recoil spring replacement

CHUCK2406

Recruit
Joined
Sep 29, 2010
Messages
3
i have a 1980 35 hp evinrude and i need to replace the recoil spring but do not know the procedure. can anyone help with directions? Thanks chuck...
 

oldcatamount

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
1,740
Re: recoil spring replacement

There isn't any easy way to accomplish that. In the back of your service manual there will be a section on recoil starters. Or, you could do it like I do and bull your way through it!
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: recoil spring replacement

(Manual Starter Assembly)
(This pertains to the type of Manual Starter Housing that sits over top of the flywheel)
(J. Reeves)

Lay the manual starter housing upside down on the workbench.

Wind the spring "counter clockwise" in your hands so that you can lay it into the housing, having the outer spring end hooked over the retaining pin. Make sure the spring is in there properly (You do not want it to fly out of there).

Holding the spring down, with pliers carefully bend about 3" or 4" (more or less) on the inner portion of the spring in towards the center of the housing. This will allow the pulley pin to enter the retaining hole at the end of the spring properly.

Lay the pulley down over the spring, making sure that the pin on the pulley is secured to the retaining hole on the end of the spring. Install the spindle (center bearing gizzmo), bolt, nut, etc, whatever your particular manual starter may use.

The cord (nylon) should be roughly 72" long. Have a figure 8 knot in one end. Heat the other end so that you could form a point on it, wiping it with a rag when it's burning or hot to a melting point.

Now, with the starter housing still upside down, keeping a firm grip on that starter housing and also the pulley, start winding the pulley in the normal counter clockwise direction. Wind it as far as it will go, then carefully let it back off until the starter pulley cord hole is aligned with the housing cord outlet.

Hold the pulley there and insert the cord in through the inside of the pulley and out through the starter housing. Pull the cord through completely and get a good grip on it. Now let the pulley retract the cord, but hold onto the cord (don't let it fly in there).

If it's obvious that the cord is too long, figuring what will be needed within the handle, shorten it as needed.

Pull the cord out so that about two feet of the cord is exposed. Tie a slip knot so that the cord can't retract back.

Insert the cord into the handle and secure as needed, then release the slip knot allowing the cord to be withdrawn fully. That's all there is to it..
 

oldcatamount

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
1,740
Re: recoil spring replacement

Thanks Joe, you helped both Chuck and me at the same time!
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: recoil spring replacement

Even with the instructions, expect some frustration. It is like stuffing mad cats into a bag!:eek:
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: recoil spring replacement

Cats in a bag... Nah. However, if one loses their grip on the spring, I strongly suggest turning quickly and run away..... very fast!
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: recoil spring replacement

Cats in a bag... Nah. However, if one loses their grip on the spring, I strongly suggest turning quickly and run away..... very fast!

Yah Joe. The issue is: "keeping a grip". I've never had enough hands and never cleaned everything enough to "get a grip". I second your notion of "running" when she lets go.:eek:

My faults, I know.:(

It can be done and is-everyday. Just NOT a fun job.

I HATE working on recoil starters.:mad:
 

BUDDY123

Seaman
Joined
Aug 14, 2010
Messages
58
Re: recoil spring replacement

If all else fails, check with your local lawn mower repair guy. I had the same problem and it took him about 20min. to fix and it only cost me a case of beer, plus saved me a trip for stitches or eye patch.
 
Top