Craftsman Ws2200 Pull Cord Replacement
Okay, so your Craftsman WS2200 pull cord decided to, shall we say, retire? Yeah, been there. It's like they have a secret mission to snap at the *least* convenient time, right? Like, when you're *just* about to finish that yard work, or the power's out and you *need* that generator. But hey, don't sweat it! Replacing that pull cord is easier than you think. Seriously. We're gonna get you through this. Think of it as a bonding experience with your trusty yard tool. (Or, you know, a necessary evil.)
First Things First: Safety, Safety, Safety!
Before you even think about touching that engine, let's talk safety. I know, it's boring, but trust me, it's important. We don't want any unexpected sparks or anything!
Disconnect the spark plug wire. Seriously, do it. Just pull that little cap thingy off the spark plug. It's usually bright and obvious. This prevents the engine from accidentally starting while you're poking around inside. Think of it as putting the engine in "time out".
Next, make sure the engine is cool. Don't go fiddling with a hot engine. Ouch! Give it some time to cool down if it's been running. Maybe grab a cold drink in the meantime? Iced tea? Lemonade? Your choice.
And finally, consider wearing gloves. Okay, maybe not mandatory, but it'll keep your hands clean. And who doesn't love clean hands?
Gather Your Supplies: The Pull Cord Posse
Alright, time to assemble our team. What do we need for this epic pull cord replacement adventure? Not much, thankfully.
- New Pull Cord: This is kinda the star of the show, wouldn't you say? Make sure you get the right size and length. Measure the old one (if you still have it) or check your owner's manual. Universal cords can work too, but make sure the diameter is right. Too thick, and it won't fit; too thin, and it'll break again faster than you can say "lawnmower."
- Screwdrivers: Probably a flathead and maybe a Phillips head. Variety is the spice of life, even when it comes to screwdrivers.
- Pliers: For grabbing and holding things. Because sometimes your fingers just aren't enough.
- Lighter or Matches: For melting the end of the cord. Don't worry, we're not starting a bonfire! Just a little melting action to prevent fraying.
- (Optional) Work Gloves: We mentioned these earlier, but a little extra grip never hurt anyone.
Did I miss anything? Probably not. I'm pretty awesome at making lists. Just kidding! (Mostly.)
Disassembly Time: Taking Things Apart (Carefully!)
Okay, here's where things get a little… involved. But don't worry, we'll take it one step at a time. Remember that thing I said earlier? *You've got this!*
Removing the Starter Housing:
First, you'll need to remove the starter housing. This is the plastic thingy that the pull cord comes out of. Usually, it's held on by a few screws. Unscrew them. Easy peasy!
Now, gently lift the starter housing off the engine. Don't force it! If it's stuck, double-check for any hidden screws or clips. Patience is a virtue, my friend. (Especially when dealing with stubborn machinery.)
Dealing with the Recoil Spring:
Okay, this is the part that can be a little… exciting. Inside the starter housing, you'll see a spring. This is the recoil spring. It's responsible for retracting the pull cord after you start the engine. This spring can be *wound up tight* and, if released uncontrolled, go flying. So, be careful!
Ideally, you don't want to completely remove the recoil spring unless you absolutely have to. Why? Because putting it back in can be a major pain in the you-know-what. Trust me on this one. But if the spring has popped out already then you'll want to wind it up and slot the end into the housing. It can be fiddly but some persistence will pay off.
Removing the Old Cord:
Now, locate where the old cord is attached to the pulley inside the starter housing. There's usually a knot or a plastic piece holding it in place. Untie the knot or dislodge the plastic piece.
Once the cord is detached, you should be able to pull the rest of it out through the hole in the starter housing. If it's stuck, wiggle it a bit. Be patient. (Are you sensing a theme here?)
Congratulations! You've successfully disassembled the starter housing. Pat yourself on the back. You deserve it!
Installation Time: Putting Things Back Together (Even Better!)
Alright, now for the fun part: putting everything back together. This is where you get to show off your mad skills. (Or, at least, pretend you have them.)
Threading the New Cord:
Take your new pull cord and thread it through the hole in the starter housing. Push it through until you have enough cord to work with. We're talking, like, a good foot or so. You don't want to be stingy with the cord. Remember, we're going for functionality and style.
Now, attach the end of the cord to the pulley inside the starter housing. Tie a secure knot. A figure-eight knot works well. Or use the same method as the original (if you can figure it out). Make sure the knot is tight and won't slip. We don't want the cord popping off mid-pull. That would be embarrassing. And frustrating.
Pre-tensioning the Recoil Spring:
This is the tricky part. You need to put some tension on the recoil spring before you reassemble the starter housing. This is what makes the cord retract. If you don't do this right, the cord will just hang there limply. And nobody wants a limp pull cord.
Hold the pulley with one hand and rotate it against the direction it normally retracts. You'll feel the spring tightening up. How much tension? Well, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? A good rule of thumb is to rotate it a few times until you feel some resistance. You want the cord to retract smoothly and completely, but not so forcefully that it snaps back and punches you in the face.
This is where having a second pair of hands can be helpful. But if you're flying solo, you can do it! Just be careful not to let the pulley slip and release all the tension. That would be a *bummer*. (And you'd have to start over.)
Reassembling the Starter Housing:
Now, carefully align the starter housing with the engine and push it back into place. Make sure everything is lined up correctly before you start screwing things back together. You don't want to cross-thread the screws. That's a recipe for disaster.
Once the starter housing is in place, screw it back down. Tighten the screws snugly, but don't over-tighten them. You don't want to strip the threads or crack the plastic. Just nice and snug.
Attaching the Handle:
Almost there! Now, thread the other end of the pull cord through the handle. Tie a knot at the end of the cord to keep it from slipping out. Or, you know, use whatever fancy attachment method the handle came with. Just make sure it's secure.
Melt the very end of the cord with a lighter to stop it fraying. A quick burst is all that's needed.
Testing Time: The Moment of Truth!
Okay, deep breath. It's time to test your handiwork. Are you ready? I hope so!
Reconnect the spark plug wire. Don't forget this step! Otherwise, the engine won't start. And you'll be wondering what went wrong. (Even though I told you to reconnect it. *Twice.*)
Now, give the pull cord a tug. Does it retract smoothly? Does the engine start? If so, congratulations! You've successfully replaced the pull cord. You're a DIY rockstar!
If not, don't panic. Take a deep breath and go back through the steps. Did you pre-tension the recoil spring enough? Is the cord securely attached to the pulley? Are the screws tightened properly? Sometimes it's just a matter of tweaking things a little bit. And sometimes, well, sometimes you just need to take a break and come back to it later.
Final Thoughts: You Did It!
So, there you have it! You've successfully replaced the pull cord on your Craftsman WS2200. You should be proud of yourself. You saved some money, learned a new skill, and avoided a trip to the repair shop. That's a win-win-win in my book!
Now go forth and conquer your yard! Or, you know, just start the generator and watch some TV. Whatever floats your boat. You earned it. And remember, next time that pull cord decides to break (because, let's be honest, it probably will), you'll be ready for it. You're a pull-cord-replacing pro now. Go forth and conquer!
