1996 4 HP Evinrude starter rope snapped.

[Early Retired]

OK, I was out with the john boat today, and the starter rope pulled out from the engine. I was able to get the engine started again, by tying a knot at the end of the torn rope, removing the cowl, and wrapping it around the flywheel. Now, I'm not very mechanically inclined, but definitely financially challenged... I don't have a clue how to fix this. Any help or thoughts? Thanks. E4RDHETB is the model.

[Elton Smith]

You have to pre load the spring.Tighten the spring as much as you can by hand.I use a c clamp to hold it in place.Thread the rope thru the guides and let the spring pull it back in.pull a little tension on it and tie your handle onto the rope.