Kohler — Rope Replacement
Repair & overhaul · Retractable Starter
From a Kohler service manual covering: CH260, CH270, CH395, CH440. Check it applies to your exact model before use.
Applies to: Kohler CH260, Kohler CH270, Kohler CH395, Kohler CH440
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, untie slipknot, allow pulley to rotate slowly releasing spring tension.
- Remove rope from pulley.
- Tie a double left-hand knot in one end of new rope.
- Rotate pulley counterclockwise to pre-tension spring (about 4 full turns).
- Align rope hole in pulley with rope guide bushing; insert unknotted end of new rope.
- Tie a slipknot about 12 in. from free end; allow pulley to rotate until slipknot reaches guide bushing.
- Insert rope through starter handle and tie a double left-hand knot; insert knot into handle hole.
- Untie slipknot and pull handle until rope is fully extended; slowly retract rope.
Full service-parts list: Kohler CH260 →, Kohler CH270 →, Kohler CH395 →, Kohler CH440 →
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.