Jim The Lumberjack
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The more you use your gas log splitter, the more wear and tear the pull cord will suffer.
Learning how to replace a pull cord on a log splitter is much the same as replacing a pull cord on a lawn mower, and is a useful skill to have.
If you choose to leave it, it could become dangerous and not start the log splitter engine at all. If your log splitter pull cord hard to pull then it’s time to at least pull it apart and give it some TLC.
>> Click here to find a replacement pull cord for your log splitter engine <<
When you notice the signs of fraying or a broken pull cord, it’s time to replace it.
The question is, how do you replace the pull cord on a log splitter then?
I’ll will share with you the step-by-step procedure to do so below:
Table of Contents
So, how do you replace the pull cord on a log splitter?
In five simple steps, you will be able to replace the pull cord of the log splitter. Below are the five steps which you need to follow in proper sequence.
Step 1: Turn off the splitter:
The first thing you need to do is turn off the log splitter. It might seem like a commonsense tip, but it is necessary to start with this step. After turning it off, you have to let the engine cool down completely. This might take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how long you have been using the log splitter for.
Step 2: Remove the screws:
When you look closely at the log splitter, you will notice that there is a surround around the pull cord mechanism.
You will have to remove this.
You will have to remove the screws that keep the surrounding in place for doing so. Use the appropriate screwdriver to remove these screws.
Before you scatter these screws anywhere, it is good to throw them in a Ziploc bag so that you can keep all of them together. You will definitely need these screws again. So don’t lose them!
Step 3: Cut the cord:
If the problem is just with a small part of the cord, you can simply cut the cord after pulling it out. However, if the problem is with the entire cord, you will have to pull it out and after that remove it from the socket holding it together.
If you’re getting only a small part of the cord, there is no need to tie another cord to the imminent cord. In that case, the length of the imminent cord might decrease somewhat, but you will still be able to use the log splitter.
Step 4: Replace the cord:
After removing the older cord, now is the time to replace it with the newer one. Usually, when you buy a pull cord for a log splitter, you get them in the same size. That is why checking the size is not important.
However, if you’re very particular, measure the new pull cord and the older one to ensure that it is of the same size.
To insert the new one, you have to insert the tip of the pull cord into the assembly of the older one. You might have to tie it at that point to ensure that the new pull cord remains in place.
Step 5: Screw the surround back on:
Many people forget this last step. You have to understand that if you use the log splitter without the surround on the pull cord, you might get injured by the pull cord the next time you pull it hard. That is why you have to screw the surround back in place. To do so, you have to use the same screwdriver and screws which are used in one of the above steps.
That’s it!
In these five steps, you can replace the pull quote from the log splitter.
There are, however, a few tips that you need to follow while doing so.
Tips on how to replace the pull cord on the log splitter without issues:
When you follow this handful of tips when replacing the pull cord, you can avoid most of the issues and replace the pull cord quickly and easily.
- Make sure the engine is cool:
Before removing the surround, take the log splitter to replace the cord and make sure that the engine cools down completely.
If you’re afraid of touching the outer casing since it might be hot, it is good to let the log splitter be for at least forty-five minutes before starting the procedure to replace the cord.
- Size the cord in advance:
If you’re very particular about the cord length and do not want to use a shorter cord, then before buying the replacement cord, measure the size of the existing cord.
That way, you will get a larger one or at least a cord of the same length.
- Wear proper protective gear:
As a precaution, always wear protective glasses and gloves while replacing the cord. The truth is that replacing the log splitter’s pull cord is a very easy procedure. However, you shouldn’t skip out on the protective gear.
- Test it after replacing:
When wearing all the protective gear and you have screwed the surround back into place, it is good to test the log splitter. You have to test the log splitter away from everyone else to ensure that in case something is not right, you do not hurt anyone. Preferably, you should test the log splitter under the supervision of someone experienced.
What causes a pull cord to lock up
It really depends on your machine, but can sometimes be caused by excess oil being trapped in the combustion chamber. This causes a hydraulic lock, and would need you to release the pressure in the chamber by unscrewing the spark plug.
In summary:
Replacing the pull cord on the log splitter is certainly not a difficult task. Once you follow the five steps above, you can do so on your own without hiring a professional. Next time around, you notice the fraying of the cord, simply follow our guide above, and you will be able to replace it yourself.
