1975 Evinrude 4hp Pull Start Issues

[gemini70]

New to the board and already have used the information posted to help in other situations. I have a 1975 Evinrude 4hp motor that seems to be extremely more difficult to pull start then it needs to be. After viewing some YouTube videos of exact motor, and the ease of the starts...I was wondering if there are any adjustment that can be made to the pull start assembly. I seriously have to put a lot of muscle into pulling the cord to start the motor.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[AlanR]

Re: 1975 Evinrude 4hp Pull Start Issues

Is it stiff to pull start or do you need to pull many times?

 

[Rick.]

Re: 1975 Evinrude 4hp Pull Start Issues

You may want to disassemble it, clean it, lube it and put it back together. It is probably gummed up due to the old grease getting stiff. Or, the other option is spraying inside where the spring is with lots of WD 40. The first solution is the better but more work for sure. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[EazzeO]

Re: 1975 Evinrude 4hp Pull Start Issues

hi
try taking the rope off and releasing some of the tension in the spring. it could just be wound to tight.
good luck with it.
cheers.

 

[gemini70]

Re: 1975 Evinrude 4hp Pull Start Issues

Is it stiff to pull start or do you need to pull many times?

It is VERY stiff to pull. Gathering from the other responses, I would rather not take it apart. But...if it's my best option, can someone provide a link to a picture diagram and some instructions. I ordered manuals and would prefer to do the work before they arrived.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1975 Evinrude 4hp Pull Start Issues

You certainly have an unusual condition. It is hard to say with authority what the cause is.

So, I guess the question is: Does it start and run ok, other than the effort required? How about if you rope start it? Does the flywheel turn easy (except for compression)? Hold the starter pinion down so it doesn't engage the flywheeel and give it a pull---is it hard to pull when not turning the flywheel? I suppose somebody could have put a substitute spring in the starter, but I don't know of anything else that would fit in there. If the starter itself were mechanically binding, it wouldn't rewind.

TIP: When starting the 4hp motor, give the starter rope a series of short, fast yanks. Totally opposite of the "normal" way of starting an outboard. Just don't yank it all the way to the end, or you will break it.

 

[gemini70]

Re: 1975 Evinrude 4hp Pull Start Issues

It does start...but with a lot of effort. Effort in pulling the rope. I've had other issues with how it runs, but those seem to be isolated from the actual pull start.
I'm going to have to put your suggestions in motion including your tip. I was starting it like a lawn mower as opposed to using the short quick yanks. Hopefully I can narrow it down from your suggestions. I will post results when done...thank you!

 

[gemini70]

Re: 1975 Evinrude 4hp Pull Start Issues

So I sprayed some WD-40 on it...very dramatic difference. Half the effort to pull the cord. Thanks all for your help!!

Seems I now have a new issue....will post in a new thread.