4.5 Johnson Pull Start Trouble

[Rippin_54]

I have borrowed a friends 4.5 Johnson, pulled it 3 times to start it, and now the cord will not roll up. Just wondering if i have to tighten something, or borrowing this little engine is now gonna cost me some $$$$

And help would greatly appriciated.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 4.5 Johnson Pull Start Trouble

The most common cause of your symptom is a bent end on the recoil starter spring. This is often caused by pulling the rope hard out to its limit. It's not a huge deal to repair, but will require removing the recoil unit.

I haven't done one on that model, and it needs a manual to get the right instructions, since recoil starters are a bit tricky if you're not used to fixing them.

It's about an hour's work, plus a new spring in most cases. Not inexpensive at the repair shop, but not doable without experience or a good manual. You won't get out of the shop without spending the best part of a $100 bill.

I think I'd talk to the person who loaned it to you. Maybe he has the skills to fix it so it won't cost you a bundle.

 

[Rippin_54]

Re: 4.5 Johnson Pull Start Trouble

well thanx for the quick responce. this is kinda a bummer, i was going to undo the bolt , and i am guessing there will be a spring back in there, maybe then i could see what is wrong. Just wondering for anything will suddenly recoil when i take the front part off. My friend has no idea how to fix it.
I may just buy the manual, only thing is ,,, I am not keeping this motor, and will end up with a manual i dont need.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 4.5 Johnson Pull Start Trouble

Try the library for an aftermarket manual that covers that model. They should have one. It's not that hard, but I can't describe it, since I haven't done that model.

 

[Rippin_54]

Re: 4.5 Johnson Pull Start Trouble

thanx again for your advise.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 4.5 Johnson Pull Start Trouble

yes there is a spring that can get you. last one i did took four tries, to get it rignt.

 

[Rippin_54]

Re: 4.5 Johnson Pull Start Trouble

well i pulled it apart, and got a new spring. Where the old spring broke,, was at the very start of the recoil, it has a wound up end on it, now i am not sure where, or if this wound up end is supposed to lock in there some how. I do not have a manual, and am hoping i could get lucky,, and someone could point me in the right direction on this.

1980 4.5 Johnson

 

[Rippin_54]

Re: 4.5 Johnson Pull Start Trouble

was hoping maybe by chance, someone might have a picture of what this recoil spring should look like when installed, i am not sure if you are supposed to just put it in , or the spiraled start is supposed to lock into something.


(it was broken when i had taken it apart, that is why i am not sure)