Honda 2.3 4 stroke pul cord

Hi all
the pull cord on my outboard has suddenly become not only difficult to pull but it wimps back so suddenly that if it strike my wrist (and is has) it hurts a lot. Big bruise.

is there something that has come loose or broken that normally stops the cord from wiping back so suddenly ?

If this has happened suddenly, as you say, make sure the oil level is not too high. Make sure it is between the bottom of the site glass and the little white line.

You may have also sheared the flywheel key and the motor is now slightly out of time. Part #2 http://www.boats.net/parts/search/H...and Later/BF2.3DK2 LCHA/CRANKSHAFT/parts.html

The valve clearances may also need adjusting.

These little guys tend to kick back sometime. You need to slowly pull the starter cord until you can feel the resistance of the compression, then pull to start. That sometimes helps with the "kickback" and sore wrists.

Mike