I have a 1980 8 hp Evinrude. Has very low hour because it has been on a sailboat used for dinghy fairing. Runs great, but the other day I was out fishing and pulled the starter cord. First time it hit a few times and immediately i pulled it again. This time after it recoiled i could not pull the cord out again. It was stuck in the housing. I took the cowl off and moved the pawl leveler and I could pull start it as long as I kept my figures out of the way. I can not figure out why it will not release the cord without me holding the pawl level out. Is there a spring broken or an ear broken off. Just need some advise on trouble shooting. I would like to fix it myself, but I guess can always take it down the dock to the dealer and take a soaking for something that should be a simple fix. Easy for me to say!