I need to replace the pull starter cord on my self propelled Sears lawn mower with a Briggs & Straton engine. After removing the plastic cover the next cover is riveted on. How to proceed. How to I replace this housing if I drill out the rivets? Thank you.

unbolt top cover 5/16, unbolt bottom cover 3/8 unbolt blade 9/16 or 5/8 remove old belt, install new one, install covers and blade

.30 is the standard for most lawn mower engines...you might check the "engine specifications" in your owner's manual to be sure.

hi there.
if you go to this link it might help you get it sorted.
lawn mower cord won retract Craftsman self propelled lawn mower Honda...

The housing might be riveted to the engine housing and might need to come off together. Hope this helps!

See here

http://www.partsandservice.com/bin/ipl.cgi?_pline_=Briggs&_catagory_=135200&_model_=135200.%20%200001&_page_=135232.13

I think you would remove the bolts # 65, catch the nuts # 592A, remove the cover # 55A, wind a new rope on, replace the cover and bolts, and slide the handle # 60 on the end of the rope, knot it, and replace the handle cover #59.

Yes, its most likely spot-welded, that's not mean to be taken apart there. You have to remove the larger cover that includes the part that is spot-welded on. But first you will probably have to remove some large plastic parts. Just hunt for the screws, there will be several. Some might be hidden under labels. Good luck, Al K

hi there

csimonis

it is quite likly that you could need a new pulley and spring

but remove the cover and the starter assy 1st and check that the pawls have not stayed out or jammed , then try winding the spring and pulley up in the direction that the cord is moving when you pull the starter cord - check that end of the spring is still engaged onto the pulley , but if no tension is noted broken spring indicated

sometimes a replacement starter assy is quicker , cheaper

your local mower shop may have a spring & or pawls or starter assy for your model

but just in case get the model codes & numbers off the white tag from your mower
and check out this site for parts
www.ereplacementparts.com
go to troybilt
then select troybilt mower parts
then find your model from the list
then find starter assembly

parts can be ordered on line

cheers paul46
hope it helps

If this is like most simple mowers (using briggs & stratton engines and some others) the recoil starter is in an assembly which is spot welded onto a metal cover. You may have to first remove a plastic shroud (which might include the gas tank - which should have a shut-off valve). Then you should be able to remove the metal cover that includes the recoil starter. When you get that off you will see a plastic spool that holds the cord. This spool is probably held in place by a couple of metal tabs that are bent down. Bend those tabs up with pliers. Underneath the spool is a spiral spring that provides the recoil. Take careful note of how this all goes together. Buy a new cord (available by the foot at a hardware store) and wrap it around the plastic spool. Use a piece of tape to hold the end of the new cord above the spool so you can thread it through the hole in the metal housing later. Put the spring and the spool in place, then wind the spool to put tension on the spring - about 3 to 5 turns in the direction that would push the string out through the hole. Once you have the spring "wound up" remove the tape and thread the end of the cord through the hole. Now bend those metal tabs back down. Put the handle on the cord end (or tie a knot) to keep the spring from pulling the end of the cord back through the hole. Reassemble the rest and you are in business.

Use the gaping card inside the box the coil came in! Or a business card. Thats all you need.

You need to remove the starter cover and rewind the rope a bit.

It is actually not too hard to do. And you dont need any parts!