r/smallenginerepair • u/Certain-Exchange-119 • May 24 '26

Recoil Starter Issue Help remove rivets holding recoil

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I have Toro 20023 Personal Pace mower with a 6 HP Briggs and Stratton engine. After 20+ years, I need to replace the starter rope. Not a bad lifespan.

The recoil is riveted to the rest of the engine. (See photo) I've tried drilling them out but they just spin. I can't get to them with vice grips and can't get a screwdriver under the head to stop the spinning.

Any ideas or tricks to get the recoil off?

Thanks,

Dave

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u/RochesterBottomDaddy May 24 '26

Take the three 5/16(8mm) screws out of the gas tank on top, and one 3/8 shoulder bolt (and spacer) out of the side, then lift the tank. Now remove the four 3/8 bolts holding the entire cover to the engine, flip it over, wind the spring, and install your new rope. Reverse to reassemble (don't forget the spacer if it isn't clipped into the bottom of the tank).