My pull cord broke. Is this something I can do or do I have to find a service person. By the way, I am a hurricane victim without power for at least a week. No service person is even accepting calls.

ask on twitter or face book as the question has no place on fixya site

Hi William:
This is fun because it's already broken so you can't easily make it worse.
I'd start by making a clear spot on the workbench and then start taking it apart. Label the parts, keep them organized, and maybe even take a few pictures as you progress.
Think of it as fun. Every bit you remove has a purpose, so try to check the functions as you go. When something doesn't do what you think it should, you've probably found the problem.

First try a new phone cord and a different phone. Are all items attached to one jack with one phone number? If you have multiple jacks, check if the phone works on another jack. If you have separate phone lines, check if the phone works on the computer/fax line. Check if the phone works without the other devices (particularly if daisy chained). Swap out all of the cables in the chain if it works directly.

In the multiple line case, if your phone works on one line and not the other, check if a phone works on that line at the incoming service. (If you are lucky, the incoming service has RJ-11 connections and you can test this yourself. Otherwise, you'll need a service person.) I've had several cases where mice or something broke one of two incoming phone lines outside so I just lost that one phone number. If the outside service doesn't work, call your phone company. They will fix it for free. If the outside service works, check your jack for loose wires. Check any exposed wiring in the house for damage. If the wiring isn't damaged in the exposed areas or at the jack, you'll probably need a service call (for a fee).

Checking the jack and wiring also applies if the phone works at one jack and not another.

If another phone works and the AT&T phone doesn't, check if the power adapter is plugged in and warm or cold. If the power brick is cold, then replace the power supply. The information on the type of power supply is usually listed on the bottom of the phone. Since this is a corded phone, it should work even without power, but sometimes, it won't. If the power is good to the phone, then replace the AT&T phone. Unless it's under warranty, it isn't worth getting them serviced. They aren't meant to be user serviced.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

pull spark plug then pull cord see if fluid comrs out.if so check oil level,if over full see if it smells like gas if so you have a bad float in carb or dirt stuck in needle and seat in carb if all is good could have sheered flywheel key or if over head valve engine(has valve cover) valves may need to be adj or compression release mechanism in side engine broke. todays engines have very high compression and will not turn over without release. hupe this helpl

this can be caused by sevral things inside the pull cord hub assembly. examples: Dirty inside & needs taken apart & cleaned. something logged inside, plastic spool tabs broke, spring/s broke, levers broke or any of these items could just be to worn. replacement parts should be available.

Any of the big hardware stores have it or a electrical supply house would carry it too.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/craig_3fa289bf857b1a3c

with the cover in your hand pull the cord out with a pair of needle nose pliers or a little screw driver and where the cord go through the case and before the wheel. pull 5 to 10 inches out and wrap the cord around the wheel turning the wheel but not winding the cord on., do 3 or 4 wraps then pull the handle to get all the cord out and let it retract. if not enough rewind just repeat with 2 wraps

hi there,

the drip pan is usually accessible through the front behind the kickpanel. the kickpanel is attached with 2 screws. if you remove the kickpanel, you'll be able to pull out the drain pan.

Their should be a twist value on the bottom of the gas tank.( were the fuel hose attaches.