Hedge Trimmer: Starter Rope Won't Retract

Your hedge trimmer’s pulley needs to be undamaged and working properly for the starter rope to recoil naturally. This is because the starter rope winds around the pulley itself. If the pulley is broken or cracked in any way it can cause a malfunction. To access the pulley, you will remove the engine housing or starter cover, depending on what model your hedge trimmer is. At this point you can inspect the pulley, and replace it if needed. To replace the pulley, you will need to pull the starter rope all the way out and insert a small screwdriver to secure the rewind spring and pulley. Next, remove the rope, then remove the screwdriver to release any tension on the recoil spring by rotating the spring. Loosen the center bolt to remove the friction plate and remove the old rewind spring and pulley. Then you can install the new rewind spring and pulley by aligning it with the housing post. Next, rotate the pulley to tighten the spring, re-insert the screwdriver and attach the rope. Finally, allow the rope to wind up slowly, then reinstall it back onto the engine.

The springs on your trimmer pull back the starter pawls. When the starter turns, centrifugal force pushes the pawls outwards and locks onto the flywheel, which starts the engine. When the rope retracts, the springs pull the ratchet pawls back in. To replace the spring, you will first need to remove the engine cover and remove the center bolt on the friction plate. Then remove the ratchet pawls and use pliers to pull out the old springs. Finally, install the new springs and ratchet pawls and reassemble.

The job of the starter is to turn the engine over until it can run on its own. Pulling the rope engages the starter and this turns the engine over. The recoil spring then retracts the rope. Replacing the starter entirely is the quickest way of getting your machine to run again without repairing the individual pieces of the starter. To replace the starter, first remove the engine cover exposing the starter, and remove the bolts holding it down. Then, simply install the new starter by bolting it back in place. In some models, the recoil spring and pulley are mounted to the housing itself. In this case, remove the housing and recoil pulley and replace them with new parts.

The recoil spring is designed to retract the starter rope once it has been pulled. If the starter spring is worn, damaged, or missing, the rope will not recoil. To inspect the spring, first remove the engine cover exposing the starter, then remove the recoil pulley. At this point you will find the recoil spring mounted behind the pulley. If the spring is broken it will need to be replaced. This repair is easy, as the spring attaches one way on the locking tabs. Once the spring has been replaced, attach the pulley rope, and reassemble the housing back onto unit.

One of the main reasons your starter rope will not retract, is damage to the rope itself. Over time, the rope can wear and fray, and in some cases, snap entirely. Not only will this prevent your rope from recoiling, but you also will not be able to start your trimmer up next time you use it. To replace the rope, remove the starter housing, pull the rope all the way out, and insert a small screwdriver into pulley to hold it in place. This will maintain tension on the spring. At this point you may cut the old rope out and prepare to install the new rope. To do this, insert the new rope through the housing and into the pulley. Burn the ends of the rope with a lighter to prevent fraying. Ensure you do this away from any fuel or liquids related to the hedge trimmer that may be flammable. Once the new rope has been installed, remove the screwdriver, and allow the pulley slowly to retract the rope. At this point, you can re-install the housing onto engine.