Thanks Gwiz. That's one possible reason why the pull-rope is not retracting properly out of the way. As I've previously mentioned the engine is a 3.5hp Aspera/Tecumseh engine. Model LAV 35/DA-261. Correct rope length is my next thought?? I haven't the original. So, can't compare. The current one is 2.3 meters long. 90 ins in old money. Which to my way of thinking is too long. "61" (18.6 meters) vertical pull - horizontal engagement type". is quoted in the Tecumseh Technician Handbook. Grendel has previously mentioned that he has two of these type of engines. If he reads this message? Any idea what your pull-rope length is? Or Gwiz from your experience you may also know? Thanks?
Its relatively easy to find the length of pull cord,knot the cord ,thread it through the hole in the bottom of the starter pulley and wind it snugly until it fills the grove allowing a bit extra to go out through the housing and pull handle.
The recoil spring in your picture, the spring hook is not quite fully seated on its anchor but should do so when properly tensioned.
There are a couple of ways to tension the spring and its harder to explain than accomplish but will have a go:
Once you have the length needed thread it through hole in the bottom of the pulley and pull tight,and fix in position making sure the spring anchor near the centre picks up the hook at the inner coil of the spring,you can test by turning the pulley a little to see if it springs back.
once you have done that take the rope to the out to the notch on the outer edge and wind for about 5 turns and it so it can't spring back.then thread the rope through the housing then handle and knot it lightly.then slowly release your grip on the pulley so it can rewind.
If all the rope has not gone in,grip the pulley,undo the knot,fish the rope back through the housing and hold in the grove again.turn the pulley in the tension direction to a point you estimate is enough to take all the spare rope in and thread back through housing and handle.
It is easier to thread the cord if you heat the end in a flame then pinch and twist into a point ..WARNING..you will be handling molten nylon which will bun if you you don't wet your fingers and twist it very quickly.If I didn't exlplain very well may be some one else can,or if I get time can do a tube vid
smud6ie