Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 20hp mercury, recoil starter, slip knot

Question
QUESTION: i have a '76 mercury outboard and i snapped the recoil cord today. would you happen to have a diagram on how to fix i and put it back together? thankyou

ANSWER: Hello Adam:

The Following is a Recoil Starter Repair Instruction File. Any Input/Suggestions are Appreciated. Remove the Starter Housing/Engine Cover. Remove the Old Rope. Now Turn the Pulley in the Same Direction that the Pulley would Turn if the Rope was Turning it. Once the Pulley will Turn No More, then Reverse Direction 1 or 2 Turns and Thread the New Rope Through the Hole in the Center of the Pulley and Out the Hole in the Blower Housing. Pull the Rope Through Until it is Tight Against the Pulley. Now Tie a Slip Knot in the Rope to Hold the Pulley in Place While the Handle is Attached to the Rope. Once the Handle is Attached, Release the Slip Knot and the Rope Should Retract Into the Housing. Reassemble the Blower Housing Onto the Engine. On Some Models you May have to Install the Rope Before you Lock the Pulley in Place. If So, there is a U in the Pulley that the Rope is Held in While Turning the Pulley to Tighten the Spring. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thankyou. would i be able to get pictures please so im 100% sure what im doing

Answer
Hello Again Adam:

I have Not Located a Site Online that Offers a Parts Breakdown. The Only Way to View Pictures or Breakdowns is to Purchase a Service Manual from your Local Mercury Dealer. I am Researching this and if I Locate a Site; I will Follow Up to you with the Site Addy. Thanks.

Respectfully

John