Hi . My pull cord has just snapped. I plan to buy another replacement cord. Do i just replace the cord or do i have to re tension anything ? Thanks

There are a few potential causes for the starter cord snapping back and pulling out of your hand on a Briggs 10 horsepower engine:

1. Weak starter spring: The starter spring may be weak or broken, causing the cord to snap back with more force.
2. Worn starter pulley: The starter pulley may be worn or damaged, causing the cord to slip or bind when pulling it.
3. Worn starter cord: The starter cord itself may be worn or damaged, causing it to snap back with more force.
4. Clogged carburetor: A clogged carburetor can cause the engine to run poorly, making it harder to start and causing the starter cord to snap back with more force.

To fix the issue, you can try replacing the starter spring, starter pulley, or starter cord as needed. You can also try cleaning the carburetor to see if this helps. If the problem persists, it is recommended to have a mechanic or small engine repair technician take a look at the engine to diagnose and repair the issue.

You take the top of the motor off with the starter, then rewind the spring,then is a good idea to replace the rope with a new one they sell rope at a lawnmower store, get 5 feet or more if the rope is up on the handle, take a piece of rope with you to get the correct size.

Remove the cover containing the cord rewind mechanism, untie the cord's knot in the center of the mechanism and remove the old cord by unwinding it from the pulley. Thread the new cord through the hole it goes through on the outside and wind the recoil mechanism so that it has sufficient spring tension to rewind the new cord. Use something appropriate to immobilize the pulley while you thread the cord through the center and tie the knot. Slowly allow the pulley to retract and wind the new cord onto it. Replace the cover. As an aside, sometimes when the cord breaks and the pulley snaps back quickly, the rewind spring can break.

These are just minor problems. It depends on how much it cost.

Go to smalleng.com they have video on how to do what you need. Check it out awesome website! The cord you can buy at any local home center. or repair shop.

Replaced the tension spring cords. The plastic portion of the cords had broken. I think this is desined to fail since it is such light plastic.

Replacing the spring on this tiller can be tough. You have to get the tension spring set into the stop and partially wind the tension (by turning the cord pulley) and THEN attach the cord before completing winding the tension spring. It took me about an hour to figure out how much preset of tension was needed before I was able to get it to work. You have to partially preset tension because starting from zero will not fully rewind the cord.

Good job on the cord replacement. Most people take the cover off the spring and then find out it is nearly impossible to get the spring tension set. I have personally repaired dozens of these cords that have been messed up by owners that did that.
If anyone has this problem, just do what this post says...remove the assembly and turn the pulley until you can get to the part of the cord that is broken...grab the end that is broken after you get it out of the opening with a vise grip and pull the cord out fully and lock the recoil spring with a vise or vise grip (but don't crush it)...then replace the cord and hold the end of the cord pull fully extended and remove the lock and allow the spring to recoil...and reinstall the assembly.
Simple, but THINK before you take the housing apart. It is REALLY TOUGH to reset spring tension properly.

those are usaully under your pull start cover and if its broke you can buy a new rope but if its broke near handle i would open it and retie it to save ya money. but remember to wind spring a little to keep tension on it before pushing it through the hole for handle.

Remove the housing covering the clutch. The cord spool can then be accessed. Replace the cord. Be careful that you maintain the proper spool spring tension. Check operation before reassembling