59 Evinrude pull start problems

[old islander]

Hi All,
I have an Evinrude 18hp, 1959 model year I'm restoring for an old wood boat project I'm working on. The pull start is somewhat mucked up. When it is pulled the rope comes out about half way before it engages the flywheel. What causes this? I have a few others, so I have parts. I'm just courious what needs to be replaced lubricated to solve this problem

 

[64osby]

Make sure the starter pawl and spring are free and clean. If it is working as you state it should just be a matter of cleaning and light lubrication.

 

[boobie]

Also make sure the friction part of the pawls are not over lubed.