starter pawl wont engage after first pull on 58 seahorse 18hp

[dwittig33]

Hi, i had to replace the main spring in my rewind starter and after i have everything back together my pawl wont engage after the first pull. the pawl is brand new, same with the springs that attach to it. The pawl rotates freely by hand, but for some reason after the first pull when the starter rewinds it doesn't kick the pawl out to engage on the next pull like it should. any ideas? Thanks.

 

[F_R]

Did you grease the hub groove where the springs ride? It depends on friction there to kick the pawl out. If not greasy, perhaps the parts are worn to a high polish?

 

[dwittig33]

i have not greased the groove. could be too polished. no telling how old that part is.

 

[dwittig33]

had my springs on backwards