Things to know with a pull starter?

[MetalMan]

To keep the spring from flinging out you just need to make sure the spool always stays within the pullstart housing. From the factory there should be a piece of tape or something holding the spool in. When you remove the pullstart from the engine, have a flat-blade screwdriver handy so you can pry the spool off the backplate instead of directly removing the pullstart housing (prying the spool off will effectively remove the pullstart). While you are holding the pullstart, keep a finger or thumb over the spool.

One of the biggest causes of pullstart failure is pulling the string too far. There's no need to pull it more than about 10in. from the base. Also, if the engine is really tight, use the flywheel to turn it over instead of the pullstart.

[Overkill]

Originally Posted by MetalMan

One of the biggest causes of pullstart failure is pulling the string too far. There's no need to pull it more than about 10in. from the base. Also, if the engine is really tight, use the flywheel to turn it over instead of the pullstart.

+1 and if the pinch is really tight even after break-in, heat the block up with a hair-dryer to keeps those hands from damage. It's not nice having your tune slightly off from the last time played and pulling for 5 mins on a cold block, ripped knuckles and blisters is what can happen heating up the block before you play will get you started in no time and save you some pain

I used to leave the truck (without body on) in the sun for half an hour while I was getting ready, heated it up enough to start with a couple of tugs.