Reply To: johnson outboard

[CHUCK]

According to the parts manual;  your model originally was equipped with a Neutral starter interlock mechanism that would prevent the recoil starter from operating if the gear lever was in forward or reverse.  It would only allow pulling the rope if the engine was in neutral.  It was/is a simple mechanical interlock.  Nothing to do with the stator.

Here’s the parts listing.  Be aware that sometimes these parts are removed;  your engine may or may not still have a functioning interlock.

https://www.marineengine.com/parts/johnson-evinrude-parts.php?year=1978&hp=6&model=6804B&manufacturer=Evinrude&section=Rewind+Starter

Part #7 on the illustration.