Recoil Reset

[fluke88]

just replaced the cam follower on a 1989 johnson 8 hp. had to remove
the rope recoil, having trouble putting it back, winding spring etc.
any help appreciated.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Recoil Reset

I'd think the best thing would be to reassemble it without the cord.

Wind the spring up ..16? turns is correct I believe ... then get an assistant to refit the cord and allow the spring to wind it in.

Trouble is preventing the pinion from engaging with the flywheel while winding the spring. An elastic band wound tightly around the top of the spool will stop it.

 

[boobie]

Re: Recoil Reset

Once you get the spring wound up you can also stick a small punch through the roll pin that holds the pinion gear on and let it rest against the flywheel. Then put the rope in, tie your knot, pull the pin and let it rewind. An easy way to do this job is with a wide blade screw driver bit that will go on to a speed wrench. Take the plugs out and wind up the spring. The mtr will spin over at the same time. When it's wound the correct amount of turns then put the punch in the roll pin and go from there. The screw driver bit goes in the very top of the spool above the pinion gear.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Recoil Reset

Some useful tips there.
Not had to replace the cord on mine yet but looked at it to see how it could be done in an emergency.
Not likely to have an electric screwdriver with me but worth making sure there is something in the tool box to stick through the rollpin.

 

[fluke88]

Re: Recoil Reset

thanks for the replies, will give it a shot today!!!!!

 

[BUDDY123]

Re: Recoil Reset

One other thing, make sure the head of the screw driver is big enough. Did mine a few weeks ago and it kept slipping out of the grove at the top of the spool. Ended up using a piece of metal the fit exactley into the grove.

 

[boobie]

Re: Recoil Reset

The only reason I used a speed wrench was so I could count the number of turns I was winding the spring. They were different for different hp mtrs that used the same type starters.

 

[fluke88]

Re: Recoil Reset

well, tried it today, cant seem to get the lower tang of the spring in
the groove, gettin old i guess, best to walk away from it awhile!!

 

[AlTn]

Re: Recoil Reset

Try removing the lower spring retainer plate and inserting the outer spring tang into the groove with just the spring and plate in hand....it inserts in a ccw twist...install the bearing plate with spring attached then insert the rest of the starter assembly...the notch in the rod will "self align" on the inner spring tine as you turn the spindle...any spring energy as it tries to unwind itself indicates all is well and you're ready to wind the spring fully...if it merely spins..something is still not kosher and no need to go any further w/o starting over...the first time doing this is aggrevating..you'll get it

 

[fluke88]

Re: Recoil Reset

AlTn, thanks,
if im reading you right, im taking the spring out of the
whole starter assembly, i tried to avoid this thinking
that the top of the spring would never find its tab or
tang to grab, gotta be something like the bottom
or same tang, little play on words there!!! this
motor is like new. if it wasnt for that cam
follower breaking, plastic!!!! i wouldnt lay
awake thinking about it. thanks again.

 

[DUCKMAN6]

Re: Recoil Reset

Just replaced the recoil spool and spring. i took the lower plate off and positioned the tab of the spring in the slot the fed it back in from underneath and reinstalled the bolts which sandwiched the spring in position then put the spool back and it connected with the spring as soon as i turned it.