A recoil starter system and method. The system may include a drive member, a pulley member, and a spring member. The drive member may include a first retainer, and the pulley member may include a second retainer, the retainers being engageable to connect the drive member and the pulley member and to inhibit relative axial movement between the pulley member and the drive member. The spring member may be configured to absorb and limit the variations in the pulling torque produced by the engine resulting in a smooth and constant pull force.