Put a couple drops of oil on your starter Bendix shaft, and it likely will retract on its own spring power. Have you tried starting it with the rope? A short snort of WD40 in the carb intakes may persuade it to fire a few strokes.
Disclaimer:
I am not now, nor have I ever been, an outboard mechanic. No, I didn't even sleep at a Holiday Inn Express. But I have danced with a few outboards.
Disclaimer:
I am not now, nor have I ever been, an outboard mechanic. No, I didn't even sleep at a Holiday Inn Express. But I have danced with a few outboards.