Any hints or tips on replacing a pull cord on a 98 Formula 500 SL ? The original cord is not broken yet, just frayed. I am hoping its a simple fix, but I haven't done it before. Any hints or tips would be helpful.
Thanx in advance :lookaround:

not really pretty str8 forward. i would suggest doing it b4 it breaks on you somewhere away from home. the only thing i can think of is make sure you get the preload right so the handle doesnt flop around. i messed up & had to redo mine.

Get a helper. Makes the job easier if you have a extra pair of hands.

It's very simple.You take the new piece of pull cord make sure it is the right length tie a knot in one end heat the not alittle bit to melt it just enough to bond to gether so the knot doesn't come apart. Take the recoil pull the pull cord out as far as it will go ,with one hand hold the pastic pulley, take a pair of side cutters cut off the knot off the old cord.DON'T LET GO OF THE PLASTIC PULLEY!!!!!. Feed the new cord in through the pulley first then through the housing .Tie another slip knot about 7 inches from the first knot ,install back on machine run starter rope back into place install handle,undo slip knot let starter rope recoil back SLOWLY !!!!! The easies way to do it ,done lots that way, you don't have play with around with the spring tenion this way .But if you let the plastic pulley go you taing a chance of braking the tab on the inside of the pulley where the spring attaches to .good luck I hope can get it in the first shot

This might go without saying, but I'll say it anywya. Make sure you buy actual "recoil" rope. Don't substitute anything else even if it looks the same as what you have...it will break and wear very quickly.

Thanks for the tips guys.. I was able to get it done the first time..
I had to remove the pulley to get the old rope out (There was a metallic tooth which wedges the rope in the pulley opening I could not remove w/out taking the pulley out completely (it may be possible if you have done this before)), but using caution I was able to do this with out disturbing the "spring".
I did see how painful it would have been to rewind that.
Anyway, I was surprised I was able to get it done in less than an hour. thanks again for your help & Safe Riding!
:thumbsup: