How to Replace the Starter Rope on a Stihl Chain Saw

Press down the interlocking lever and the throttle simultaneously and set the master control lever to the cold starter position. Turn the chain saw shroud lock above the rear handle 90 degrees counterclockwise. Carefully lift off the shroud.

Remove the screws from the hand guard and the fan housing using a Phillips screwdriver. Lift the hand guard and the fan housing off the chain saw to access the starter rope recoiling mount.

Cut any remaining rope from the recoiling mount and pull it all the way out. Turn the recoiling mount counterclockwise seven to eight times, or until it's tight. Insert a metal pin to keep the recoiling mount from spinning back to the starting position. Run the new rope through the small guiding hole in the starter rope recoiling mount and tie it off with a basic overhand knot. Tie the other end of the starter rope to the pull handle.

Remove the metal pin and turn the starter rope recoiling mount clockwise seven to eight times, or until it's tight. Screw the hand guard and fan cover back into position. If the starter rope is too long for a comfortable pull, simply cut the rope and retie it to the pull handle.

Reattach the chain saw shroud and secure it in position by turning the lock on the bottom of the handle clockwise 90 degrees. Press down the throttle and interlocking lever simultaneously and set the chain saw master control lever to the warm start position. Test the new rope to make sure it works properly.