Recoil Spring Technique (Giving Advice)

[evinrudedog]

I just installed a recoil spring for the pull start unit on my outboard (18 hp evinrude 1968)and was able to do it quite easilly and quickly.<br /><br />I just wanted to pass on what I learned from the experience.<br /><br />Use cable ties. It makes the job simple.<br /><br />1) Coil the spring up pretty tight by hand. You can pull the outside end and then wrap it back around. Use a clamp to hold it together, (or get help) and fasten a cable tie around the spring, just behind the head of the inside connecter ring. KEEP THE CABLE TIE RATCHET HOUSING ON THE INSIDE OF THE SPRING. (If you put it outside, you have to over-tighten the spring to compensate for the thickness when you slide it into the housing.)<br /><br />2) Pull the outside end of the spring a bit, then fasten another cable tie near the end of it.<br /><br />3) Slowly work the spring, pulling the loose end, sliding the 2nd cable tie up, over and over until you <br />a) get the diameter small enough to fit into the spring housing, or<br />b) work the lead cable tie to the stationary cable tie. When this happens, re-do the cable ties. (otherwise you will have your spring outside the cable tie.)<br /><br />4) When the diameter allows you to fit the spring into the housing, secure the spring is on the post. Carefully cut the cable ties with a razor blade in two places, and SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY SLIDE THEM OUT WITH NEEDLE-NOSE.<br /><br />I was able to do this in about 10 miniutes. (Took me 45 min the first time, trying to figure out a process.)<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Recoil Spring Technique (Giving Advice)

My own trick... I like to use my Vice-Grips™ to hold the spring from going haywire. I set them just tight enough to keep the spring from loosening up, but not so tight that I can't undo them with one hand, and won't crimp the curved steel of the spring. Make sure you clamp them from the outside face of the spring (so you can place the spring in the housing with the pliers), and only have them clamp about half the depth of the spring so you can place it in the housing... I grease the spring AFTER it's placed in the housing.<br />- Scott