'90 Evinrude 8HP - Recoil Spring Keeps Breaking

[ereuter]

I have a '90 8HP Evinrude outboard (don't have the model handy).

The recoil spring broke at the end of last season. I ordered a new one (for $78!), and installed it per the instructions in the SELOC book about three weeks ago.

I've run the engine a dozen or so times, and it worked great.

Then today, I pulled the cord and it didn't recoil. It appears the new spring has broken.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what might cause this? I can't keep buying $78 springs for a $300 outboard.

Thanks-
Eric

 

[Silvertip]

Re: '90 Evinrude 8HP - Recoil Spring Keeps Breaking

Either you are winding the spring too tightly during installation, you are trying to run into the next county when pulling the cord, or you are letting the cord snap back when releasing it. All three are considered operator error. You do not need to yank the cord into next week. Extend the cord to until you feel a little compression. Retract the cord to get another bite and then short firm tugs is all that's necessary. DO NOT let the cord snap back when releasing it or when the engine starts. Its the sudden stop that can break the spring. Winding the spring too tightly means it is over stressed when the cord is fully extended.

 

[ezeke]

Re: '90 Evinrude 8HP - Recoil Spring Keeps Breaking

12-1/2 turns on the rewind spring or it will probably break.

 

[ereuter]

Re: '90 Evinrude 8HP - Recoil Spring Keeps Breaking

12-1/2 turns on the rewind spring or it will probably break.

Interesting, thanks. The SELOC book, published in '92, said 16-1/2, so that's what I did. 12-1/2 it is for the next one.