Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): record starter repair, vise grip pliers, rope thread

Question
My boys broke the starter rope on the tecumseh motor on their go-cart.  Any suggestions on replacement of the rope.  My main problem is the starter housing is riveted to the motor rather than screwed or bolted to it.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Robert,

I ran into the same problem the first time I replaced a rope on a Tecumseh.  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.

Let me know how you make out.

Good Luck,
Michael