Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Eager-1 cord replacement, vise grip pliers, craftsman eager 1

Question
Hi Mike,

Can you guide me to a set of directions to help me put my pull cord assembly back together.  I have a Craftsman Eager-1 model number 978230  

Answer
Hi Tim,

Below is my general repair proceedure.  
Let me know if you need more info.  

Michael

Remove the recoil shroud and take a look at the assembly.
You might have a broken spring or just a rope that has slipped out of the reel.
The spring usually breaks at one of the end tabs. If so, you will need to get a replacement spring and carefully wind that in, before re-assembling
the rope reel. You might wish to replace the rope also, if it shows signs of wear.

Next is my proceedure for replacing a broken recoil rope.

You will need to remove the entire cooling shroud. There should be 4 bolts on the sides. You might need to remove the fuel tank also.  Pre-wind the recoil reel by hand [about 6 turns, to set the spring
tension] and clamp it with Vise-Grip pliers. Remove the old rope. Thread the new rope through the shroud housing eyelet and to the reel hub. Let the reel re-wind itself until it is full. If there is not enough spring
tension you can wind it a couple of turns more by slipping the rope around between the reel and shroud. Re-clamp the reel. Cut the rope to length and thread it though the handle. At all knots, burn and melt the rope with a
lighter to prevent untying. Re-assemble.