Forums Archive Index > Outdoor Power Equipment > Pull cord problem (Snowblower)
Date: 3 Dec 2006 1:30 pm
Hello,
Whenever I pull the pull-cord, it just pulls freely and then retracts without any resistance. :? I've seen this problem before and it was caused by freezing temps, however, that's not the issue now, since it is above freezing temp here at the moment. :?
It's odd, because when I test started it last weekend, for the first time this year, it worked absolutely fine. I'm wondering, if perhaps, the way I had the blower tilted back on it's handle-bars during the installation of the impeller kit, has anything to do with the pull-cord problem?
Any thoughts on what the problem is?
Date: 3 Dec 2006 4:20 pm
SnowPro wrote:
Remove the starter assembly and lube the pawls. Sometimes they get gummed up with age. Hopefully that does it for you.
Ken
:)
I would have to agree with Ken, sounds like a coincidence due to age.
Or at worst the key for the flywheel to the crank isn't there any more, but I would imagine there should be some resistance from spinning the flywheel on the crankshaft.
But probably not since your saying it sounds like how it feels when it freezes in place.
Either way, when you pull the cover with the pull start to clean it up, you can check out the flywheel / crank situation.
Date: 3 Dec 2006 5:28 pm
Yeah, I think I found the problem. I guess when the blower was tipped for the impeller kit installation, it somehow caused the "Dog - Starter" (manual's description) to come off. It's like a little tab that somehow catches on to the engine and causes it to turn when the cord is pulled. Keep in mind, this is a layman's decription. :oops:
When I took the starter off, I noticed it (Dog -starter) just sitting there inside, as though it had come off something. Using the exploded diagram in the manual, I put it back onto the rewind starter. I then started the blower successfully. Well, sort of... Some sparks flew out of the rewind starter. :oops: I'm guessing the "Dog starter" came off inside again and somehow caught up when the engine caught. Now the darn pull cord doesn't work at all. Now when I pull the cord, it all came out and won't retract. It also does not turn over the engine... I'm guessing the "dog starter" came off inside again. :x
I know.... I'm a mechanical idiot. :cry:
Anyway, if there's someone out there who can follow this explanation, could you tell me if I need to purchase an entirely new rewind starter, or, just a some sub-part? :? The "dog starter" looks intact but the retracting functionality is gone for some reason :?
Date: 3 Dec 2006 7:06 pm
Hey..how come I don't see Snowpros post??
I only see Ramit quoting him??.. :?
Date: 3 Dec 2006 7:14 pm
I quoted Ken's from the other thread , just incase mellon1 didn't see it over there. Just tried to help a bit.
Date: 3 Dec 2006 9:32 pm
Hi Mellon.
I had the same problem last year with my old JD 726. If I remember correctly, there should also be a spring that goes with the dog to help hold it in place. It was very thin and small, so it might be hard to find. Just my experience. Not sure if you have the same set up.
Kevin
Date: 4 Dec 2006 7:05 am
Vangellis wrote:
Hi Mellon.
I had the same problem last year with my old JD 726. If I remember correctly, there should also be a spring that goes with the dog to help hold it in place. It was very thin and small, so it might be hard to find. Just my experience. Not sure if you have the same set up.
Kevin
Kevin,
You are correct. I was sizing up te exploded diagram in the manual for the rewind starter. I can now see how it all fits together. I just hope I didn't destroy anything when the flying sparks incident occurred. :oops:
Date: 4 Dec 2006 10:07 am
OldToroOwner wrote:
Hey..how come I don't see Snowpros post??
I only see Ramit quoting him??.. :?
:thinking:
I was wondering where my post went too, until I realized that the question was in another thread.
Pawl= dog.......correct. Surprised that the manual called it a dog. Usually that is slang for pawl. :?:
Anyhow...you got it figured out in time to fix another thing! :P
Ain't equipment fun!! :P
Ken
:lol:
Date: 5 Dec 2006 8:06 am
Yeah, it look likes the entire rewind starter has had it.. I ordered a new one. This one is 14 yrs old anyway, so perhaps it's best that I replace it anyway. Only ~$80, no big deal