Instructions for the Homelite Leaf Blower Pull Cord Replacement

Non-electric Homelite leaf blowers use a starter cord, also called a pull cord, to start the engine. This cord can become worn and break over time due to repeated use. If your Homelite leaf blower's starter cord breaks, you can replace it yourself to save time and money. To replace a Homelite leaf blower starter cord, you will need to disassemble the blower to gain access to the starter assembly.


Unscrew the fastenings that connect the two halves of the blower housing with the screwdriver; both the shroud cover and the blower fan cover will be removed to expose the starter assembly. The old cord is wrapped around the starter pulley in the center of the unit.


Cut the damaged starter cord with the utility knife and remove it from the pulley. Pay attention to the direction the cord is wrapped around the pulley; you will need to re-wrap the new cord in the same direction.


Cut a new cord that is the same length as the old cord with the utility knife. Tie a knot at its end and cut the excess cord to 1/8 inch with the utility knife. Light the frayed end of the cord for 1 second with the lighter to seal it and prevent it from fraying.


Feed the new cord through the starter guide to the pulley with your fingers, placing it exactly where the old cord had been. Wind the cord around the pulley two times in the same direction as the old cord.


Reattach the housing and refasten the screws with the screwdriver.


Detach the handle and starter bushing from the old cord with the screwdriver. The starter bushing is the small cylindrical piece in the center of the housing. Push the new cord through the bushing and the handle, leaving enough cord so that the handle rests against the housing.


Tie a simple knot in the cord to hold it onto the handle. Cut away excess cord with the utility knife and light the frayed end with the lighter for 1 second to seal it. Replace the handle cover with the screws and screwdriver.

Things You Will Need

  • Screwdriver
  • 3 feet of thin nylon rope, 9/64-inch diameter
  • Utility knife or scissors
  • Lighter or utility tape


  • If the old cord has come loose from the starter pulley and you cannot tell which direction it was once wrapped, turn the pulley slightly clockwise and counterclockwise and see which direction it recoils in. The proper direction to wrap the new cord is in the opposite direction of the recoil.
  • You can use utility tape instead of a lighter to prevent the cut ends of the cord from fraying. You may use scissors instead of a utility knife to cut the cord.


  • If using a lighter to prevent the cord from fraying, do not allow it to catch on fire. If it ignites, blow it out quickly. Keep a bottle of water nearby to douse the flame, if necessary.

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