Kohler TH16 / TH18 — Rope Replacement - Retractable Starter
Repair & overhaul
For the Kohler TH16 / TH18, from the Kohler service manual.
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Before you start
- Spring under tension - wear safety goggles.
Procedure
- Remove starter from engine blower housing.
- Pull rope out approximately 12 in. and tie a temporary slip knot.
- Remove rope retainer, untie knot, remove retainer and handle.
- Hold pulley firmly, untie slip knot, allow pulley to rotate slowly releasing spring tension.
- Remove old rope; tie single knot in one end of new rope.
- Rotate pulley counterclockwise until spring is tight (about 6 full turns), then clockwise to align rope hole.
- Insert new rope through rope hole and guide bushing.
- Tie slip knot 12 in. from free end, slip handle and retainer on, tie single knot, install retainer; untie slip knot and pull handle until rope fully extended.
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.