Hi

I have to remove a rope starter on a Johnson 1988 9.9 2 stroke in order
to get the carburator off.

I have a service manual (3rd party) and in it they state that "extreme
care" should be taken when removing the rope starter assembly, as the
internal spring is extremely dangerous. Fine. No problem.

Then the bonehead manual writer gives NO IDICATION WHAT SO EVER what I
should or shouldn't do when removing the thing.

It's held on with one big bolt through the center of the pinion gera and
starter, and is located on the front starboard side of the engine. The
starboard carb flange nut is not accessible unless I remove the rope
starter.

- Do I relieve pressure on the spring first by removing the starter rope
handle and allowing it it retract?

- Do I just pull out the bolt while holding the whole affair together so
that it doesn't go "sproing" in my face?

- Do I pull the starter rope out all the way and knot it so it can't go
back in (got that from a web site, but it sounds to me like that ADDS
tension, does not relieve it.)

I really don't want to hurt myself taking this off and would appreciate
feedback from someone who's done the job

Thanks folks.