70 Evinrude 4 HP recoil cord

[twocyclemania]

Just picked up a nice running 1970 Evinrude 4 HP for fifty bucks and as fate would have it the recoil cord snapped. The cord is not listed in parts sites and I've seen listings on ebay for lengths of cord but not specifically for the 4 hp. Anyone know where I can get a cord and the cord diameter (to make sure)? Also, is it possible to replace the cord without having to deal with the spring?

 

[racerone]

It is 61" long 5/32" double braid nylon.----Available at all shops that handle weed eaters / lawnmowers / chainsaws.----Easy for me to say as I have worked on these----No need to be afraid of the spring.

 

[Crosbyman]

install the cord and hand wind it on the recoil.

then pull it out to tighten the spring.... lock it in place on the FW and rewind the cord a second time by hand while the spring is locked in place on the flywheel. ten release the spring

pull the cord back out a second time.. and then see if the cord rewinds all the way in..... but install the handle first !!

if ok you are done .. if not ... pull the cord. block the spring and loop the cord a few more loops around the spring... check the pull handle again after.

continue till the cord retracts properly

 

[twocyclemania]

Thanks Racer and Crosby for the replies and the information. Saved me ordering the wrong diameter cord (most listings are for 7/32). One question: Doesn't the cord have to be knotted/attached to the pully at the end so it doesn't come off? thanks again to both!

 

[F_R]

Of course it does. The starter has to be completely dis-assembled and reassembled. You need a service manual or otherwise get the instructions. It's really fairly simple if you know what you are doing. Otherwise, it'll drive you nuts.

 

[kbait]

Leave spring in cup when replacing rope..saves a fairly big headache.

 

[F_R]

I just watched a couple of you tube videos. What a hoot.
Hint: Don't forget to put the washer back in the spring cup.

 

[racerone]

u-tube posters can be entertaining.----some are better than Disney channel.

 

[twocyclemania]

Leave spring in cup when replacing rope..saves a fairly big headache.

So you can open it up and replace cord without having to monkey with the spring? That would save a big headache. What are the chances (and how gingerly do you have to be) of the spring popping? I've played with springs on top mounted recoils and they are not nice.

 

[twocyclemania]

It is 61" long 5/32" double braid nylon.----Available at all shops that handle weed eaters / lawnmowers / chainsaws.----Easy for me to say as I have worked on these----No need to be afraid of the spring.

Thanks much for the rope info.

 

[racerone]

They are not really that tricky.----I was working on them when a teenager learning to fix motors.-----