Kohler — Retractable Starter Rope Replacement
Repair & overhaul
From a Kohler service manual covering: CH18, CH20, CH22, CH23, CH25, CH620, CH621, CH640, CH641, CH670, CH680, CH730…. Check it applies to your exact model before use.
Applies to: Kohler CH18
Before you start
- Uncoiling Spring can cause severe injury. Wear safety goggles or face protection when servicing retractable starter.
Procedure
- Remove starter assembly from engine.
- Pull rope out approximately 12 in. and tie a temporary slip knot.
- Pull knot end out of handle, untie knot, and slide handle off.
- Hold pulley firmly and untie slipknot; allow pulley to rotate slowly as spring tension is released.
- When all spring tension is released, remove rope from pulley.
- Tie a double left-hand knot in one end of new rope.
- Rotate pulley counterclockwise until spring is tight (approximately 6 full turns).
- Continue rotating until rope hole in pulley aligns with rope guide bushing of housing.
- Insert unknotted end of new rope through rope hole and guide bushing.
- Tie a slipknot approximately 12 in. from free end; allow pulley to rotate slowly until slipknot reaches guide bushing.
- Insert rope through starter handle and tie a double left-hand knot; insert knot into hole in handle.
- Untie slipknot and pull handle until rope is fully extended; slowly retract rope.
Specs & values
- Approximately 6 full turns of pulley
Source: Kohler service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.