Spring slip, cord not threaded through guide hole, spring broken....
If you just bought it, take it back and get it repaired. If you've outrun the warranty, open, discover, fix. I've repaired and replaced frayed ropes on mine about three or four times in the last twenty years.
Does anyone know how to fix a weak recoil on a Stihl chainsaw? I just
> bought a used 066 Magnum (to use with my Alaskan sawmill) and the
> recoil leaves about 12" of string hanging out. I tried to put a
> couple more wraps on the pulley, but it pulled out again and appears
> to be back to the same situation. It's wierd because it recoils just
> enough to get one revolution (which is enough to start the saw). Is
> the rope too long? Is the pulley slipping?
>
> Thanks!
> Chris