Outboard pull start

[2nd_apprentice]

Since my outboard lives in a well, getting at the pull start cord is slightly awkward. Decided to tie on a bit of string with a knot. Unfortunately the original is a bit short for that so had to pull it out, say 20 cm or so. This means it now won't fully retract. Is that a problem?

 

[duncanmack]

My thoughts were "no, not a problem" and as I've got one in the workshop stripped just had a look to confirm,
Not a problem.

 

[2nd_apprentice]

Good to know, cheers!

 

[VicS]

Since my outboard lives in a well, getting at the pull start cord is slightly awkward. Decided to tie on a bit of string with a knot. Unfortunately the original is a bit short for that so had to pull it out, say 20 cm or so. This means it now won't fully retract. Is that a problem?

The cord must be long enough to turn the engine sufficiently to start it, but not too long or it might be possible to damage the recoil spring or the mechanism or simply not recoil fully. I have a very precise measurement for the length of the cord for my engine.
Shortening the "pull" by as much 20cm might just make it difficult to start esp if it's a 4 stroke.

Can you not find away of attaching an "extension" without shortening the effective pull by so much?

 

[2nd_apprentice]

The length of cord after taking off the handle was ca 5cm, too short for tying a knot. You can still pull before the recoil mechanism "catches". It seemed the only possible way of doing it. Without shelling out 50 quid for the vertical starter conversion at least.