84 evinrude 15hp recoil starter problem

[Davevava]

I am starting to have a problem with my recoil starter. When I pull on it to start the motor it pulls freely. I can pull it 60 times and it stays free until I take the top off and manually engage it. I checked each time it happened and it was in neutral. I bought I need to replace the pinion gear because the top half is kind chewed up.

Any ideas on what would/could make the pull start pull freely with out engaging?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 84 evinrude 15hp recoil starter problem

Sounds like the friction spring is either missing or broken. It is a "C" shaped piece of spring/wire that loops around the pinion and a raised arm from starter housing. It is supposed to put enough friction on the pinion so that it raises when you pull the cord...

 

[Rick.]

Re: 84 evinrude 15hp recoil starter problem

It's is probably just gummed up and needs dis-assembly and a good cleaning and greasing. If your not into that you can put a rag under it and give it a real good shot of WD40 making sure your getting lots into the spring area and that will make it come back to life. Best of luck. Rick.