70's Evinrude 9.5, Starter split pin fell out of starter gear

[Evinrude Boater]

The split pin in the starter gear kept working its way out and I was afraid it would fall out so I pulled it out to open it up a bit and the recoil spring lost its setting. Do I just need to pull out the cord then turn the vertical shaft a number of times before putting the split pin back in?

 

[F_R]

Correct way is to remove the rope, then wind the spool 20-1/2 turns, then stick the handles of a pair of pliers under the gear to hold it engages with the flywheel so it doesn't rewind. Then install the rope, hang onto it and remove the pliers and let it recoil. All that hopes you got lucky. If this isn't your lucky day, the spring destroyed itself when it went flying back when you removed the pin.

 

[Evinrude Boater]

I read conflicting information on the number of turns so I did 18 turns which was in between the numbers I read. It works again. Fired up like a champ after winter storage and idled perfectly.