Intermitent tinging in '73 Merc 20 hp, any need for concern?

[seanymphmike]

I have a '73 Mercury 20 hp with recoil start. I have it running pretty well now and decarbed the engine this afternoon using the Dunks Method I saw described here. I smoked out the neighborhood as I expected but I'm pleased with the results. It certainly seems to idle smoother. While I was idling it for the 15 minute on and off cycles I noticed an intermittent tinging. It seemed to come from the area of the flywheel or recoil starter. Is this just the recoil palls rattling around? Is it anything to be concerned about? I'm sorry if this is a stupid question. I'm not stupid but sometimes I do stupid things. Thanks for any help.
Mike

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Intermitent tinging in '73 Merc 20 hp, any need for concern?

Most likely the recoil pawls bouncing off the flywheel basket. Not uncommon. Can lead to premature failure of the recoil. Might be able to tighten it up with some new wave washers under the pawls.

 

[seanymphmike]

Re: Intermitent tinging in '73 Merc 20 hp, any need for concern?

Thank you Chinewalker. I'll check out your remedy. Excuse my misspelling of pawls. I thought something looked wrong:facepalm:

 

[seanymphmike]

Re: Intermitent tinging in '73 Merc 20 hp, any need for concern?

Chinewalker, your advice was spot on. I took the recoil starter out last night. Lots of old lube in there and pawls very loose. Cleaned it up and replaced the wave washers (finding new ones was the hard part--found them at Lowes), lightly oiled everything, re-tensioned the spring and all seems to function smoothly--with no intermittent tinging!
Thanks again.