weed eater pull cord replacement

If your weed eater’s pull cord is broken or you’re having a hard time pulling it to start your machine, then you’ll need to replace it. Fortunately, it’s a relatively easy task to accomplish. Here’s how to replace the pull cord in just a few easy steps:

Step 1: Disassemble the Weed Eater

weed eater disassembly

The first step is to disassemble the weed eater to access the pull cord. Make sure that the weed eater is completely turned off and the spark plug is disconnected before starting the disassembly process.

Using a screwdriver, remove the screws that are holding the top cover of the weed eater in place. Once you have removed all the screws, carefully remove the cover and look for the starter assembly.

Step 2: Remove the Old Pull Cord

weed eater pull cord replacement

After you have located the starter assembly, remove the old pull cord. To do this, you will need to unwind the cord from the starter pulley and then pull it completely out from the housing.

Also, make sure to remove any leftover cord inside the housing or else it could cause the new cord to jam up.

Step 3: Install the New Pull Cord

weed eater recoil spring position

The next step is to install the new pull cord. Before you do so, make sure that you know the correct length of the cord and the diameter of the starter pulley.

You can then feed the new cord through the starter pulley and tie a knot at the end to prevent it from falling back through the hole.

The next step is to wind the cord around the starter pulley. You will need to use the correct amount of tension when winding the cord to ensure that it recoils properly!

After winding the cord, gently pull on it to make sure that the spring recoils properly and that everything is lined up correctly.

Step 4: Reassemble the Weed Eater

weed eater reassembly

After the new cord is installed and the recoil is working, it’s time to reassemble the weed eater. Carefully put everything back into place and make sure that you screw everything in tightly.

Once you have reassembled the weed eater, reconnect the spark plug and test your new pull cord. If everything is done correctly, it should start with less effort than before and you should be able to get back to your yard work in no time!

Conclusion

If your weed eater’s pull cord is broken or not working correctly, don’t worry! Replacing the pull cord is a simple and easy task that can be done in just a matter of minutes. Follow these steps and you’ll be back to using your weed eater in no time!

Adjusting the Tension on the Pull String


Adjusting the Tension on the Pull String

If you find that your weed eater is cranking slowly or not at all, it’s time to adjust the tension on the pull string. The pull string, also known as the starter rope, is attached to the crankshaft inside the housing. When you pull the starter rope, it rotates the crankshaft and the engine starts. The tension on the pull string is crucial to a smooth start. If it’s too loose, the rope won’t retract properly and won’t start the engine. If it’s too tight, the rope will be difficult to pull, making it harder to start the engine.

To adjust the tension on the pull string, you’ll need to take the weed eater apart. Start by removing the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting. Then, remove the housing cover by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Once the cover is off, you’ll see the pull string and the recoil spring. The recoil spring is what retracts the rope back into the housing after you let go of the starter rope.

To adjust the tension on the rope, you need to wind the recoil spring tighter or looser. This is easier said than done, as the recoil spring is under tension and can be difficult to work with. You’ll need to use caution and make small adjustments until you get it right. A good way to do this is to use a pair of pliers to grip the end of the spring and pull it out a few inches. Then, rotate it either clockwise to make it tighter or counterclockwise to make it looser. Keep in mind that you want the spring to be tight enough to retract the rope back into the housing, but not so tight that it’s difficult to pull.

Once you’ve made adjustments to the recoil spring, it’s time to test it out. Hold onto the starter rope and let it slowly retract back into the housing. If it retracts smoothly, you’ve got the tension just right. If it doesn’t retract or is too loose, you’ll need to make more adjustments to the recoil spring. If it’s too tight, you’ll need to unwind the spring a bit to loosen it up.

Once you’ve got the tension just right, you’re ready to put the weed eater back together. Replace the housing cover and screw it back into place. Then, reattach the spark plug wire. Pull the starter rope a few times to make sure the engine is starting smoothly. If it’s still giving you trouble, you may want to check the spark plug or fuel filter to make sure they aren’t clogged.

Adjusting the tension on the pull string can be a tricky process, but with a little patience and a steady hand, you can get it done. Make sure that you test the tension after each adjustment and be careful when working with the recoil spring. With a properly tensioned pull string, you’ll have a weed eater that starts up quickly and runs smoothly.

Testing Your Repaired Weed Eater


Testing Your Repaired Weed Eater

After successfully repairing your weed eater, the next step is to test if it’s in perfect working condition. Testing your machine will give you the assurance of its functionality and also prevent disappointments when you’re in the middle of your yard work. Here are five simple steps to follow when testing your repaired weed eater.

Step 1: Check Fuel Level


Checking Fuel Level

You’ll want to ensure that your weed eater has enough fuel to run smoothly. Check to see if there is enough fuel in the tank at the recommended level. If the fuel level is low, fill it up with fresh gasoline mixed with oil, and always refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual for the appropriate fuel ratio mix.

Step 2: Check Spark Plug


Checking Spark Plug

The spark plug is an integral part of your weed eater, and it’s crucial to check if it’s still in good shape. A clean, properly gapped spark plug ensures that the engine starts quickly and runs smoothly. If your plug looks dirty or corroded, remove it and clean it with sandpaper. Don’t forget to check for the appropriate gap in the manufacturer’s manual. Replace the spark plug if necessary.

Step 3: Prime the Engine


Primed Engine

After confirming the fuel levels and spark plug, it’s time to prime the engine. The priming bulb will pump fuel from the gas tank into the carburetor, making the engine easy to start. To prime the engine, press the bulb at least five times or depends on what the manufacturer recommends. Priming too much can flood the engine with fuel and lead to difficulty starting.

Step 4: Start the Engine:


Weed Eater Starting Engine

Now it’s time to start your repaired weed eater. Engage the choke, set the throttle to the middle, and press the primer bulb until you feel resistance. While holding the throttle trigger to maintain a steady flow of gas, pull the starter rope gently until the engine starts. After starting, let the engine warm up for a few seconds before disengaging the choke and setting the throttle to the desired level.

Step 5: Perform a Test Run


Weed Eater Testing

You have successfully started your repaired weed eater. The final step now is to give it a test run. Walk a few steps forward and operate the machine, check if it runs smoothly and cuts evenly. Test the weed eater on various areas and check the overall performance of the machine to ensure that it’s in top-notch condition. If you notice any problems while testing, go back, and check each step until you determine the issue.

If the engine starts and runs smoothly while performing well during the test run, you’ve completed the repair process successfully! Now you can go ahead and enjoy your yard work without any interruptions. Proper maintenance of your machine is critical to its longevity; follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual to ensure its continued peak performance.

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