Recoil rope keeps breaking, why?

[603tehe]

I have a 1960 Evinrude 3 hp motor that I'm trying to replace the rope. I've wound the spring and installed the rope three times. Every other start or attempt the rope breaks at the knot end. I'm guessing on the number of revolutions to wind the spring, is there a specific number and lenght of rope? I noticed an arrow with a matching range on the rope house to align, is it necessary for this to be aligned? Thank you

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Recoil rope keeps breaking, why?

If you align the arrow with the E or J when the rope is retracted (normal position), the eccentric on the rope pulley will aid you by increasing the torque as you reach TDC on the cylinder. It really makes starting easier.<br />The rope should be 5/32 dia, and 65 and 1/4" long. Tie a figure eight knot in the pulley end like this:<br />

<br />Your rope should go behind the pin immediatly before going through the hole in the pulley where you make your knot, so that with the rope extended you're pulling against the pin as well as the knot.<br />You need to wrap the rope around at least three times.<br />Buy the best rope you can find. I've been burned in the past by cheap 'building centre' nylon rope. I've also been burned by a Factory Mercury replacement pull-start rope. My advice to you is to go to your local marina or chandlery and buy what you need there.<br />Finally, make sure there's no sharp bits of metal cutting your rope anywhere.<br /><br />Good luck, and I hope this helps!<br /><br />PS - all this and more is covered in the service manual. In addition to being known to save you money, they also help save your sanity. The manual (Seloc) Iboats sells for you engine is very good, but a factory manual is better. You can obtain a reprint from the following places:<br />TheOutboardWizard<br />Mastertech<br />Marine Engine<br />Ken Cook

 

[ED21]

Re: Recoil rope keeps breaking, why?

Use as much rope as possible & make an effort to pull the starter only part way out.