Replacing the Pull Cord on a Briggs and Stratton Lawn Mower: How To Do It in Six Steps

If your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower won’t start because the pull cord is broken, jammed, or won’t recoil, don’t panic. This is one of the most common issues with walk-behind mowers—and it’s easier to fix than most people think. Learning how to replace the pull cord on a lawn mower, specifically for a Briggs and Stratton engine, can save you time and the cost of service.

In this guide, you’ll find a clear step-by-step process tailored for Briggs & Stratton recoil starter systems, along with safety tips and tools you’ll need to get your mower running again.

Why Briggs & Stratton Pull Cords Fail

Briggs & Stratton engines are built tough, but even they wear out with time. Briggs and Stratton Pull cords (or starter ropes) fray, break, or cease recoiling because of:

• Long use over a series of mowing seasons Sun, rain, or fuel vapor exposure
• Worn-out recoil springs or pulleys within the starter housing

A broken cord means you'll have to wait to start the engine until it is replaced, but at least Briggs engines are made, so this process is reasonably simple.

What You Need

Before beginning, make sure you have the following tools and always disconnect the spark plug wire before any mower maintenance.

1. Replacement pull cord (⅛" diameter and approx. 6–8 ft. length for most B&S walk mowers)
2. Screwdriver or socket wrench
3. Pliers or needle-nose pliers
4. Utility knife or scissors
5. Lighter or match (to seal rope ends)
6. Original starter handle (reuse or replace)

If it's broken or the spring is unable to maintain tension, the entire recoil unit will need to be replaced.

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Pull Cord on a Briggs and Stratton Lawn Mower

1. Remove the Starter Housing

On Briggs & Stratton engines, the recoil starter is usually mounted on the top of the engine. Remove any screws or bolts using a screwdriver or socket wrench and lift the housing off gently.

2. Remove the Old Pull Cord

If the rope is snapped or jammed, you’ll need to:

• Loosen or take it off the starter handle.
• Take out any remaining rope from the pulley included in the housing with pliers.

Inspect the pulley for damage. If it's cracked or the spring won't stay wound up, the entire recoil unit may need to be replaced.

3. Wind the Recoil Spring

This recharges the tension, which enables the cord to recoil:

• Turn the starter pulley counterclockwise (common with B&S engines) until it no longer turns.
• Hold it in place with your hand (or clamp it if working solo).
• You’re now ready to install the new cord under tension.

4. Thread the New Cord

1. Cut the new rope to size and melt both ends slightly to prevent fraying.
2. Feed one end through the housing hole and into the hole in the pulley.
3. Tie a strong knot on the inside and pull it snug into the pulley groove.

Hold the pulley firmly and let it wind the rope back slowly, wrapping the rope evenly to keep it from sagging.

5. Replace the Starter Handle

Take the other end of the rope and feed it through the hole of your Briggs & Stratton starter handle. Tighten with a secure knot and pull firmly to place the handle against the housing. Make sure the cord glides smoothly out and back in.

6. Replace the Recoil Starter Assembly

Put the housing back onto the engine and replace all of the screws or bolts. Replace the spark plug wire and test the pull cord a few times. It must catch clean with the engine and pull back in.

When Should You Replace the Entire Recoil Unit?

If your starter cord keeps jamming or if the spring won’t hold tension after several attempts, the problem may not be the rope itself. Briggs & Stratton offers replacement recoil starter assemblies compatible with your engine model. Replace the entire unit if:

1. The pulley is cracked.
2. The spring is broken or doesn’t catch
3. The housing is damaged or misaligned.

Always verify your engine’s model number when buying replacement parts.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your New Cord

• Pull the rope gently and straight—don’t yank at an angle
• Store the mower indoors or use a cover to protect it from the weather.
• Inspect for signs of fraying each season and replace early.
• Clean around the starter housing to prevent dirt from entering the pulley.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have learned how to replace the pull cord on a lawn mower for Briggs and Stratton engines, you have the know-how and the steps to maintain your mower in top shape. This easy repair only requires less than 30 minutes with very few tools and a new rope.

Regular DIY upkeep such as this doesn't just save money—it keeps your mower dependable season to season. If your Briggs & Stratton engine otherwise is in good health, a replacement pull cord is frequently the only thing necessary to get it running again.