Pull starter 1980 185

[Dracus124]

I changed the spark plug, cleaned the carburettor, new air filter and a better intake from the filter. I go to start it, and i crank it a few times and POP the handle is in my hand and the rope recoiled back into the bike. I'm changing the rope and what not.

Anything i should watch out for? I hear people got problems changing the rope and what not.

one more thing.... Why kinda of rope should i use? This is the OEM rope and handle that broke...

:wondering

[hondahaulic]

after i snapped a few ropes in mine, i got some of that steel cable that has the clear plastic coating along with a couple cable clamps and no problems since. whatever you use, make sure its plenty long enough because if you pull it out the max length every time the "jerk" when the rope is fully extended puts extra stress on the rope and parts.

[tbirdscott]

Watch for the springs and weights in there once you remove the one plate on the inside and dont remove the pully unless you have to, those springs can be a real pain some times. I would just use the regular recoil rope from kimpex etc.


Scott

[hondahaulic]

i doubt its the propper way, but to wind up the spring i just tie my rope in the pulley, put the recoil back together, spin the pulley by hand until the rope is almost sucked in, and then tape/tie a 4' piece of thin string or even fishing line to the end of the rope. Then just wind the string into the pully part-way and pull it out with the string. if there isnt enough tension to hold the rope in, wind the string in even farther than you did before and repeat. once the tension is right, untie the fishing line and fasten on your handle.

the way this works is the spring "resets" its self on the pulley after every full turn you wind in the string. not sure if this is making any sence but hopefully it helps you.

[atc4everbob]

I use nearly the same procedure as Hondahaulic. Works well. I use a wire and bend a hook on the end and jab the hook thru the rope and wind the spring. It's a proven technique. Takes me about 15-20 minutes to wind one now. The first one is always the worst. Like other guys said in earlier posts, watch those fine springs in there. They're not your typical springs and be careful taking the first plate off. If taken off carefully, you will see how the springs are positioned. Take everything apart and clean it well. You may be surprised at some of the gunk you may find. Lube the moving parts well with a good light lubricant when reassembling. If the rope just barely recoils when you reassemble it, give it another full turn when winding. If you don't, it will hang up on you in the near future. These are the ones you see with a foot of rope hanging out when they're running. Also, take a section of old rope with you and go to any mower shop for replacement rope. Don't go any thinner diameter than OEM. I usually buy about 5 ft of rope. There will probably be some cursing done on your end if it's your first one. After you figure it out, your next one will go much easier. I've rewound probably 10-12 of them now and it doesn't bother me one bit. Just take your time and stay with it. Let us know how it goes for you.