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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Click here for an impact driver--- amzn.to/2DMx0qV Click here for my website--- www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ Click here for my Parts and Tools Store---- www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@ponyboy231]

Great video, Thanks! How long should the starter cord be when installing a new rope? Is 40" the correct length

[@michaelnorris2446]

You helped me figure out my problem! My wire was faci g the correct direction, but the paw (the black plastic piece) had stripped and a bur of plastic on the edge was catching the wire part, keeping it from opening all the way. Thanks for saving my day!

[@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.

[@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...

[@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!

[@jonssailing]

Thank you! Fixed in less than 5 min. Saved $$$

[@doug3805]

Thanks, Im getting ready to do this tomorrow. I would probably did it wrong.but now I know what to watch for.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@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...

[@stephenquirke9466]

Hi Steve great channel. I've got a Stihl ms 211 c. I hadnt used it for about 6 months and I came to it and the starter rope pulls but just spins with no engagement. I've taken it apart cleaned it but it continues to spin and not engaging the flywheel any ideas? I can't see any pawl on the inside of the pull mechanism.

[@bobbeaumont324]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@flaviomenegazzo8899]

Hi Steve. This is not my issue but great video. Wondering if you can help me. I have a Stihl backpack blower model br340z. Worked fine last fall. Stored it over the winter. Now I’m trying to pull on the cord to start it and it is tough. It actually skips a bit when I pull hard. The recoil works fine when removed. It pulls fine ONlY when I remove spark plug. As soon as spark plug is back in, pull cord gets stuck. Any help? Thanks.

[@jontheroofer1968]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

LOL. Lucky you....

[@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...

[@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...

[@angusrankin5207]

I have 2 sthil saws a 170 and a 271, when I try to use them in the winter months approximately -20 to -30c the pull cord has no friction until I can warm it up in the truck or back at the house. Is there anything I can do that will allow this to engage during the colder months?

[@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

[@trentloucks6668]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@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?

[@quincymccarter3837]

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

[@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 ~

[@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!

[@traceygalloway3016]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@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

[@Smalltechguy]

Steve, I'm actually looking for the double pawl. Was that one piece of equipment missing another pawl??? These new clips are pretty tough! Any hints as to get it in without messing up the finger using a small screwdriver or pick tool?

[@raywyse4174]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@JohnSaylock-ec4cd]

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

[@janetvance4171]

I have a question if ya don't mind Steve. I've got an ms460 magnum that's highly modified and i got it second hand and done the modifying myself it only came with one pawl and I keep breaking them I see there's a place for 2 pawls can i run 2 or no? Thanks

[@chriscrookson8524]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Excellent!

[@frankking1466]

Hey Steve I bought a brand new Stihl MS250 last summer from Battlefield. It’s really hard to start. Pisses me off!! There’s either waaaay too much compression or some other issue! Any ideas??

[@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...

[@s1mp13m4n]

Question. Limp rope issue on my BG50. I took it apart. I have the black pawl and the clip, but the washers fell out. Where do I get the washers? I do not know what part I need lol.

[@graceanthony]

Your videos are ALWAYS informative. Thanks Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Very welcome

[@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]

😂

[@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!

[@czarsss]

hi after i sharpen my chainsaw i gas it up then tried to start it, but the starter cord handle when pulled it got stuck. it wont recoil? the drinks that are on display are excellent i saw a red horse beer can.

[@nealdugan3463]

Steve, when I try to start my STEIL line trimmer, it kicks back like it wants to break my hand! Can I fix this? Thank you!

[@stephenjimilee4035]

You da best very knowledgeable and smart. How many years of experience? I give you black belt in Stihl repairs!

[@TheScaredofsilence]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@alfonsorojas8140]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@danfriday1968]

Hi from 🇬🇧 I’ve a Stiga BP 375 back pack blower . Today when trying to start it , the starter pull is normal but when you pull it , there is like a spinning grating sound . Any clues as to the problem ?

[@scottwilson6032]

Hey Steve, I’m having problems with the recoil starter n my Stihl saw and thankfully you have a video on it. When I watched yours though there was only one pawl but it looked like there was a place for a second pawl. Both of my stihl saws have two pawls but the one I’m having problems with if I remember right the one pawl kept coming out of the white plastic reel. That pawl doesn’t want to open at all and the other doesn’t look like it’s opening all the way. My question is do I really need the second pawl? I’m noticing a lot of these videos there is only one pawl also.

[@stevenfaults4160]

Thanks! Could you do a video on why the pull cord won't pull at all please? I think it's a shear pin, but I don't know how to get to it

[@MrSagsta]

My pawl dog is quite stiff. The spring is facing the same direction, however doesn't engage. Do I need to replace pawl dog as it seems Possibly bigger than the hole that it sits in? Could it have expanded with certain lubricants as it's made from nylon by the looks of it?

[@MrSagsta]

Attempt 1: cleaned both parts from any oil residue using brake cleaner. Made a slight difference, but still wasn't loose enough to engage. Attempt: 2. Used my Dremel just on pawl dog to thin down the part that inserts, then cleaned it of with brake cleaner. Happy days it worked 👍👊

[@ferdinandbellavance5045]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great job!

[@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.

[@tazwowe]

Perfect video for tomorrow's repair. Thanks Steve 😊

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@andrewsam8097]

Steve, my still FS 80 R does not have the same assembly as shown in your video for fixing my recoil. I just have a recoil spring, assembly and starter rope. I tried to add pictures but I guess that is not enabled in comments section?

[@veteranlawnandmaint7051]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@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....

[@cliffdellinger5383]

My Dolan 4 cycle weed eater pull cord will not pull unless I remove the spark plug. I thought it was hydrolocked but once I drained oil and pulled cylinder to pump oil out it still will not pull if I put the spark plug back in. What should I be doing? I can't find any videos beyond what I'm doing.

[@angelaprater2679]

Ok Steve I got MS1839AV McCulloch automatic oiler not working no adjustment screw on bottom 15 yrs old parts hard to fine

[@gradyleger1306]

Steve great video but it seems online that the little arms that come out aren't engaging the starter enough it just clicks

[@johncarbonetta7812]

I have a Stihl M5211 chainsaw. The problem is that the pull cord won't pull out. Any suggestions?

[@kennethjeffcoat5484]

Any idea what would be wrong if it will pull and start but its really really hard to pull to get it to start? Like I have to brace the chainsaw to pull the cord so I don't pull the entire chainsaw.

[@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!

[@davidcollins6976]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good luck!

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@robscottboise]

Hey, Steve. I have a bg56c blower. Took off the housing to clean it. Pull assembly not touched, expanding as it should. However when I went to put it back on, when I pull the Rope it's not engaging the flywheel things correctly. Do you have any ideas on what the deal is on this thing? Thanks in advance Robert from Boise

[@michaelmcgee2394]

Thank you Steve. You saved me again

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@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...

[@barnycanuck6234]

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

[@douglasmcleod7481]

Hey any input on my farm tech Chinese ms 660 ? I Keep breaking the plastic pulley . I’ve had to replace every 10 uses or less , I do have a compression valve on it and use it every time

[@94SexyStang]

clone saws are garbage, I would never put my LIFE behind something Spinning at 10,000Rpm, made by 15 year old communist slave labor. I had one and non-stop problems, gave it away for free.....get a Stihl, Husqvarna or Echo....ebay and Marketplace are a good place to find them Used.

[@taramaher2290]

How do you fix the starter spring? I accidentally over turned when putting a new cord 😅

[@calebg2762]

Hey Steve, I have a Bolens bl110 that had a rope snap, i got the rope fixed but it made a weird noise like when you pull a pull back car backwards. After pulling it a few times to see what happened, it just moves freely but still retracts. Any idea whats going on?

[@ramchillarege1658]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@joaniebarton3472]

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

[@reubenfleischman7226]

Great easy and practical fix! Thanks Steve…

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@chris_mic]

Hey Steve. I have a similar situation. The spring that is under the pawls was bad and i also replaced the recoil spring too. Now it doesn't always kick the pawls out when pulling the rope. Occasionally it does but not always. Used genuine Stihl parts but I'm a little stumped. It is a BG56C blower so there are 2 pawls. Any advice?

[@chris_mic]

I actually figured it out. The retainer spring was just slightly too loose. Squeezed it a bit so it fits tighter on the shaft and problem was solved. Just needed a slight bit more resistance.

[@davidwilliams4171]

Help! I changed the rope and the spring and clip are in the correct direction, in the right direction on my 025 stilh chainsaw but it still won't start. It was running great before rope broke. Hope you can help.

[@davidwilliams4171]

Update. Discovered the problem. The air gap was apparently widened when the rope broke, plus dirt may have been an issue too. So corrected those two issues and it is back running. Thanks for the help, it was helpful.

[@gwaynel8363]

What do you think of fuel stabilizers and how do you recommend storing fuel and equipment? Thanks, Wayne

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Many videos on my channel about that....

[@courtneyroy270]

What I think you are the best man

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@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

[@timsturgill3617]

Steve I am getting ready to rebuild a old Sthil 024 the only thing that I am nervous about is how to center up the crack Shaft can ya hel[p me out everything else I can do this will be my first time building a saw Let me know and thank you either way

[@alanporter2694]

Hi Steve, I have a question probably a stupid one. Chainsaw bars seem to increase by increments of 2” mostly. Why is that? I had went to my local small engine shop and asked for a 20” bar. He had a bunch of 18” and one 21” Oregon. I got the latter, only to find that the oil hole in the bar doesn’t align with the oil groove, it’s about 1” out of position? I have to take it back tomorrow. Best regards Steve

[@borowski07]

My rope does not catch. A plastic piece was chipped off so I replaced whole mechanism. Still does not catch. There is no clip that you’re showing. I am stumped. Thoughts?

[@michaelmalone4268]

I bought Stihl part 4180 190 0600 for my bg 56 c blower and I cannot find an installation video anywhere, Stihl customer support was no help whatsoever. Do you have one on your channel

[@michaelrollins1014]

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

[@jamesperonia6480]

Steve I have a stihl fs 50c and i replaced the pull rope but the started wont retract the rope after I pull it out. Any help is appreciated

[@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.

[@jesusoftheapes]

I bought a 210 with double the Prawls and the spring clip seems to be spinning around the shaft and not staying put . Whats the trick there?

[@jesusoftheapes]

spring clip was bent out of shape from previous owners tinkering . Bent it back to shape and all is well.

[@ScottWConvid19]

Do you have to have both dogs in the MS441? one of mine just started to stick and not open up,, so I was thinking of just removing that one

[@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?

[@MBvideos553]

I got a sthl blower. The cord when trying to pull to crank was like froze up. I thought this guy might have the answer but the cord is on correctly. I found the problem was a bolt an washer had fallen out on the opposite side of stlh blower freezing up the pull cord to crank it. Look at the opposite side of blower and open up the plastic screen protector to that plastic type fly wheel. I had found my nut and washer in the grass. I added some lock tight and it works great now.

[@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...

[@yamahawera2365]

My 251c stihl dont always engage the starter....ive had it apart several times and cant find anything wrong If i tap the side of the starter cover it will engage and start every time

[@Powhr]

The pull rope doesn't go back in when it's on the saw but when I take the pull rope cover off the saw the string goes back in with ease any help?

[@davidduplin9996]

Thanks Steve. It was exactly what you said 👍

[@waynemoss8145]

You are a gifted teacher. Thank you for this.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

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

[@listenmyfriendfranklin6325]

What if the starter kind of jams partway through the pull, but still rewinds? Also, the Incredible Hulk can yank it on through the jam, but I cannot. Thoughts? Or maybe you have a vid dealing with this, but I didn’t see one.

[@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....

[@ruffoaleman2065]

Question Steve I have PB251 BLOWER for some reason when i pull the starter rope it breaks.can you help me out with this?

[@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...

[@ryanhichens8832]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@clubdetennisdolbeau-mistas5971]

THANKS! Learning all time with a PRO.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

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

[@francoisgilbert3266]

hello steeve tks for the vid, great, on my stihl 250, the clips move so it cannot move so it cannot move the other part, is this has to be insert somewhere i dont see or just snap it around , tks

[@francoisgilbert3266]

Ok fixed... The part was defect

[@JOEZEP54]

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

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...