I have a small out board 5hp with a pull cord starter. It's been running fine until today. I can't get the pull cord to release. It will eventually release the cord slowly. I can here a light sound of pressure being released before it releases the cord.the cord releases to slow to start the engine. Is their something I can do to fix this issue. Thanks inadvance for any advise you can give. Russell

When you say "release" do you mean you cant pull the cord out fast enough to start it, or it doesnt draw the pull rope back in to the recoil starter fast enough?

Might just need a good cleaning, be careful if you take it apart, they can be a pain to put back together and get them to work correctly.

matt

Matt,
That correct. It will release alittle at a time in sections not allowing enough speed to start the motor. it draws the cord in very well. Thanks again Russell

What happens if you remove the sparkplug(s)? Is it still hard to pull?

Is it a 4-stroke by any chance? I believe if you do not store them correctly (upright, on one side, etc.) oil can leach into the cylinder and cause a problem like your having.

Also it may have some kind of start in gear protection that is not adjusted correctly.

Does it make any weird noises? Did the motor act up the last time you ran it? I would pull the plugs and get a flash light and look down the bore and see if there is anything wrong that is putting it in a bind.

How long has it been since the motor has been run, has it been sitting up long.

Make sure the motor isnt in gear.

Thats all I can think of, maybe others will know more.

matt