Engine hard to pull over.

[steviecops]

Hi<br />I picked up a 1977 Johnson 9.9 recently which needed a few things doing to it. I've changed the water pump and rebuilt the carbs, and I've a few other little jobs to do.<br /><br />The thing that bothers me is that this engine is very hard to pull over. You would think you were pulling over a 50 h.p or something. I've checked the compression and it's 110 in both. Even with the lower unit off, it is still very stiff to pull over.<br /><br />Any ideas what can cause this?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve

 

[ED21]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

Try starting it w/ the emergency start rope at the flywheel. If that's not to bad, maybe the recoil mechanism is binding.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

My thought would be, if hard to turn over with the gearcase off, and hard to turn over doing a compression test with the plugs out. Pull the cylinder head, and look for a scuffed piston(pistons)

 

[steviecops]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

It was easier to turn over with the plugs out.<br /><br />If it is a scuffed piston/s, is there anything that can/should be done with it?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

That would call for a tear down, and piston replacement, or in short, a rebuild.

 

[steviecops]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

O.K, thanks. I'll check it out.<br /><br />Steve

 

[G DANE]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

A scuffed piston or both pistons scuffed will very rarely allow motor to show same compression in both. Try to turn the flywheel by hand, plugs out. Do you feel anything binding ? If there isnt look into the recoil mecanism. You mentioned you just changed water pump. A new pump usually binds a lot till used a couple of times. How does it run ??

 

[BugEyes]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

"A new pump usually binds a lot till used a couple of times."<br /><br />I noticed that clearly with my "project engine". Even with the powerhead off it took force to turn the propeller with gear in until I removed the pump.

 

[steviecops]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

The compression is 110 in both. I did turn the flywheel by hand with the plugs out and it spun over easily. <br /><br />I've just had the rewind starter mechanism off to replace the rope, and I couldn't see that anything was binding. Is it possible to over tighten the mounting screw?<br /><br />The water pump isn't whats causing the problem because the lower unit is off at the moment waiting for some new stainless bolts I've ordered, yet it's still hard to pull over.<br /><br />Haven't had the engine running yet. Soon as the lower unit goes back on I'll give it a try.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

Could it be possible the bearings might be rusted or ceased? Just a thought.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

Look to the starter. I have a 1975 and it pulls easily.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

The centre bolt on the starter recoil assembly has a shoulder that prevents overtightening. It also has a washer just under the bolt head, which - if it's original - should be larger than the bolt head. <br /><br />If you can turn this washer by hand when the assembly is torqued up tight, then the recoil mechanism is not binding on the throughbolt. in any case, as you release the rope, if it recoils normally, that should tell you it is not binding.<br /><br />If you can turn the motor easily with the plugs out using the flywheel - as you've said - it suggests that there is no internal binding.<br /><br />I have found that these little engines vary widely in their 'spinability' even though their running characteristics remain good.<br /><br />Ciao.

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

I have a 1989 15hp, which I believe uses the same starter assembly. I've found that by giving the recoil spring a shot of LPS 1 by sticking the straw on the can under the rope pulley makes it pull more freely, and rewind smoother. When the spring was dry it would still rewind, but be stiffer to pull. Any light oil would work for this. It seemed to work for me, and is a fast, easy thing to try....<br /><br />For what it's worth,<br /> Snow.

 

[steviecops]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

Thanks all for the input.<br /><br />The centre bolt does have the large washer under the bolt head, and it does recoil nicely. I'll give the oil a try though. That's the only thing I can think it may be.<br /><br />Thanks again<br />Steve

 

[steviecops]

Re: Engine hard to pull over.

Sprayed the spring with fine oil, and it has cured the problem.<br /> <br />Thanks for the help.<br />Steve