1990 8 hp starter recoil spring install replace

[achillesg]

I have a Model year 1990 Johson 8 HP outboard, Model Number J8RESR. I removed the pull-start rope recoil spring assembly in order to get to the carburetor.

I knew this would be a problem to reinstall as it is on all small engines, however, I figured the repair manual would tell me how to do it. I was wrong. I bought the SELOC online manual and it has zero information on this assembly. The SELOC manual shows a number of the typical hamburger-shaped assemblies, but it shows none of the tall cylindrical assemblies like on this 1990 engine.

Does anyone have an idea about how to reinstall this assembly and re-tension the spring?

 

[Rick.]

Re: 1990 8 hp starter recoil spring install replace

This will be covered in the OMC manual for your specific engine. I would suggest you try to get on. It is usually simpler than you think if you have the manual to follow. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[crxess]

Re: 1990 8 hp starter recoil spring install replace

If your spring is still in place install the starter pull body.

If not loosen the 2 lower bolts. Work the spring into place. Secure lower bolts. Install the starter pull body. Raise the starting gear and slip a plier handles under the gear to hold it up. turn the flywheel 12 turns to load starter spring. slip the rope through the cowl and attach to handle. remove pliers to retract pull rope around starter.

Reference your model / year http://shop2.evinrude.com/ext/index.aspx?s1=bf6ad09c53cead335fcfd8a6471c0f7f

 

[achillesg]

Re: 1990 8 hp starter recoil spring install replace

Thanks for the replies. Re: the OMC Manual, I did look at the Johnson website, but I saw no manuals for motors before the 1999 model year. Maybe its listed under the specific engine. I'll check again. I did by the Seloc manual which was of no use whatsoever.

Crxess gave the instructions that saved the day. This rewind starter problem was the worst part of rebuilding the carburetor on this 1990 J8RESR 8hp Johnson. But with the proper instructions, even that wasn't that bad.

At the bottom of the mounting structure is a hole and a slot. Unfortunately, I spent most of my time trying to work the spring hook into the slot. That was never going to work. It the spring hook goes into the hole, but only in a fashion. You MUST loosen the bolts that hold the lower part of the mounting structure into the housing. This creates a gap for the spring hook to slide into, then the crook of the hook, if you will, seats in the hole.

I did not do the full twelve turns as Crxess recommended because I got to a point where it felt as though the spring was bound and I did not want to risk breaking the spring and having to order that and pay $40 or $50 as further insult. So my rewind coil has 3 empty rungs and I might have to remember to keep my pulls reasonable in length.

I used the handle of a small Vise-grips set to wedge under the back side of the starter gear to keep it engaged as I turned the flywheel.

Thanks again, Crxess for the help. I'm a lot more relaxed now that I've got that task behind me. It was starting to get to me.