1. Remove the pull cord (or what's left of it).
2. Hold the housing in your hand and have a screw driver ready.
3. Looking down at the inside of the recoil turn the cord holder (counter clockwise on mine) 5-10 rotations (this might be less or more on yours, you just need enough to pull the cord in, plus 2-3)
4. Put the screwdriver through the cord holder and housing.
5. Thread your pull cord, and then tie the knot.
6. Allow the recoil to pull in the cord.
That’s all there is to it. Maybe you didn't over wind it enough.