Go to your local saw shop, buy a length of starter rope, and make a new one. Rope is a standard part and a proprietary rope is not necessary. Figure out why it's breaking (or un-knotting, or whatever) while you're at it, too.

i have had it apart many times(well only 4)and cannot find out why it is breaking other then maybe im not re-installing it correctly....its an 8+ year old rope, so im guessing a knew one would maybe fix it. only if tomorrow wasnt sunday when the stihl shop is closed....i might call the owner tho(we're buddies) to see if he'll be in at all.
so does anyone know how their rope, whether mcculloch or not attached to the reel??

thanks

I would suspect the rope your putting in it or you cut it too short and pulling the rope out when you attempt to start it. Find out what type and rated rope is required. If you put a smaller rope or a rope not rated high enough and the saw kicks back it will pop the rope if it's not strong enough or you reach the end of the rope on your starting pull which IMO over time may pull the knot out.

Putting the rope back in is not that hard unless the winder spring has unsprung. Then, it can turn into a nightmare. Basicly you wind the thing up hole it with lightly with vise grips and rethread the new rope in, tie the knot, some are alittle different in retaining the rope in the winder, you just have to figure it out. Then release the vise grips and the cord rewinds and should last.

i picked up a length of 1/8x50 feet nylon rope today as a possible replacement. it is 40lbs test....do you think it will hold???

thanks

Starter rope is a whole different ball game from regular hi-strength nylon rope! You MUST get the correct rope, or yuo'll be tying knots in yer head, trying to make it right!
Here's the basic way to fix the starter. Remove starter assembly, Take to repair shop. Pay them to install the new rope. Take home, and install on machine! Simple is as simple does!
Just stuffing the rope back into the starter will get you nowhere, as you have found out by now!