1968 20hp Johnson Extremely hard to pull start

[wauto]

Working on a 20hp I just picked up. The motor pulls over easy with the plugs out. Install the spark plugs and it is a BEAR. I have two 1973 18's and they are sweethearts to pull start. BTW I'm 6'4" and 250lbs. I've read the forums and never really found an answer. Also pulls just as hard with lower unit removed. Motor is clean and shows no signs of being opened up before, not even head removal.
Any ideas?

 

[racerone]

Remove recoil.----Observe that the the rope sheave is NOT ROUND.-----That is to make it easier for " brutus " to pull the motor over.----But it has to be timed correctly .-----Look carefully as the length of the rope may need to be adjusted.-------Perhaps compare with recoils of the other motors.-----Or swap a recoil over as a test.

 

[Joe Reeves]

 

[wauto]

Thanks for the quick replies. Recoil was way out of adjustment. Changing the upper crank seal now. Will post results when I get it running again.