1965 mercury 200-2 20hp outboard - recoil help

[Jennas Upholstery]

I have a 1965 merc200 and the recoil rope will not go back in. The spring sounds like it came loose from somewhere in there. I am to the nut on the cover side of the recoil but it won't come off. It only spins in place. This is driving me nuts! Pardon the pun.

 

[Chinewalker]

For starters (continuing the puns) it's a reverse thread. Righty-loosey. Put a screwdriver in the slot to hold the center bolt from turning.