Evinrude 4 hp recoil jamming

[Canoe2]

I thought i had a worn idler gear which was causing the recoil on my 1973 4 hp lightwin to bind when it engaged the flywheel but it appears to be a different problem. The arm that holds the idler gear (Part 10 in the diagram 259815_03a_0.gif) wanders away from the flywheel and loses alignment when yanked, then jams the flywheel. I've tried a washer behind the idler gear (same result) and a washer on the bolt holding the recoil together and to the block that simply bound the mechanism up. Anybody have any experience in solving this problem? This one has me pretty solidly stumped at the moment. Thanks

 

[F_R]

Worn or missing bushings #3? It takes three of them. Also, #2 washer must be in there, or it will bind up when you tighten the bolt.

 

[Canoe2]

yeah, the bushings are there but have certainly seen better days. I assume the washer is in behind the spring but haven't taken it down that far. Doesn't bind when the flywheel which i would expect it to though so i believe it is in place. Seems like replacing the 2 easy to get at bushings will be where i start. As usual, thanks much, this site has been a great help on a number of projects.

 

[Canoe2]

well, I got new bushings in place but the thing still seems to want to wander off and jam in the teeth of the flywheel. The mechanism is free but as soon as it has load when it engages, the misalignment starts. My son and I adjusted the placement of the 5/16 bolt and it worked briefly but then messed up again. I'm not sure how it would matter but it seems that the play must be there for a reason. Is there a sweet spot i need to find? Thanks much.

 

[F_R]

I guess I don't understand. Does #10 wander horizontally or vertically? There should not be much horizontal movement if #11 bolt is tight and bushings are good. But if you are saying it moves vertically (pinion moving downward from flywheel) that's a puzzler to me.

 

[Canoe2]

Moves horizontally, I have replaced the bushings but it does not seem to solve the problem. I was wondering if the 2nd bolt that holds the mechanism so it doesn't simply spin might need an adjustment of some sort. Can't see how it would help but am trying anything at this point.