Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Pull cord wont recoil, recoil, rivets

Question
I have a Tecumseh 6.0 engine that the cord broke.  I removed the rivets and put a new cord in.  Afterwards, I found out I should not remove the rivets.  I reattached the cover but the cord won't recoil.  Any ideas?

Answer
When installing a new rope in a recoil, you must first put tension on the pulley before installing the rope, then install the rope and it will pull the rope in before you install back on the unit. If you can spin it freely and not put tension on it, the spring is either broken or bent so it won't grab the notch on the pulley when tensioning.