Johnson TD20 Recoil Fix?

[db21]

My recoil broke on my TD20 and I have another one, but not sure how to install it. I see the two posts that the ends need to fit on, but not sure how I can get them both on there and wind it and get the pin/bolt through. I've looked all over the internet and can't seem to find a way how to do it for this motor. Please help! Tks

 

[F_R]

Place the outer end of spring over the pin in the housing. Now wind the spring in like coiling up a garden hose. Now, if necessary, bend the inner end inward enough so you can find the loop with the pin in the pulley.

The rest is easy.

 

[db21]

Ok I managed to get it in, but not using the above method. Not sure how that is even possible. I put the recoil in a vice to hold it, then hooked the spring on the inner coil and wound up the spring and put a nail through the the hole in the recoil to put the outer end of the spring on. THen with that all wound up and secure I placed it into the housing and had to line up the nail with the post and eventually managed to push the spring from the nail over the post so the spring is now where it should be.
However I still need to get the rope on now. What is best way for that. best I can figure, I need to wind up the spring, then secure it somehow. insert the new rope and tie it off, then let the spring pull in the rope. Is that right. Are there any tricks or pointers on how to do this right?

Tks

 

[F_R]

I have done thousands of them using my method, but whatever floats your boat is ok with me.

As for the rope, you have the general idea. Keep that nail handy. Wind up the spring all the way, and let it back off one turn, and stick the nail through the hole. That will keep it from rewinding. Now you have plenty of time to thread the rope in through the pulley and out the housing. Remove the nail and let it slowly rewind and install the handle so the rope is pulled out just a bit.

Warning: If you let it get away while winding, it will destroy the spring from violent backlash.

 

[db21]

Ok thanks. Any tips for not letting it get away while winding. There really isn't much to grab hold off. What do you do, use a length of wood between the cogs and to turn for leverage? Also, when I put nail back in hole what will it catch on. Guess there must be something in the housing casting that it will catch on, but can;t see it now with the recoil on, but will take your word that it will catch something.

I don;t suppose you have a video of how you wind them up? I still can't quite picture how that would be done while holding the housing, loading up the spring and the threading the pin in the center spring hole essentially blind as you can;t see the pin once you put the recoil over top all while not having the bold in as with the spring unwound the bold can't fit. I've only done the one now and it was a pain so believe there is an easier way, just can;t quite figure it out. Anyhow, that is done now so more interested in how not to break by spring when I wind it up for the rope. Appreciate your experience! tks

 

[F_R]

The wound-up spring inside is what the nail bangs up against to stop it from further unwinding.

Maybe it's just me, but I have no problem holding it down and winding it with my fingers. Kind of like setting a rat trap, I reckon. Don't turn loose, or you'll get snapped.