The starter cord of a STIHL FS 55 cutter connects the motor and flywheel, allowing you to ignite the spark plug and make hot and cold starts. According to the STIHL 55 Clipper service manual, "If the start-rope action becomes very stiff and the rope rewinds very slowly or does not completely, the starter mechanism may be assumed to be in order but dirty ". In this case, or if the starter rope breaks, you will need to install a replacement.
Unscrew the three screws by holding the rewind starter rope in place. In the FS 55, the Rewind starter rope is on the back of the engine. Remove the lid that holds the rewind starter in place. Rotate the lid and clean the starter assembly with the rag.
Release the recoil spring mechanism of the pulley and release the tension on the starter rope. Pull the starter rope 6 inches (15.24 cm) outward. Hold the pulley mechanism and prevent it from spinning.
Pull the starter rope through the notch on the pulley and loop the rope. Continue holding the pulley while turning the loop clockwise until the spring disengages.
Unwrap the starter rope of the pulley and cut with the scissors at the point where it connects to the pulley. Cut the rope where it is tied to the starter handle. Discard the old rope, but keep the handle for the new rope.
Threads the new rope into the hole in the pulley and through the hole in the starter box. Tie a knot in the end of the rope over the hole of the pulley to adjust it to this. Threads the starter rope through the hole in the starter handle. Tie a knot in the end. Pull the rope a couple of times to make sure you're safe.
Wind the starter rope around the pulley. Engage the recoil spring by pulling 6 inches (15.24 cm) of the rope upward and passing it through the groove in the pulley. Make a loop on the rope and roll the pulley clockwise seven times.
Hold the pulley while unravelling and straightening the staked loop portion snugly on the starter rope. Continue to hold the starter handle to maintain the tension set. Release the pulley and slowly let go of the starter handle. The remaining string should be rewound; If it does not, repeat the tension process.
Put the starter rope in place over the boot box area. Screw the three screws to secure the cord and cap in place.
Warning
Safety goggles should be used when removing and installing the starter recoil tension spring.