I have a 1965 Merc 60 6hp twin that has the recoil starter as part of the cowling. I need to replace the rope. How does it come apart? or how to install a new rope without disassembly.
There should be a screw on the top of the cowling that holds down a cover plate undo this then bend down the tab on the tab washer that pushes against the nut; undo the nut by turning left while holding the large rotating part (inside cowling) with the other hand, don't let it drop there is a major spring in there. You should be able to wind the rope on without removing the sheave. You could take it all apart and grease it.
Pull the recoil rope all the way out.-----Remove handle.-------Pull rope all the way out while holding sheave from turning.-----Intall new rope.-----Install handle.-----Allow spring to pull rope onto the assembly.----An assistant might be of help here.------I will double check on one of these housing to verify that procedure..
