93 Argo vanguard 16hp b&s pull cord problem

[ArgoSteve]

I tried to start the Argo today after she's been sitting for a while, about 9 months. I pulled her a few times and then after the last pull the cord stayed out. Can't figure how to get it back in. Any advice would be great. Thanks.
Steve cornick
St. John's, Newfoundland.

[Mike]

Sometimes the pull cord or assembly can get dirty and cause it to stick. Even though the cord is all the way out, you can still try pulling quickly on it a few times and sometimes they will catch and go back in. You can also spray some lubricant on the assembly to see if that helps loosen it up. If you can't get that to happen, you may have a broken recoil spring. You will have to take the recoil assembly off the motor and replace the spring.

[ArgoSteve]

Ok thanks, I will take a look at it today. I guess there's bolts/screws to remove? looks like a hard spot to get at!

[Nubs]

I would turn the drive clutch back N forth a little and see if the cord goes in, sometimes the fingers will stick in the starter cup

[ArgoSteve]

Fixed it! Took off the cover and sprayed with pb blaster. After a couple of mins it came free and pulled like brand new!

On another note, does the black plastic cover/vent have to be there? Mines falling apart and it takes up a lot of space. If it needs to be there I'll deal with it. Thanks!

[msafi65]

The black vent helps bring in cool air for the engine. I'd reinstall it, with out it hot air is recirculated in the engine compartment.