How To Quickly Fix Your Recoil Pull Starter On Your Chainsaw, Blower Or WeedEater

Did you just take apart and reassemble your Stihl pull starter and now it doesn't work? This is a super common mistake people make when putting their recoil / rewind starter back together on their chainsaw, blower or weedeater. This fast easy fix could get you back in action.
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[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

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[@demaXxXx]

That isn't it thou. Mine tool wasn't taken apart. Used it yesterday, but today I get a pull kickback which prevents making the long pull to start the motor.

[@telecasterman18]

What do I do for a pull cable that doesn’t seem to want to rewind all the way back into the pull unit? Is it a loose spring or is there too much cable and some cable needs to be cut off? My gas blower still starts FYI.

[@RealWickedAlliance]

I know this is a old video but does those only need the one pawl? It looks like two go there but I see only one in both of the things you showed

[@hughbrackett343]

Bonus tip: The camera on your phone isn't just for selfies. Take pictures at each stage of disassembly.

[@hughbrackett343]

@MyCousinV1nny that goes without saying. Proper refreshment of the mechanic is an underlying principle of this channel.

[@Blakehx]

I was about to comment the same thing... save yourself lots of time, frustration and swearing!

[@Blakehx]

The 2 staples of a mechanic's life... personal libation and equipment lubrication!

[@neilfroggycrompton2466]

@@Blakehx mechanic neck lubrication lol 😅😅😅

[@Rottidog68]

@@Blakehx Nothing wrong with making up new swear words lol

[@upperpine]

It's -2 degrees and I'm on my second day in the woods working up our firewood supply. After fueling the Stihl 036 Pro I pull the starter rope and it's not engaging. I go to the backup saw resigned to dropping off the primary at the local repair place. However, I watch this video and decide it's a broken pawl. Today I took it apart and it was just gummed up. Nothing broken. Saved me some $$$ and time. Wonderful videos.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Johnny! Thank You...

[@axnax1]

Great stuff Steve. I've had a Stihl stone cutter for 10 years. I had to change the pull chord couple of years ago and after i put it back together i kept getting 'false' pulls where the chord would pull but not turn the motor. I stuck with it all this time until i thought i'd look it it up on the Utube and maybe someone could put me straight. And bingo first video i watch is Steve and my cutter is now sorted. Brilliant...thank you.

[@ItsJenBen]

Great explanation of how the spring is supposed to fit. Had it backwards after replacing a broken rope you saved me $50 for a repair. Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy...

[@bendalyre]

Just fixed my uncles 058 in about 5 minutes, so glad your video was the first one to come up searching "stihl 058 pawl". Don't know who worked on this saw last, but they put it out of commision for 10 years with a backwards clip. Subscribed and thank you

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Nice work!

[@angelswontargue4759]

I was having problems for so long on my Stihl blower after the last time I worked on it. Other vids were NOT clear in their advise or mainly their camera perspective and length of time I could actually watch what they were pointing out. Your vid did the trick. Took me 5 minutes to discover what I did wrong and fix it. Running like a champ. Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@kevinzdanowicz2453]

Thank you! My local stihl repair place wanted 45.00 up. I replaced my recoil string and primer bulb in about 1/2 hour. For less than 8.00.in parts. Your video is spot on. Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it helped

[@mikespain8655]

$85 per hour is average shop rate labor for small engines in 2022. If you want to do it as effectively, quickly, and right the first time, that is what it costs. Or you can watch a couple of KZbin videos on more complicated repairs, spend all day to save a few bucks, and screw it up. Your choice.

[@bobbeaumont324]

As a visual learner, it was nice to see how to make the adjustment! Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@shortfuse43]

So simple to miss that when disassembling the recoil assembly!!! Such a simple fix. You are a godsend to us novices!!! Have a Merry Christmas!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@jontheroofer1968]

Man. Sure glad I don't have any limp rope issues. Thanks Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

LOL. Lucky you....

[@Spinonemaster]

Thanks Steve .... hundreds of different designs and MFR's today .... I take good care of my stuff (especially fuel these days) my first job was working in a small engine/lawnmower shop at 12 yrs old scraping/cleaning mower decks and changing oil and plugs, blades .... but I always learn something new when I come here ... just subbed and hit the N-bell

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Awesome buddy! Thank You...

[@michaelchilders6056]

Great Tip Steve. Learned something new again today. I really enjoy your videos. There are no small engine classes here local. Your videos help me learn. Thanks again.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@timbailey2055]

Steve, thanks so much sir,this video was so helpful. Every video that I seen had music playing and they never explained how to fix the problem. But your video helped me out thanks again.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're very welcome!

[@JohnSaylock-ec4cd]

Thanx bro.. I'm rebuilding one of these now.... Clips there are tricky but, not now....

[@BBICubicle]

Finally, found a video that explained my problem, and how to fix it. Love the saloon theme! Thanks!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@jameskelman9856]

Always bang on Steve! I've been asked a dozen times or more to help someone for this reason and that exact remedy, the slack rope on the recoil too! DUBEER time! Thanks! Bye!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@ronwatson4902]

Great video. I just bought a like new leaf blower for $20.The starter rope came out so you just helped me fix it...Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@rimslider]

Hello Steve, just want you to know you are the BEST in explaining through common sense how things work, then don't work, and then how to repair an issue with a small engine. Not sure if you're still doing this, but hope so. I was using my 10yr old STIHL MS 290 today, and there was a sort of "pop" and then it wouldn't start anymore. When pulling the starter rope, it pulled very easily, meaning I guess that there was either little or NO compression. Any ideas on why this happened? And is it something I can repair myself. I'm pretty mechanically handy, and I've got all the tools. I just need to know where to start looking once I start opening up the saw. Thanks Steve, and keep up the good work. Hope you are doing well and enjoying those beers. ~ Mike ~

[@heidiwalter168]

Hi! I just wanted to let you know that I had to put your site name in my search in order to see if you had a video for this topic. I broke the rope and needed to fix it. When you use google your not even one of the top 1st page but some others are and in my opinion you deserve to be on the first page. Thank you for your time and money saving information!! I just made and used your penetrating fluid (thanks again to Mike)!! Steve You ROCK !! Was also nice to see you appreciate your magic sink!! Cheers :)

[@raywyse4174]

Superb. Saved me the walk of shame back into repair shop. Thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@waynemoss8145]

You are a gifted teacher. Thank you for this.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@clubdetennisdolbeau-mistas5971]

THANKS! Learning all time with a PRO.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@billcallahan9303]

Steve, you just saved my life! My wife said she was going to decapitate me while asleep if I didn't fix why the mower starter rope wasn't catching. Two days went by with no sleep until I found this episode of yours! She had her machete sharpened & ready! Saved by a whisker!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Bill...

[@tazwowe]

😂

[@gwaynel8363]

I should have looked first. I found your opinion on both. I enjoy your very informative video's. Keep up the good work. Thanks, Wayne

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on....

[@jwjco]

another great vid . steve - sitting down enjoying a mich. golden light and watching and learning , thank you

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@stefanodogg280]

Timely. I have a powerful, low hours Sachs Dolmar weed whacker that I left in a shed for over 10 years, and it has limp, old rope syndrome. Was dreading taking it apart, hopefully this video will help out. Many thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@ramchillarege1658]

Just ran into your channel. Excellent videos.. the focus on the key element is brilliant. You are a born teacher

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@lawnmanmartinfan7909]

Great video, direct and right to the point.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@ryanhichens8832]

The exact video I needed. Finally got the spring rebound and then it wouldn't engage. Thanks so much

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@veteranlawnandmaint7051]

I totally made that mistake and thanks to this video I was able to correct it. Thanks man!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@JOEZEP54]

Good tip. Can be a big time saver. Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@chriscrookson8524]

Thanks Steve You just saved me a trip to the repair shop!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Excellent!

[@trentloucks6668]

Steve saved me time and money with such an easy solution. Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@quincymccarter3837]

thanck you I just repaired one of my brothers 034 Stihl chainsaws. great teaching be kind

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@tazwowe]

Perfect video for tomorrow's repair. Thanks Steve 😊

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@robwool3368]

Great work, would be something I'd do. THANKS STEVE.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@chrissnyder6787]

Interesting.. will check this pull starter assy. Working on two Stihl chainsaws.. never used one before - friend said neither starts. Seems like it has a "shock absorber" system on the pull rope for these.. the MS250c motor spins AFTER the rope gets pulled back in (but not enough to start it). The MS180 starts now (just needed gas.. and has no primer bulb!), but I don't feel a hard grip of those pawls on the motor. Maybe extremely gummed up inside. Will be sure to install pawl and spring clips in properly. My tip to EVERYONE.. use ethanol-free gas in all your 4- and 2-cycle tools if you can get it.

[@mihaithemystic2890]

nice drinks bottles collection Steve, when i get my own house, i'll make a garage-workshop, and start gathering bottles of all my favorite drinks too. :D

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Go for it!

[@ferdinandbellavance5045]

Thank you so much, mine just came apart, with your instruction, I was able to putt it back together correctly. ❤️

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great job!

[@michaelthomas2258]

Wow thanks! Makes sense once you explained it. This is the second video that you made that helped me fix my saw!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@rastraquillo3536]

Thank you for this video. I can't believe it was something so simple as the reverse of a cotter pin.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johno2355]

Super good tid bit of information! I have been there myself on that one. Video idea for you if you have any single cylinder Hatz diesels engines laying around,would be interested in learning more about how the fuel system works.👍🍻

[@lawnmowingmoney5015]

Thank you!! I thought I was going to have to go to the shop and miss out on at least a day of leaf clean ups.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help!

[@transworld01]

Love your work Steve! Could you do one on Stihl bg series throttle assemblies? James Squire pale ale for me tonight. Time for some Aussie beer I reckon. You’ve saved me plenty of coin, cheers mate

[@graceanthony]

Your videos are ALWAYS informative. Thanks Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Very welcome

[@davidcollins6976]

Great tip. So easy. Gonna check it in the morning.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good luck!

[@traceygalloway3016]

I was just having that problem and you saved my day you are the best

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@BearE9090]

I've never had this problem but good to know, thanks.

[@reubenfleischman7226]

Great easy and practical fix! Thanks Steve…

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@jackfrost8854]

Many thanks Steve,just fixed a broken recoil rope on my rebuilt 023 saw.Your tips were very helpful in the process.By the way Sthil makes a cool 5in1 multitool that has the torx heads(great for the recoil bolts),also has the little carb screw driver for those fine adjustments....

[@guillermoulloa7308]

Man you are a great mechanic 🤩🤩

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@justarandom404]

Steve, can you do a video on what to check when buying used equipment? Be it a chainsaw, push or riding lawnmower, etc

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Coming soon....

[@davidduplin9996]

Thanks Steve. It was exactly what you said 👍

[@jamestackett2879]

Thumbs up Steve good info. I haven't run into that problem good video.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@slabartmarcelo6937]

Learning from you Steve, all the way from New Zealand ( Great Quarantine videos too ) Take care

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks 👍

[@juliesangels5]

Absolutely brilliant thank you Julie x

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You are so welcome

[@SFocus-yy6tm]

Always a pleasure to watch your work! Hit the like.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@RandyWBrown]

Hey Steve was wondering if you could show a video of replacing the recoil spring on that fs45 or whatever it is. My spring hook has straightened itself out somehow and consequently my ropes just hanging out. The spring just spins around in the case or housing. Thank you sir!

[@kristhomsen1027]

you are the go - to man, for me

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@OldJoe212]

As always, another great video. How much would be changed for that fix?

[@michaelmcgee2394]

Thank you Steve. You saved me again

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@pyratebruce]

thanks steve, great job as usual.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@robertlangley258]

Hands down, you d best. Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@joaniebarton3472]

Hi got fs450 strimmer running thanks to you but won't idle cheers steve from England

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Nice Steve, everyone who owns one of these needs to know this or the unit isnt much good without it.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@sapelesteve]

Nice tip Steve & I can see how easy it would be to make that mistake............ :)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@bobbeaumont324]

I have a Stihl 011 chainsaw from the 80’s. It hasn’t been used minimum since likely 1992 of 3 timeframe. It looks like the section where the recoil is, from the outside, is set up differently than the saw you demonstrated with. This model has sliding switches for choke and stop. How would take this apart to adjust the recoil?

[@bobhenderson4072]

Great advice

[@tomm519]

This seems to a be a newer model pull start than my 041. Do you have a video of pulling one of these apart to check why it's not engaging the motor? The retract spring and the pull works fine but nothing engages the motor.

[@russellpetrie119]

thank you for this info

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@petermcgill1315]

Excellent! Thanks for the tip.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brooksbelanger8799]

Did this today. Fought the damn thing for an hour half having fit before someone else pointed it out 🥴🤪🥴🤪

[@Mrkouman]

Ok, love it.. great description. Maybe not for someone who is not Mechanically inclined but I know what is the problem there

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@deanmurphy4378]

Thank you very simple take a picture before you take it apart excellent

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You are welcome

[@martinw4261]

Nice tip. Just the tip, mind, and only for a moment.

[@alfonsorojas8140]

Didn’t solve my issue but enjoyed the vid. Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@michaelrollins1014]

Oh man, I feel like an idiot! Thanks, that saved me such a hassle.

[@GravityHazard]

Fantastic, thank you for sharing : )

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@castigate9594]

Thanks for the video. It definitely helped

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@jeffferguson899]

another great video , thanks Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@marcbennett3494]

Hi dude! Thanks for the video, it's saved me so much time and money. What a 🌟

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@MichaelWatkinsable]

Keep up the great work !

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@barnycanuck6234]

Great advice, any secret to replacing the recoil spring under the rope holder?

[@BTBSean0]

Great Tip Steve , thanks brother

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@SeekingSnow]

Thanks Steve! Really appreciate it!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Any time!

[@xaviergiraudon2247]

Hi Steve, nice video thanks, I have a problem, I dissablended the whole thing and the spring under the pulley doesn't rewind anymore. Can you show us how it is supposed tobe set up back together so the coil works again? thanks

[@billbaber6653]

Thanks Steve come to ga and hang out.

[@markcampbell6333]

Great video. But on my pole saw with the same start rope assembly . My spring clip is pointing the same way as the other piece but not engaging fully to engage the motor. Any idea?

[@TheScaredofsilence]

This SAVED me from literally buying a new blower. Thanks.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@stevetheyardguy1738]

In my case I didn't disassemble mine but it's not starting. The rope is recoiling although extremely limp so maybe the wing/tab "Pawl" that pops out is worn? Also I tried the old drill and socket trick to get it to start with no luck making me think it's the clutch

[@joaniebarton3472]

Great video steve from England

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@jdfatdaddypulln]

Seen this video the other day. Had to replace rope in my FS45. I put clip in and was second guessing myself. But I had it right.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@johnskillen6208]

do you have one for friction shoe I having issues with them on old saws

[@I.MESSAGE]

Very good demonstration however how do I get my blower steel blower to start all those I pull it in the string pulls all the way out back-and-forth back-and-forth back-and-forth nothing happens this started when we had a heavy rainfall and I left it outside in the cage and from there on would not start

[@jonathanrayfencing1824]

Great tip thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@andrewsam8097]

By the way I think your channel is great!

[@douglasvandyke7666]

Thanks. Very helpful!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@philippabaker1078]

Excellent channel Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank you kindly

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

Great tip !

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...