Thread: starter rope brass eyelet replacement

Ok so I have a 1987 johnson 9.9. Model J10RCUE… I needed to replace the eyelet/grommet cuz my other one was just wasting and fraying my rope, tried to sand, file, ect. So decided to replace. So went and got one. Only problem is its not like what the orignal one that was machined in there I gess. I tap it in, fits great, well on the original eyelet. On the inside of the motor it was coneshaped outward so the rope basically didn't rub at all. Well the new ones are smooth on the outside part of the motor but then just sticks out straight on the inside. I've broke 3 ropes in bout 25 pulls cuz its rubbing so bad on the inside. I asked the guys at the marine shop, of course since I only bought the $3 eyelet from them, they want to charge $90 minumum to fix it FOR ME. Not happening, found a forum last night and a guy said he used a tapering tool to make the inside of eyelet coneshaped. Never heard of a tapering tool but can't imagine a tool that can bend brass without it ripping. Any ideas fellas or input please.... on the bright side I've gotten really good at changing starter ropes by myself! Lol thanks