97 RMK 700 Pull Cord Not Pulling?

[RalleyTuned]

We were out riding a few trails around the house scoping out the area, and stopped by the lake for a little break. Went to fire up the sled and it pulled like normal the first pull, but then on the 2nd pull the cord would come all the way out with no tension. You could hear a small clicking as it would pull out, but I watched and verified the engine was def. not spinning over.

We found that we could pull it out a bunch of times and then it would grab, and we could get a good pull on it, but only one. So after about 10-15min of that, she fired up and we rode home. After it cooled down a bit at home, it would pull fine once, then slack a few times, and then pull start fine again...

Is the pull start piece replaceable? or any ideas what may be causing this to happen? thanks!

 

[Flying Dutchman]

My first guess is that it might be full of crud / gunk enough to cause the pin to stick. You'll have to pull the cover off. There is one bolt that is a PITA. Of course you have to pull the exhaust to get good access but no special tools needed.
Then check over the assembly, hopefully just clean it up. Also while you're in there, check over that little belt. It runs the water and oil pump.

 

[BURRRITO]

kinda late but while your in there, throw some permatex on the knot for that rope. That way if the rope breaks the knot stays in there. You can start it off the clutch, and make it home without that thing bouncing around in there and poppin that belt off and stickin your motor.

 

[instigator10]

If the waterpump belt is loose you should replace it also.