I have an '83 ALT 50 three-wheeler for my son that he loves. On a recent outing I had some troubles with the pull-starter. Simply put, I cannot get it to recoil properly. I can manually roll it back up, but if I pull the rope then I have to take it apart again to get it back in. I tore the assembly apart and don't see any obvious damage (the rope is still in tact, no apparent broken parts or springs, and it seems to engage properly when pulling). It just won't recoil. I've looked at the thing forever and can't figure out what the trick is. Any ideas or experience with similar problems.

Your recoil spring could be weak as old as it is and need replacing. Thats why it seems like it works but doesnt have enough spring left in it to pull the cord back in. I'm sure thats the problem my litte brothers LT50 used to do that once and a while too.