could the culprit be the pull cord?

[Foghorn]

I noticed the pull cord on my 280 getting harder to pull out and not retracting all the way. The last time I used the saw the cord kept getting hung up where I couldn't pull it out and at the same time it wouldn't go back. I took it all apart and rewound it per the owners manual but it is still giving me problems. The saw is about 4 years old and gets an average work out of about 6 cords a year. Neither the cord or any of the other pieces look worn out or broken. Could the problem be something other than the pull cord/spring? I just ordered the service manuals for this saw and my 200T but they haven't come in yet and I'd like to do some cutting this weekend.

Thanks!

 

[PES+]

Check this

Check the cup that the recoil spring winds into......when they wear out what you describe can be the result. Unfortunately the can/cup is not available seperately they come with a new spring

 

[Foghorn]

Thanks PEST - I'll look at it a little closer tonight. The owners manual also says to add some non-resin oil to the spring. First of all what is non-resin oil and since I haven't added anything to the spring since I got the saw could that cause the problem too?

 

[twoodward15]

if there is a nut and bolt holding it together, you could loosen the nut a bit. I have a McCulloch that always tightens up.

 

[retoocs555]

Spray a little lubricant between the starter pulley and the spring. You may also need to wind it a little tighter to put some more tension back into the spring.

 

[blis]

theres also change that pull cord has worn so much that its getting stuck...

 

[rupedoggy]

Possible:
1. Pull cord frayed and not fitting into the slot without interference. Be sure it is the correct size.
2. Spool cracked or speading out from deformation. This causes it to rub on the back or sides of the housing. Replace.
3. Spring weak or rusty, dirty or bent. The spring needs oil too. I don't know what non-resin oil may be.
4. If the rope was replaced in the past it may be to long.
5. The paws need to be free and not catching as they try to retract. No burrs or worn spots on them either.
6. The post that the spool rides on is important. Is it to tight or to loose? Is there a nylon sleve that is toen missing or folded over? Has the inside of the pulley become oxidized? The aluminum can corrode and cause interference. Is the post straight? Is the post screwed into the housing and become loose? The retaining washer. clip or bolt for the spool has to be just the right combination or it will tighten down on the spool.
If none of the above is the culprit, I will turn in my AS secret decoder ring. Mike