I left my key on again for about a week and it was deader than He//. However, my pullstart was able to start it but it wouldn't recoil right. You had to work and work with it just to get it to recoil. Once you were moving if you worked w/ it, it would go back in. Can someone help me out on this, looks like the cover comes off easy, but don't want to mess something up. I'm going to charge my battery but it may need a new one now[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img] Any insight appreciated.....

 

I had the same exact problem last week. I pulled on the recoil rope, just to make sure it was still functional. Unfortunately, it would not retract. I took the housing bolts out, (no need to worry, the whole unit is self contained, so no springs or anything go flying about). I then ran hot water through the unit, I was amazed at the amount of mud that worked its way into the unit. I then filled a small bucket with hot, soapy water, and swished the unit around for a while. Again, I rinsed it out thouroughly with clear, hot water, until it was obvious that no mud was left in the unit. I then soaked it well with WD-40. It now snaps back with authority. Before I reinstalled it, I ran a nice coating of grease where the unit snugs against the motor.

I hope this helps.

 

Thanks a lot Quadfather, I'll have to try that.

 

That was the ticket. I would recommend this easy fix be done on any new Kodiak, before you are in a situation that you have to use it.

 

I had the same thing happen to my old prairie. For preventative matenance I put a dab of silicone caulk on the pull handle boot. Just a dab to seal it. The silicone isn't very strong and will come right off first time I pull it. If anyone else does this don't use rtv (blue) glue or black silicone. This stuff is to heavy may take a while to get it off. Just use the clear window caulking or the white tub and tile caulk both come off easily.

 

I have had the same problem in the past with mine. I also use waterproof silicone around the T-handle where it mates up with the rubber boot. Works great.