70's Johnson 4hp rewind starter

[Asnyder19]

Having issues with this little motor I just picked up. The pull starter is sticking really bad. When I pull, it either slowly retracts or doesn't retract at all. Sometimes I can't physically move the idler arm up. If I loosen up the center bolt, by the time it is actually loose enough to move the idler arm freely, it's too loose to even hold the spring in. Any ideas?

 

[racerone]

Those are not considered " robust "------Best to look and see if a washer or one of 3 bushings is missing.

 

[hardwater fisherman]

Agree that they are not heavy duty. My 1978 4hp was doing the same thing and I had to rewind the spring by hand after each pull,,, the inside end of the spring was badly distorted.. The rope was to short I think and it was unwinding completely.. I replaced the spring and installed the correct length rope and it is Okay..Not that I use it much I start it in the spring and a few times during the summer and then put it away in late fall.

 

[Crosbyman]

mine was a pain in the butt till I found a washer was missing works real well now. yours should work great also but make certain the spring is still good or replace it

take your's apart & as suggested .........check for missing parts adjust the housing properly adjust tension with properly lenght cord



http://www.boatinfo.no/lib/evinrude/manuals/1971-1989johnsonevinrude.html#/528

type 3 starter section 9-17 in this manual

 

[rcspencer1]

Been working on mine for a 1971 Johnson 4hp, and found it nearly impossible to get the new rope through the plastic bushing, so I just took it out.

FYI, the 11th edition Intertec "Outboard Motor Service Manual, volume 1" has excellent step by step instructions on how to do the entire job.

Hope this helps.

 

[Joe Reeves]

This pertains to having the starter off, then to installing it properly.

********************
(Manual Starter Cord/Spring Installation)
(This pertains to the side mount type manual starters such as the 4hp and 4.5hp models)
(J. Reeves)

Have the rope/cord wound around the starter pulley in the proper direction and tuck the end of the cord under itself to lock it in place.

Assemble the manual starter to the engine, having the inner spring loop inserted over the related pin, BUT leave the starter spring UNWOUND and simply hanging thru the slot of the manual starter housing with the long length of the spring out side of the manual starter.

Now, using your ingenuity, rig some kind of device to force that plastic gear up into the flywheel teeth, jamming it so that it will stay engaged in those teeth.

It is now simply a matter of putting a wrench on the flywheel nut and turning it in the proper direction to pull that spring into the manual starter housing which will properly rewind it. After the spring has been pulled in completely, continue to crank it further until sufficent pressure is upon the spring. Usually three turns of the flywheel is enough.

Now, keep a firm grip on that small plastic gear so that the starter does not rewind. Using a sharp pointed scribe, pick the loose end of the starter cord free and run it out its proper exit, then attach the handle to it. That should do it.

********************

 

[RCO]

I have seen several of those where someone has tried to "improve" the function by greasing/oiling them. Make sure there isn't any grease or gummed up oil on any of the pivoting or rotating areas.

 

[Crosbyman]

see parts….. #40 was missing on mine… same problem added a washer and no more problems