2004 Sportsman 500. It has been sitting for about three months and I went to start it and cranks slow. I'm to lazy to get the charger and put it on for a while so I pull the cord and it cycles one time fine (and almost starts) I pull it again and now it will not retract. I have had the clutch cover off before but not the other side. Anything I need to look for? and will I be able to rewind it and reset the spring that works the recoil. I have to wait a few days and hope it warms up before I pull the cover. Thanks.

 

Water gets into the recoil cover by the way of ,down the rope hole, and will freeze the recoil mechanism.

Seen it many times. That's why I silicon the pull rope handle in place.
Lots of expensive parts in there that do not like to get wet and dirty and just relying on the snug fit of the pull rope handle to keep water out does not work.

 

Could be something as simple as a small broken ratchet spring locking things up all the way up to a broken main spring or reel. Just have to pull the cover to find the problem. Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Honda, Arctic Cat & Polaris OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse

 

Thanks guys. I don't think its a water/frozen issue. I have had silicone on the handle for some time. I guess I will get the cover off when it gets a little warmer. Hey OPT is it as easy as the clutch cover side to remove? Thanks again.

 

Unbolt it and the recoil cover and pull start come as a single unit.