That is precisely what I did and that is exactly what happened. The only question now is just how much of a loser. I'll finish the disassembly between now and the New Year.
Thank you for your continued interest.
Backstory: Motor was running fine when put away last October. When attempting to start this spring the pull-cord was "lumpy" (stick-release) and there was an unpleasant noise. Discussed with my local small-engine specialist and his opinion after my...
From the images you provided it seems that the wire should separate somewhere in the middle of the covered portion. Is that how you see it? I've attached an image of the component I'm trying to separate.
As a project I'm disassembling a 2003 Mercury 3.3 hp outboard. I'd like to know how to break the connection with the emergency stop control. It looks like there is a fuse in the line but I don't want to yank on it until I know the correct approach. Any help appreciated.
Pull cord is lumpy and noisy (squeaks). When removed from engine the pull cord unit is smooth and silent. Any chance this is anything less expensive than an engine rebuild?