1985 Evinrude ERCOC 2 HP

[Habberdabber]

Re-assembling things, after a long 10 year hiatus since starting the project. It appears I replaced the starter rope cord. Re-assembling after carb cleaning, the recoil starter cord does not retract after pulling. On the unattached top housing, it does.
What's the deal? Not enough rewind spring compression?

Thanks, Tom