How can you check if the recoil spring is properly tensioned?

To determine if the recoil spring is properly tensioned, checking if it retracts fully is essential. A recoil starter's function relies heavily on the spring's ability to create and maintain adequate tension. When the recoil spring is correctly tensioned, it will draw the starter rope back into the housing after being pulled. If the spring does not retract fully, it may indicate that the spring is either too loose or worn out, which can lead to difficulties in starting the engine or result in a malfunction.

While other factors such as the visibility of the spring, ease of rope extension, and the absence of unusual sounds can offer some insights into the condition of the recoil starter, they do not directly assess the tension of the recoil spring itself. Thus, a full retraction of the rope is the most reliable indicator of proper spring tension.