A slick and quick way to fix a broken pull start cord on an MTD snow blower

Some helpful tips on how to quickly and easily fix a broken pull cord on a small gas engine.
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A repair is done on an MTD snow blower with a 5HP Tecumseh engine. Using a little simple math, the cord is precisely reloaded into the starting winder. For step-by-step text and still pictures of this procedure see: www.originalmechanic.com/2014/...

[@marran8140]

I love KZbin so much! I bought a new (to me) Yard Machines 5 horse snowblower a few months ago. Went to start it for the first time a couple days ago and the cord broke! Ordered a new one from Amazon, found this video and installed the cord today and we’re good to go! Thank you!!

[@salamancadingding]

The math at the beginning was hella nerdy and very much appreciated 👍 this video helped me tremendously and probably saved me $100 in repairs

[@peterh1984]

If you round pi to 3 and round the diameter to half inch, you can do the math in your head without pen, paper, and calculator. Nice video, thank you!

[@bm3823]

Excellent video! I followed your lead and replaced my cord, perfectly. It’s guys like you making useful videos like this worthwhile for the rest of us. Thanks for taking the time to share your insights. BTW, I loved the math!

[@gollumgollum]

I pulled the starter rope out of my snowblower recently and, after a few choice words, thought I was in line for a costly repair at the shop. After watching this video I purchased a length of cord (I believe the total was $1.83?) and was able to follow the instructions despite the fact that I have never worked on gas powered tools before. It was quite easy dare I say and my snowblower is up and running. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise.

[@ghost307]

Thanks. I was dreading this repair when my pullcord broke last night. After watching this the hardest part of the actual repair was getting to that little tiny screw.

[@IrfanSehic]

Dude! This morning we got 16 inches of snow. I shovel for 40 minutes to get to the snowblower. I try to start the snowblower, the cord breaks. I am not handy. I start panicking. I don't want to depend on anyone. I am thinking I have to call a client so he can come by and plow the driveway. No, I don't' want to do that. Instead, I watch your video. I struggle to find the right wrench. With the snow and the cold, it was a struggle, but I ended up fixing the cord, and now it's better than it was before. That's amazing! But, not as amazing as the feeling I got of taking action, and accomplishing something. The help you provided with this video goes way beyond just fixing the broken pull cord. Thank you!

[@hollywood6101]

From two non-handy people, very grateful for KZbin University! Thank you so much!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome, from YTU! You made me laugh.

[@HitListBand2]

This was very helpful. I especially appreciated how you used math to determine the number of turns to take up the length of the rope.

[@mikebrown6323]

Great Video. Saved me a Big Headache

[@Mikem-mq2hh]

I'm an engineer and mechanically inclined and loved the classroom/workbench combo....Kudos!

[@mikerinaldi4836]

Your video saved me a problem. Current situation is a snow storm. I did everything minus the whole math thing, I just wound the rope around like you said. Worked like a charm! Thank you !

[@matt4398]

He's trying to justify his useless math degree

[@buchanc3]

This was the exact video I needed. I followed everything you said and my snow blower started right up and the cord wound itself to exactly where it needed to be. Thank you for making this video, you saved me the $50 the snow repair shop wanted to charge me!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I'm so glad to hear it helped. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@hinault851st]

had too watch this last year and again this - Broke the chord agian. Thanks you helped me twice!

[@TheTruthSeeker756]

Man, you saved my butt today. Big storm and the cord came off. Thanks!

[@danielhodson5489]

I broke my rope toward the end of the winter and had to use the electric start. I have been hesitant about attempting the repair since I've never had to do it before. Your screwdriver tip made it slick. It took no time at all and is ready for the coming winter. Thank you SO much for the very easy to do repair tips!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I'm glad this post helped you out and thanks for the feedback!

[@skycladguru6256]

THANK YOU so much for making this video. I have a nearly identical model that snapped the starter rope today (at 15 years as well!). Your instructions were exactly what I needed to get it back in service in no time. Greatly appreciate it!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome!

[@bigchiefbc]

Thank you so much for this, you just saved me a couple hours of shoveling! My snowblower is a Honda, but the pulley housing was similar enough that this worked just fine.

[@mikehertzog6266]

It worked EXACTLY like you said. Of course these break right in the middle of doing the job. But you made it real easy. And the part about melting the end of the cord... priceless. Thanks for the help.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Glad to help you get out from under it!

[@purethccheck]

I have this exact snowblower and the pull cord broke on me yesterday thanks for this video hope I can fix!

[@villemeure]

we got a foot of snow last night, and the cord broke about 3/4 of the way through my shoveling this morning. after watching your video, i thought, "even i can do this." and thanks to your video, i was right. i'm back in business. thank you so much for sharing your expertise with everyone.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I'm glad you found my video and made good use of it!

[@tomreed911]

This was a great help. I watched two other demonstrations before this one and they were much more difficult. Did have to use needle nose pliers to pull rope through but otherwise it worked just as demonstrated.

[@jimm3370]

Great job on the video, David. You're a good teacher- that was a smart idea to figure out the cord length at the start of the project. Thank you for taking the time!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Thanks for watching and for the great comment!

[@pauleman4984]

Thanks, it worked like a charm. The other day we had a huge storm and my chord broke when I tried to start. Fortunately, my good neighbors helped. I was worried about how to get the thing fixed while searching found your very useful video. Appreciate all your help.

[@johnsteele10]

You saved my life, well actually my back. Thanks so much for this. Here in Mass. we just got through a nor'easter of 25 inches and on the last use of my MTD 10 year old snow blower the cord broke. Finished what I needed for that storm but have another 12 to 14 inches coming in two days and no way a small engine repair shop would have fixed this in time for Monday. Watched your video and had it fixed in 30 minutes, wow!! Now I'm ready for the next round, bring it on Mother Nature. Thanks again for a great, simple but informative video. P.S. I also had the shroud covering the line hole like the other guy, I was able to bend it out of the way with a screw driver, thread the line and push it back without snapping it or removing it.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I'm glad to hear it helped. This video was never so popular as it was during your storm. I'm not going to complain next time we get a six inches here in WI.

[@congamike1]

My 3hp Tecumseh required 5 turns. Thanks for the informative video!

[@marvinhundley8012]

Watched your video and had the job done in 15 minutes. Thanks!

[@Simmer112]

Thanks to your video I was able to fix the broken pull cord on my 5 HP Tecumseh Snow Blower in advance of an impending snow storm

[@sisco3404]

Thank you for posting. Your way appeared to be so much easier than what other people have suggested, although it may work for them. The only thing I had to do was drill the hole in the plastic wheel a tiny bit bigger to get the original cord back in. It broke right at the knot and the rest of the cord was in great shape . I would like to see how they load it in the factory. Zero tolerance! Thanks again.

[@bethducatelli4522]

Great video, thank you for posting! Cord broke on first pull for my husband during this January blizzard. I showed him this video and he fixed it! We had trouble stringing the cord through the holes tho, it would bend before it would go out far enough to grab. We opened up a metal paper clip, pushed it into the end of the cord and taped it with a small piece of scotch tape. We put it through with the metal tip and grabbed it on the other side with the pliers and pulled it through. Then took off the piece of paper clip and tape and tied the knot. This was the worst storm for this to happen during but thanks to you, we got through it ! :)

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

So glad to hear the video helped you in the middle of that big storm.Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@durhamcelticclubcanada1768]

Brilliant video, easy to follow, did real as you said and had the cord repaired in less than 10 mins. Thank You! 👍

[@betster28]

Had the cord break on me yesterday, found this video and had it fixed that night. Like others had some trouble feeding cord through, but got it through and snowblower started first pull. Thanks!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@joshuajenkins1105]

Thank you! I finally got it after 10 minutes. The rope is a little too thick, but managed to feed it through.

[@johnwright8316]

Great, easy to follow video of the type of repair that I wouldn't have attempted for fear that I'd just make things worse. Thanks for posting.

[@brwhyon]

I have the same machine and the same problem. Thanks for posting !

[@janhintz799]

Thank you. You saved me probably $150.00!

[@charisgriffith1034]

Woohoo! Thank you for this video!! It was very helpful and very much needed today! I fixed mine, no prob...except my rope did NOT go in that easy...lol I had to repeatedly melt the tip of the rope and make it into a narrowed point to get it through enough to pull it the rest of the way with the pliers. Good tips on the tiny wrench, using the screw driver to prop it while rethreading, and for counting the twists. Thank you!!

[@billywilliams1804]

Fantastic and easy to follow video, well done and extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@dandelp6721]

Thanks you have made my life so much easier.

[@webviator]

Used this how-to to replace cord on my Yard Machines snow blower with 5hp Tecumseh engine. Thanks!

[@sethulinskiauthor4331]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing! Only adjustment I made was cutting chord at an angle to make it easier to re-feed, then cauterized and tied the knot (sewing and threading needles was never my strong suit). Saved me $, shoveling and frustration. Sending a little something for the support. Keep up the great work!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome and thanks for the equally awesome comment! Sounds like you did a nice job.

[@remington2277]

This is a great video. It worked perfectly for my Ariens snow blower with a Tecumseh engine (identical pull cord housing). I was able to fix it in minutes instead of hours. Thanks!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. This video was never so popular as this winter with the big storms piling up the snow!

[@angieui]

We also have an Ariens and were able to fix ours too! Thanks for help!

[@dannywarshay9918]

Life saver! Thank you for so generously sharing this approach.

[@jssc4]

David thank you, your video was great and your geometry tutorial was fabulous you’re a great teacher😀

[@sleze]

This also works perfectly on a Craftsman 5/22 blower. THANK YOU! Pro tip - If your length to circumference is more than .1 more than an integer (say 4.1 rotations) you need to shorten the length a little bit for a snug fit.

[@mr.kirkwood9575]

Thanks for the video. We have been messing with this into the night and watched your video and got it in minutes. Your the best

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Great to hear it helped to get back up and running.

[@stevekny]

Nice! Preloading the recoil made the job a simple 10 minute task. Thanks man! (MTD blower w/ 8hp Tecumseh)

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You are very welcome. Good to hear it helped you!

[@daddy9minnich777]

Thanks for your helpful video and mechanical expertise...Great simple video...getting a few inches in Northeast tomorrow into Monday...gotta replace my pull cord this weekend.

[@VersinKettorix]

Thanks for this helpful video. My first inclination was to start prying open the center winding mechanism to get the cord wound back into the housing. I'm glad I looked here first and saved some money, some skin from my knuckles and some inevitable yelling at inanimate objects.

[@garycacace6740]

This video saved the day! Your instructions were perfect, and my snow blower is back in business...just in time to be put away for the season! :-)

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

+Gary Cacace Glad to help. Hooray for spring!

[@jellofan]

I had a chipper/shredder with the same problem. Other videos had you cut a notch in the spool and it seemed to me that there had to be a better way. Thanks for showing the better way, as well as showing how to calculate the number of turns of the spool.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I'm glad you found my video useful.

[@BeyondThePale26]

Made this task actually enjoyable to accomplish. Thanks a lot.

[@kolbyflathers9892]

Thanks it actually worked and it helped a lot because I was working on a to come see 10 hp motor

[@Mitch.Wasserman]

You just saved me probably $100 for repairs...Thanks so much for such a thorough explanation.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I'm glad you were able to make use of this little piece of video.

[@MrWheelhoss]

This video was just what the doctor ordered! A big thumbs up and thanks!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and for the good words.

[@user-ze6qx1py2l]

Very well illustrated, good job!

[@leckhart]

Excellent video, thanks a lot for helping us home repair folks.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Glad to hear it helped.

[@jimm3370]

Thanks man. Simple, effective and quick.

[@noellinton1049]

Instructions are perfect! Thanks for your advice. Worked like a charm. I especially liked the part about cleaning up the rope with a match...made life a lot easier.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

+Noel Linton Glad you liked it and thanks for commenting!

[@realfast46]

Thanks for your video i could fix my machine .God bless you !!!

[@plomo508]

I have a newer version and couldn't find a video for the model i have but thanks to this video I was able to fix the problem. Thank you so much for posting this video.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I'm glad you were able to still make good use of this video.

[@devilledts1]

Thanks. Great video. Took me 2 tries as I did not wind up the spring enough. For some reason 4 rewinds was not enough. I did 6 and it worked perfectly

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

+Bob G Glad it helped you. Thanks for the comment.

[@Microphone73]

I used 25 lb fishing line as a leader attached to the pull cord with a slip knot. No fuss and works first time.

[@maingate690]

Same machine, same issue, thanks much I appreciated it save me a trip to the shop!

[@josephcampbell7065]

This worked out great, thanks for the tip!

[@brianv5031]

This worked perfectly for me, thanks!

[@MRLTrains]

Thanks for sharing Bud! Ends up to be so easy!

[@ToddBiggins]

This happened to me the other day and I tried not to let it ruin the weekend. Your video was so easy to understand, I was able to fix my pull cord in 20 minutes. Thanks! Side note: Why do they always put the screws in hardest to reach places?! ;-)

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Nice job and thanks for watching. Engineers are paid to design it. They don't have to fix it!

[@gzasekamoz]

Excellent instructions, video was really helpful! Thanks

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Thanks for the comment.

[@apd09]

Great video, but let me tell you, I had the hardest time trying to thread the new cord through that hole. I could not get everything lined up correctly. After an hour of trying, went and bought a thinner cord. Before opening the package of it, I decided to try one more time, after 20 seconds got it to feed through correctly. I will say this though, an hour of my time plus 10 bucks for the new handle and cord was still less than I would have paid someone to do it for me I bet. Thanks for the amazing video.

[@michfinn230]

Great video thanks second time I used this video, cheaper than buying a new one just takes patients.

[@nadinesilver9045]

This is a great demo video. The math actually works!!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Thanks! I'm glad you like it.

[@peetcgee1528]

Wish eye saw this years ago. Smaaaart. TY Dudemaster!

[@barrygoldsmith2767]

Simple but brilliant, ...got me mowing again. Thanks.

[@jsinclair3333]

Nice video, well made and very helpful...... the geometry lesson a nice added touch!!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

+Jeremy Sinclair Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jimm3370]

Well! Took my laptop to the garage and 20 mins later I was starting 'er up! Thanks man!

[@odellrosejones]

Great information worked like a charm!

[@keithanderson3981]

Thanks for the video. It helped.

[@mobile1369]

Thanks Very Much,You made my day alot easier.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Glad you could make use of it.

[@derrickkersey862]

Thank you sir. You saved me some time and frustration.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Good to hear. I appreciate the comment.

[@carltrummer9103]

Thanks a lot for your instructive video.

[@AllthingsRocco]

first time ever i saw someone use math that they taught us in middle school/high school in the real world

[@1cbjack]

Me too, I was impressed with the math more than the repiar!

[@charlietuna660]

yeah but it would have been much quicker wrapping the cord around once and measuring to get the circumference.

[@ineu1650]

Im more confused about the math. Lol

[@leenozatc125m5]

You guys got to get into more trades algebra all the time folks

[@Liserhoops]

Thank you for this video. My cord wasn't broken but the piece that engages the starter was not opening. I removed the cord and cleaned a few pine needles from the area that goes around and now it is working. If you wouldn't have shown those little mechanisms that poke out when you pull the cord I wouldn't have known what to look for on mine. It was a single metal tooth.

[@robertnordeen4631]

Great Clip. I just got a valve job done on the exact same blower. shop said its a little frayed. Now I know how to fix it. oh u pumped it 7 times, wow. I go 1 or 2, 1/2 choke. it use to be 3 pumps and pull 20 times. Now i have to get use to 1 pump 1 pull. and hope the cord don't pull me arm out. Easy clip, thanks!!

[@1575murray]

It's easier to do this job before the rope breaks because you can easily find out the correct length you need assuming that your recoil has the factory rope or hasn't been messed up by someone else. It sounds like your arm would benefit from the use of an electric starter. I now have a machine that has one after using a recoil on an old one for many years and it is a nice convenience even on a 5hp machine. On a 8-10 hp machine it is almost a must. Also keep bad gas out of your machine that is much easier on the starter and keeps it out of the shop.

[@iiianydayiii]

Thanks, this was exactly the information I needed.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Chuck Mercer You're welcome.

[@sandipshah4007]

Thank you so much for the tips, you saved my day and big expanse man, bless you

[@SonnyandSam]

Outstanding job! Went through a couple videos before I found yours. Excellent job showing the entire process from beginning to end. Great job. My MTD blower looks identical to yours. Only complaint....that engine noise at the beginning is a little overwhelming when the video first starts. Thanks for showin' the way.....

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Thanks for the comment and I'm so glad you liked the video.

[@jeffress7262]

Winner winner chicken dinner. searched hi and low for the correct demo. you nailed it! top to bottom. thx!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. And you get the prize for the best comment I've seen in while.

[@marcgagnon4881]

Great video! Thanks for posting.

[@farisfayedalshebani]

Excellent material

[@dannynguyen2492]

Thank you. I really help me for the first time.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@stevegraham3907]

Thanks for the video, it was helpful

[@russellloveland1214]

FYI cloths line rope is to big u need a thinner rope to feed it into the hole slot on coil wheel. Once I used the thinner rope it feed through hole fast. Use needle nose pliers to help guide rope down the hole like this fella did. Had new rope though tied knot through coil wheel then at end of handle and cover was ready to attach onto motor. It was slick fixing

[@tbkulavik]

Thanks for the video. Helped be fix the motor on my go cart.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

+Thomas Kulavik It's 1/8" in diameter.

[@jax3804]

Much appreciated Sir! Worked like a champ!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

+Charles Jackson You're welcome and thanks for the comment.

[@frankchin331]

Great instructions! Thank you.

[@hanh9981]

thought I had to spend hour but wow thank you for a quick repair.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome.

[@kevin-gf5uz]

4 turns is the key. Thanks so much 15 minute job and I am back in business.

[@russellloveland1214]

Same here 15 minutes and it was reroped. Back in action now.

[@russellloveland1214]

Oh and the nail through the slits to lock wheel in place until new pull rope is attached does work slicker than oil. I use these KZbin video for alot of stuff to fix things. Saves me alot of money doung it myself and not paying another person tondo it for me. But there are somethings ill just paybto have it fixed as its too streasful to deal with. My snow blower is a 8/24 MTD yard machine 2 stage. Its old cant get many parts for it anymore. Im thinking im gonna have to buy a new model at some point so i can still get parts for it. Or hope I find someone with a model like my old MTD to keep it going

[@dominiccaputo5399]

Awesome! I was back in business in 10 minutes!

[@TurdFurgeson571]

"When am I ever gonna use this pi and circumference stuff? I'm not gonna be a baker."

[@USAF-Medtech]

This worked for me....a big thanks. One comment: my MTD is about 10 years old...but looks like yours. The rope entry point into the inner part of that assembly has a shroud that really makes getting the rope through the two holes very difficult. Yours is missing that spot welded shroud on your model. I had to rip mine out to have a chance of passing the rope through the two holes to eventually then make the knot. Thanks again.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I'm glad you were able to make use of the video.Good job "modifying" that shroud. Thanks for watching and commenting!