My pull cord start keeps chewing up my pawls and springs

[Still Chasing]

I have had my 30 horse power pull cord Johnson for 24 years. In the last 2 seasons my starting has ruined my springs and pawls 4 times. I am using about half of the power I use to use to start it. I make sure the cord is tight before I pull it. My cord has a length of about 32 inches and I only use about 15 inches to pull start it. The mechanic says I must be pulling too hard or not pulling on a tight cord. But I have followed their instructions to a T.. Something else is chewing up my pawls and springs. When the pull cord is fixed the first 6 inches of the pull cord rope is not tight. It does not hang out by 6 inches but it retracts fully. So when I start the motor I pull out the first 6 inches so it is tight and then I engage the pulling action. Anyone have any ideas? Please; I need help. Thank you