Gamefisher 15HP starter pulls but won't engage?

[1bigmojo]

I have a Sears Gamefisher 15HP Model 225.581507 The starter rope pulls normally and rewinds but it does not seem to engage and turnover.
There is a nut and rod (pinion?) attached above the flywheel which the starter fits over. There are roller bearings inside the starter assembly which seem to fit over the rod/pinion/flywheel. The pinion is smooth, no groves or teeth. How does the pull starter engage with the flywheel? Is something worn? What needs to be fixed/replaced? Please help.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Gamefisher 15HP starter pulls but won't engage?

Speaking generically;
can't be too specific but most pinion style starters the pinion sprials up on a pin in a grove in the pinion.Typically on an electric starter if they won't move up its a lack of lube.On the manual starter it could be lack of lube or lube that has dried out.
If its a plastic pinion a lube safe for plastics is best.You may need to soften dried lube with someything like a citris cleaner.If I'm not mistaken there is a spring on the pinion that applies friction to assist the pinion up the spiral.

 

[djgoulty]

Re: Gamefisher 15HP starter pulls but won't engage?

Re: 1996 Gamefisher 15hp

Can anyone tell me how to put the recoil spring back into the starter mechanism? It appeasrs you have to wind it up first so the inner spring grows smaller in diameter to allow the outer part of the spring to engage the bottom prong into the starter spring retainer. Is there a knack to doing this as I can't seem to wind it up sufficiently to allow the outer part of the spring to move down? Mine is the 15hp Gamefisher.

 

[narwhals]

Re: Gamefisher 15HP starter pulls but won't engage?

you are correct on winding up the spring, i have done it with the aid of some vise grips. you will need to start winding up the spring, when you get the whole thing wrapped up hold on tight and pull the outside part of the spring to tighten up the coil, you may need to do this a couple of times to get the spring to the correct diameter. i have found to wrap it smaller than the opening as it will unwind very fast. make sure you are prepared to install the spring into the recoil as it will unwind quickly. don't get frustrated it may take several attempts. if you find it challenging put it down and come back later for another attempt. good luck.