Mercury Mariner Outboards 2.2 / 2.5 / 3.0 Service Shop Manual, Page 76Get this manual
9Apply rewind spring tension to sheave by placing starter rope in notch (a) and turning sheave turns counterclockwise from its relaxed position 11Reinstall rewind housing on engine
10Route starter rope through rope guide in starter housing and handle and tie knot in rope as shown