Things You'll Need
Phillips head screwdriver
Lighter
Rag
The pull rope in a Craftsman leaf blower spins the crankshaft. This causes the flywheel to engage and the engine to start. Age and use cause the pull rope to deteriorate, but it can be replaced with just a little effort. New pull ropes are available from the manufacturer and at many hardware stores.
Step 1
Disconnect the spark plug wire by pulling it off of the spark plug.
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Step 2
Remove the screws from the fan housing with a Phillips head screwdriver. Remove the fan housing.
Step 3
Remove the screw holding the rope pulley with a Phillips head screwdriver. Remove the rope pulley carefully by twisting it gently counterclockwise as you pull it out. Do not disturb the recoil spring.
Step 4
Remove the rope from the pulley. Discard the shorter piece of rope.
Step 5
Move away from the fuel tank. Melt the broken end of the rope with a lighter. Allow it to drip once. Pull the melted end through a rag to form it into a point.
Step 6
Push the melted end of the rope through the fan housing. Feed the rope around the pulley and into the topside pulley hole. Push the rope through the hole with a Phillips head screwdriver.
Step 7
Wrap the rope counterclockwise around the pulley ratchet. Tuck the loose end of the rope under the wrap, leaving a 1/4-inch tail. Tightly wind the rope counterclockwise around the pulley ratchet. Leave about 10 inches of rope unwound.
Step 8
Replace the pulley. Push down on the pulley firmly to secure it in place. Replace the pulley screw and tighten it with a Phillips head screwdriver.
Step 9
Pull the 10-inch length of rope taught. Keep it taught and twist the pulley counterclockwise two turns. Alight the pulley notch with the rope exit hole.
Step 10
Replace the fan shroud. Install the fan shroud screws with a Phillips head screwdriver. Reconnect the spark plug wire.
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