If I am correct, the wire in the starter cord was soldered into the hook. You can use plain rope starter cord and secure the rope to the recoil plate with a basic knot to keep it from pulling through. That’s how I did mine because the fabric covering on the original starter cord was deteriorating and would jam the recoil.

I don’t know of a replacement for the cork seal. If I am correct the cork is tapered and fits into a taper on the bearing housing. I’ve never experimented with modifying that housing for a seal. I think I have a NOS bearing housing if you need it.

George