11MS 311, MS 391
3.4 Rewind Starter
Condition Cause Remedy
Starter rope broken Rope pulled out too vigorously as
far as stop or over edge,
i.e. not vertically
Fit new starter rope
Normal wear Fit new starter rope
Starter rope does not rewind Very dirty or corroded Clean or replace rewind spring
Insufficient spring tension Check rewind spring and increase
tension
Rewind spring broken Fit new rewind spring
Starter rope cannot be pulled out
far enough
Spring overtensioned Check rewind spring and reduce
tension
Starter rope can be pulled out
almost without
resistance (crankshaft does not
turn)
Guide peg on pawl or pawl itself is
worn
Fit new pawl
Spring clip on pawl fatigued Fit new spring clip
Starter rope is difficult to pull or
rewinds very slowly
Starter mechanism is very dirty Thoroughly clean complete starter
mechanism
Lubricating oil on rewind spring
becomes viscous at very low
outside temperatures (spring
windings stick together)
Coat rewind spring with a small
amount of standard solvent-based
degreasant (containing no
chlorinated or halogenated
hydrocarbons), then pull rope
carefully several times until normal
action is restored
Decompression valve is not open Open, check and replace
decompression valve if necessary