Need help with Mercury recoil rope replace

[wiperhunter]

I have a 4.5 hp Mercury that I'm trying to replace the starter rope. I have replaced one before on a Evinrude but the Merc is a different story. The only thing I could find was a big nut on top of the hood, but it will not come loose, it is not tight but all it does is turn. Is there a trick on taking this thing apart?
Thanks for any help.

 

[corm]

Re: Need help with Mercury recoil rope replace

Hi,

It is a left hand thread.

 

[wiperhunter]

Re: Need help with Mercury recoil rope replace

Thanks for your help Corm, I knew it had to be something simple. Now if I can just keep the spring from exploding in my face when I open it up. WH

 

[Fuzzytbay]

Re: Need help with Mercury recoil rope replace

I am not familar with the motor, but I have changed a few recoils in my day. In most case's, you shouldn't have to disassemble enough to have the spring....umm spring. On the old evinrudes, there was a slot cut, that would allow you to tighten the spring, then feed the rope in, wind one turn, feed more rope, wind one turn. The actic cats, same thing, pull the rope through a hole, and let it rewind back in. I'd look and see, should be a way to do it, without removing the spool and having the spring.....spring.

 

[wiperhunter]

Re: Need help with Mercury recoil rope replace

Thanks for the info Fuzzy, I had to take it all apart but the spring stays in the center of the recoil mechinism so once it is out of the hood the rope is easy to replace. Now I need to find out if this is special rope or can I go down to Lowes and buy some of the same dia. Anyone know?

 

[Arkman]

Re: Need help with Mercury recoil rope replace

I just bought mine at fleet farm. The one thing that is special about it is there is a little pin on one end to help hold it in place. There is a slot in the top of that left hand threaded bolt that will allow you to tighten the spring.

 

[wiperhunter]

Re: Need help with Mercury recoil rope replace

Thanks Arkman, I don't have one of those stores around here but do you think I could use any nylon rope that is the correct dia. and put the pin through the end of it? It looks like it is coated in wax, is that how your was also? Thanks for the info on how to tighten the spring.

 

[Arkman]

Re: Need help with Mercury recoil rope replace

I would think that would work. You could try any hardware store as well, they will have ropes for lawn mowers and such. If I were you I'd try to find the right rope. They are not too expensive and since you are pulling it apart you might as well do it right. But if you can't find one I suppose any rope with the right diameter would work.