chainsaw pull cord fell out

[phatmanmike]

hi al, i am the unproud owner of a 2001 poulan 14inch green 100 dollar chainsaw. the pull rop pulled out and would not retract, so i took it out(of course) and the LONG metal spring.. well it sprung. so how in the tarnation do i get it back in, it looks like it needs to be REALLY woulnd up tight to fit back in there. any suggestions, i only have 2 hands and it looks like i ned about 6.<br /><br />m ikey

 

[JB]

Re: chainsaw pull cord fell out

Welcome to the "OOOPS" club, PMM.<br /><br />Fortunately, that spring is considerably weaker than some outboard recoil springs.<br /><br />I have managed to reinstall some by the following method:<br /><br />Heavy gloves and safety goggles or glasses.<br /><br />Hook the innermost end to its post or notch. Rotate the drum by hand, a little at a time, while feeding the spring into it. When it is all in (usually after several tries) hook the outer end to its post or notch. I have also done it by the outside end first, but the spring itself makes the last few turns extra difficult.<br /><br />I have seen some instructions for winding the spring tight and installing it that way before cutting the string/tape holding it together. Works in the pictures, but I never succeeded with it.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: chainsaw pull cord fell out

Most important thing to remember is the shop down the road will only charge you $10 to do it. Other than that follow adice already given and have plenty of patience, you'll need it. My old oputboard was always braking ropes and I was always replacing them.. I never found a burr or anything to cause it. I realize its too late now but I will still advise. Instead of taking the spring off simply wind the spring (while its still in the housing) tight. Slip the rope through the guides and tie a new not in it. Slowly let off the spring assembly and it will wind it self back up.