I have an older snapper riding mower which, thank goodness, has a pull
cord backup stater for its 8hp B/Stratton engine. The problem is that
now the cord either will not retract, or if it does, the nylon rope
comes loose from the piece it winds around and makes a god awful
squealing sound as it is spun 'inside' the cowling.

Its the other end of the rope that comes loose, not the end you pull
on. It comes out about 3 inches.

I've taken the cowling off and rewound it a couple times but it keeps
recurring. Can I recoil the spring inside this thing? I hate to take
it to the shop if its something I can do.

Thanks

Brian