This Recoil Starter Problem Will Stop Your Generator After 200 Hours Of Running

Ryobi 1800/2300 generators have poor starter design. It has sharp edges inside near the hole for the rope. I have seen several generators and all of them had damaged (or broken) rope about 10 inches from the handle.
I didn't fix this problem in time and the rope broke after about 200 hours of running. I bought a new starter online and spent over 3 hours replacing it. The new rope began to break in the same place. I began to close it with tape and now repeat tape periodically. Now the generator has over 1200 hours and the rope works good.
Please don't repeat my mistakes. Repair all problems as soon as possible.
Thanks.

[@randyab9go188]

I would get some marine heat shrink tubing slide it over the area that is prone to wear. Marine heat shrink tubing has glue inside which will hold it to the rope and the heat shrink tubing is much more abrasion resistant than Scotch tape. Should last several hundred hours. You could also use this fix over the fuel line where it rubbed against the starter housing. As long as it hasn't rubbed all the way through slide the heat shrink on it shrink it up a little and it will reinforce the hose. It will also cut down on vibration.

[@180Floridalife]

Excellent idea I have 2 of these generators and was not aware of the recoil issues I will check mine out to prevent this issue thanks 👍👍👍

[@somethinguseful2935]

Thanks a lot.
Leave comment then. Perhaps you are first owner without this issue

[@Yo_cean]

Same issue here on honda and generac. Honda doesn't request as much dismantle but generac is quite costly to replace rope due to time to dismantle. The rope is cheap and easy enough to replace. Also, i believe the bad design is a marketing tactic. Tape works but not if its one wrap too thick,
Then it creates more problems. Not an expert but this is my experience after 15yrs of using generators