8 Series 4144 Components FC, FS, KM
4.2 Rewind Starter
Condition Cause Remedy
Starter rope broken Rope pulled out too vigorously as 
far as stop or over edge, i.e. not 
vertically
Fit new starter rope
Normal wear Fit new starter rope
Starter rope does not rewind Very dirty or corroded Clean rewind spring or replace rope 
rotor
Insufficient spring tension Check rewind spring and increase 
tension
Rewind spring broken Install new rope rotor
Starter rope cannot be pulled out 
far enough
Spring overtensioned Check rewind spring and reduce 
tension
Starter rope can be pulled out 
almost without resistance 
(crankshaft does not turn)
Guide pegs on pawls or pawls 
themselves are worn
Fit new pawls
Spring clip on pawl fatigued Fit new spring clip
Starter rope is difficult to pull or 
rewinds very slowly
Starter mechanism is very dirty Thoroughly clean complete starter 
mechanism
Lubricating oil on rewind spring 
becomes viscous at very low 
outside temperatures (spring 
windings stick together)
Coat rewind spring with a little 
standard solvent-based degreasant 
(containing no chlorinated or 
halogenated hydrocarbons), then 
pull rope carefully several times 
until normal action is restored