How to Replace the Starter Pawl Return Spring on an Echo Trimmer (Model SRM-225)

String trimmer out of whack? It's time to face the fix. Whether you are a legendary landscaper or a weekend weed whacker, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.

The starter pawl return spring returns the starter pawl to its normal position after each pull of the starter rope. When the spring fails, it's common for the starter pawl to remain engaged against the starter pulley. This article provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the starter pawl return spring on an Echo SRM-225 trimmer.

Let's get started.

  REMOVING THE SPRING [top] 1. Remove the engine cover.

Remove the (2) retaining screws from the engine cover.

Disconnect the spark plug boot from the spark plug.

Lift and remove the engine cover from the engine.

  2. Remove the starter assembly from the engine.

Remove the (4) screws from the FACE of the starter assembly.

Remove the (1) screw from the SIDE of the starter assembly.

Remove the (1) screw from the BOTTOM of the starter assembly (this screw passes through the fuel tank).

Remove the starter assembly from the engine.

  3. Bind the engine.

Use a wrench to loosen the spark plug.

Remove the spark plug from the engine.

Insert either end of an old starter rope (or similar rope) into the engine cylinder (through the spark plug hole). Continue feeding the rope into the cylinder until the piston is unable to move.

  4. Remove the starter pulley from the engine.

With the engine bound, use adjustable pliers to rotate (loosen) the starter pulley.

Unthread and remove the starter pulley from the spindle.

  5. Remove the starter pawl return spring.

Place the starter pulley on a flat work surface with the starter pawls facing down.

Use a small screwdriver to pry the retaining clip from the back of the starter pawl.

Reposition the starter pulley so that the starter pawls are facing up.

Remove the starter pawl from the pulley.

Remove the spring from the pulley.

  INSTALLING THE NEW SPRING [top] 6. Install the starter pawl return spring.

Install the new spring over the shaft of the starter pawl.

Align the shorter tab of the spring with the recess on the inside of the starter pawl.

Install the starter pawl and spring into the starter pulley.

Replace the retaining clip to secure the starter pawl to the pulley.

  REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top] 7. Reinstall the starter pulley.

Thread the starter pulley on to the spindle.

Use adjustable pliers to secure the starter pulley.

  8. Unbind the engine.

Remove the binding rope from the cylinder.

Reinstall the spark plug.

Use a wrench to secure the spark plug.

  9. Reinstall the starter assembly.

Align the starter assembly with the mounting holes on the engine.

Hold the starter assembly in place while pulling gently on the starter rope. This will engage the starter pawls and ensure proper alignment.

Secure the starter assembly to the engine with the (6) screws.

  10. Reinstall the engine cover.

Install the engine cover, ensuring that the spark plug wire passes through the hole in the top.

Secure the engine cover with the (2) screws.

Reconnect the spark plug boot to the spark plug.

You don't have to leverage your savings to level your lawns. As you just learned, repairing your own equipment is easy when you follow our step-by-step guides. Not only did you restore trimmer functionality at a fraction of the cost of replacement; you have taken the edge off of future repairs, wherever you may find them.

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