How to Assemble a Stihl MS 660 Magnum Chainsaw Recoil Starter

Press the recoil spring into the spring housing. Press the spring housing, bottom facing downwards, into the center of the pulley. Tighten the screws on the outside of the spring housing to secure it to the pulley.

Thread the rope through the hole in the starter cover and through the hole in the pulley. Tie a knot in the end of the rope to anchor it to the pulley.

Press the pulley back onto the starter post. Press it down lightly and wiggle it back and forth until the recoil spring catches. Press the two starter pawls into place on the pulley, one on each side. Slide the washer onto the starter post.

Push the spring clip into the starter post and over the pawls using the screwdriver. Make sure spring clip points in clockwise direction.

Form a loop in the unwound starter rope. Pull the rope and pulley through six full revolutions in the same direction as the arrow on the pulley.

Continue holding down the pulley while unwinding the rope. Let go of the pulley and allow the rope to retract onto the pulley. Repeat tensioning of the rope if the starter handle doesn't stay upright, adding one full revolution to the pulley.

Set the fan housing cover onto the crankcase. Tighten the four screws to mount it into place. Slide the master control lever to the "Stop" position. Push the remaining rope into the starter handle until the rope's nipple is flush with the top of the handle.