How to Rebuild a Rewind on a Ski-Doo

Ski-Doos are snowmobiles enjoyed by thousands of people each year. Ski-Doos are sold with either electric starters or manual, recoil starters, which are sometimes referred to as a rewind. The recoil starter consists of a recoil spring and a pull rope. If the rope breaks or shreds, it has to be replaced. Replacement recoil starters are sold at snowmobile parts supply houses. The recoil starter will have to be rebuilt if it breaks or malfunctions.

Things You'll Need

  • Nut driver
  • Knife
  • Lighter
  • Replacement starter rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the Ski-Doo's spark plug wire by hand.

    • 2

      Use the nut driver to remove the recoil starter plate retainer bolts.

    • 3

      Cut the old starter rope with a knife just below the pull handle. Use the tip of the knife to dig the pieces of old rope out of the rubber handle.

    • 4

      Unwind the old rope from around the recoil spring housing.

    • 5

      Slip one end of the new starter rope into the slot inside the recoil spring housing. Wind the rope up until there is only around 8 inches left.

    • 6

      Slip that end through the hole in the recoil starter cover plate and then through the rubber handle. Tie the end off in a knot and burn the end with a lighter to melt it.

    • 7

      Wind the starter pulley clockwise until it pulls the recoil rope taut and then back up a quarter turn.

    • 8

      Bolt the starter cover down with the nut driver. Replace the spark plug wire and pull the recoil starter to test it.