Combustion engine pull-cord start system

A manual pull-cord start system of a combustion engine has a remote start assist device such as a choke (50) of a carburetor (34) or a compression relief valve that is automatically actuated upon the initial pull of a pull-cord of a recoil starter assembly (22). The assembly (22) has a releasable coupling which intermittently engages a recoil pulley (26) of the recoil starter assembly about which the cord (24) is wound. Upon the initial pull of the cord (24), a shuttle (58) of the coupling moves generally with the pulley (26), to move a linkage connected to actuate the external start assist device. Upon release of the cord (24), the shuttle (58) and the remote start assist device automatically return to their normal state during engine operation.