How to Replace the Recoil Starter Assembly on a Powermate Cultivator (Model PCV43)

Pull the starter rope and nothing happens? It's time to face the fix. Whether you are a casual cultivator or a legendary landscaper, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.

The recoil starter assembly consists of a new (assembled) starter, a new back plate, a new starter cup (with the pawls), and new screws to mount it all. If your starter rope is broken (or missing), this assembly will replace that as well.

The starter may quit working for a variety of reasons, including: a broken rope, a broken starter spring, worn dogs on the pulley, or broken (or worn) starter pawls.

This article provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the recoil starter assembly on a Powermate cultivator.

Let's get started.   REMOVING THE STARTER [top] 1. Remove the starter assembly.

Remove the (4) screws from starter assembly.

Remove the starter assembly from the unit.

Remove the metal spacer plate from the unit.

  2. Bind the engine.

This step effectively binds the piston, which facilitates the removal of the starter cup (described in subsequent steps).

Disconnect the spark plug boot from the spark plug.

Use a spark plug wrench (or socket) to loosen the spark plug.

Remove the spark plug from the engine.

Insert the 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.

  3. Remove the starter cup.

Remove the nut securing the starter cup to the spindle.

Use adjustable pliers to loosen the starter cup (the cup is threaded onto the spindle).

Remove the starter cup from the spindle.

  INSTALLING THE NEW STARTER [top] 4. Install the starter cup.

Thread the new starter cup onto the spindle.

Use adjustable pliers to tighten the starter cup onto the spindle.

Secure the starter cup with the nut.

  5. Unbind the engine.

Remove the binding (starter rope) from the cylinder.

Install the spark plug into the cylinder.

Use a spark plug wrench (or socket) to secure the spark plug.

Replace the spark plug boot.

  6. Install the recoil starter assembly.

Install the new spacer plate onto the new starter assembly (the holes in the metal plate should align with the plastic pins on the starter).

Install the new starter assembly onto 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 (4) screws.

Do-it-yourself repairs like these are easier than you might think: From lawn machines to cordless drills, kitchen mixers to outdoor grills. Our "how-to" articles walk you through each repair from start to finish.

So, doing-it-yourself means never having to do it alone.

Find your next fix here.   [top]