5hp starter rope problem

[robifz]

My starter rope broke and I have replaced it. The problem is that now the flywheel is only engaged after I have pulled out almost 2 feet of the cord. I pulled it all apart and re-tensioned and the next few pulls the flywheel was engaged immediately but after the 3rd pull it went back to only engaging after 2 feet of cord is out.

How can I fix this?

Many Thanks.
Rob

[boats.net]

May need to replace pawls or pawl springs.