Kohler K9J Service Manual page 70

Figure 7-23. Winding Rope Onto Pulley.
7.12
18. Slip the handle and rope retainer onto rope.
Tie a single knot at the end of rope and install
rope retainer into handle. Refer to Figure
7-12.
19. Untie the slip knot and pull the handle out until
the rope is fully extended. Slowly retract the
rope into the starter. If the spring has been
properly tensioned, the rope will fully retract
until the handle hits the housing.