Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): pulley cord, loose hope, kick plate

Question
i have a 3.5 tecumseh engine on a go kart when i pull the cord out it does not go back in.i have taken the cover off and when i pull the cord then it works fine.what else could be the problem

Answer
SOUNDS LIKE THE PULLEY SPRINGS IS BINDING OR IS WEEAK ( FIT A NEW SPRING AND ROPE ) RETENTION SPRING BY WING UP FULLY THEN BACKING OFF 1 TURN  THEN FIT ROPE  AND TIE OFF @ PULLEY END AND BURN END OF KNOTT , PROVIDED  PULLEY IS NOT DAMAGED OR SPLIT .     THE ROPE COULD BE  TOO THICK
TRY USING 3.5 MM THICK    AND ABOUT 1.5 MTRS  LONG

MAKE SURE THE STARTER PAWLS ARE NOT DAMAGED AND THE KICK PLATE IS RETURNING THEM BACK TO CENTRE RETRACTED  AND STARTER CUP IS NOT LOOSE


HOPE THIS HELPS

CHEERS PAUL