Starter Gear Problems for 1971 6hp Evinrude Fisherman

[mikefos]

I have a 1971 6hp Evinrude Fisherman, model 6102G, serial J08051. I had the starter gear replaced by a repair shop to the tune of about $100. I believe the original part was some sort of metal, and the replacement part they put on was plastic. Well, the plastic starter gear teeth have worn out in no time, plus it sits kind of loose on the spindle. I am wondering if they substituted the wrong part. The part they used was 318447, what they called a "pinion gear." Labor was $72 of that amount, although it doesn't look that difficult to replace. However, I would like to know if a metal correct part is available for this motor, as it runs great except for this problem. Thanks.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Starter Gear Problems for 1971 6hp Evinrude Fisherman

Welcome to Iboats, Mike!<br /><br />The original part (311189) has been superceeded to part 318447 (~$12). I'm quite sure that the original was also plastic but perhaps another kind. I had that happen with a pull start on another engine where they replaced the engagement gear with ABS rather than nylon. Since instructing it's operator on the proper way to start an outboard, he hasn't worn another out (at $80 a peice).<br /><br />So I hate to seem assuming, but just to be sure - pull the cord lightly until you feel the starter engage the flywheel. Then follow with a eaven, consistant, but strong pull. Do not try to get the engine spinning as fast as you can. Just spin it enough to get it to start. If it doesn't start by 4 pulls, find out what's wrong with it. It's just a little engine afterall.<br />Sorry if you already know all that - like I said before, I just want to make sure.<br /><br />Replacing the pinion is pretty straight-forward. You just need basic tools, and a service manual. These are by far the best - the factory manuals:<br />TheOutboardWizard<br />Mastertech<br />Marine Engine<br />Ken Cook <br /><br />And there's one on ebay for 1/4 the price: Click here.<br />Never mind the fact that it's for a Johnson. Other than the paint and decals, they're identical. The service manual is worth it's weight in gold.<br /><br />Hope this helps some!

 

[mikefos]

Re: Starter Gear Problems for 1971 6hp Evinrude Fisherman

Thanks, Paul. I bought the manual off eBay! <br /><br />Let me ask you this, how much play should this starter gear have on the spindle it sits on, and how tight should the gear's teeth mesh with the other gear (flywheel?)? The reason I ask is that we (dad and me) were looking at it and there was kind of a lot of looseness between the starter gear bore and the spindle, and my dad was also kind of surprised at how little distance the plastic teeth meshed with the flywheel, and that there was no adjusment to move the starter gear spindle closer so as to mesh better with the flywheel. Any ideas? Thanks!