1954 CD 11, 5.5 starter

[Rick.]

Hello. Broken pull rope on this recoil. The rope measures 7/32 and has a 1/16 inner steel core multi strand wire. Reusing the rope isn't a good option as it only measures 38 inches.( probably has broken many times before) There is a J hook that solder connects the steel braid to the J hook. The J hook has a hole approx. 1/16 allowing the wire to pass through. I haven't been able to source this inner core rope and it appears it's not available. So, I'm wondering what the correct repair would be? Would I be ok to delete the J hook and just put a knot above the starter pulley?
Also, would anyone know how many turns I should go to pre-load the spring?
Thanks in advance. Rick.

 

[racerone]

There is not a lot of room but a small knot will work OK.

 

[Rick.]

You've never seen my knots. Lol. Often large and useless but I have a book .

 

[Crosbyman]

seal the end with a flame . stick a small nail in it and touch up with crazy glue to lock in place …. or get a scout's knot book

 

[F_R]

Never pull that rope all the way to the end. It will cut the knot off and the backlash will destroy the spring.

 

[Rick.]

It realize the pulley has sharp edges compared to the J hook. I can get 1/8 pull cord through the J hook ( actually called a anchor in a parts list) but my concern is rope that thin would double up in the pulley and cause me lots of grief.
concerning the spring tension, I wound it up four turns this afternoon and it was very difficult. Do you think four turns to tension it is enough?
Thanks, Rick.

 

[Rick.]

It realize the pulley has sharp edges compared to the J hook. I can get 1/8 pull cord through the J hook ( actually called a anchor in a parts list) but my concern is rope that thin would double up in the pulley and cause me lots of grief.
concerning the spring tension, I wound it up four turns this afternoon and it was very difficult. Do you think four turns to tension it is enough?
Thanks, Rick.

 

[F_R]

If you search hard enough, you may be able to find a pulley for knotted nylon rope. They have a pin that the rope goes behind, relieving the knot cutting problem. Otherwise, most people simply do the knot in the stock pulley and be careful with the pull. See the little hole in the pulley? If you stick a nail or something through that hole it will keep the spring from rewinding as you feed the rope through. I wind the spring all the way, then back it off one turn, and insert nail to hold it. Then feed the rope through and let it rewind as much as it will take.

 

[F_R]

If you are interested, the pulley for nylon rope is part number 376377. Think Gale/Sea King, etc.

 

[Rick.]

Thanks for all they advice on this starter. It was operational except for the broken rope but very stiff and filthy. I've cleaned it up and re-lubed it and it appears to be working fine. Haven't got a proper pull rope but was experimenting with some cord I had that was the same thickness. I think I'll just tie a knot and hope for the best. I'll be sure to use short pulls. I must say I am very impressed with the engineering that went into this starter. 65 years and it still works very well. FR I noticed the holes you spoke of and tried a nail and it catches on the spring very close to the stationary post and makes an excellent retainer. I'll pick up some proper cord tomorrow. I just have to say, it's nice to be back on this forum. I'll attempt to post some before/after pics but do apologize now if they don't work.

 

[F_R]

I noticed one of the pawl springs is not completely hooked into the equalizer ring. You may want to give it a nudge into place. But what I want to say is congratulations, you got it back together. The equalizer ring and spring gets most people.

 

[Crosbyman]

to help that knot.. burn the loose end 3/8 inches worth and while it flames…. sqwash it down flat with a putty blade

it wil lock it in place and won't slip out


that is what I do … anyway

 

[Rick.]

FR you have keen eyes. I noticed that spring in the picture after posting. Crosbyman I will melt the rope and I like your nail idea too. It may take some of the stress away from the rope cutting into the pulley too if done the way I'm imagining. I'm still trying to figure out how to avoid the rope getting cut but so far short pulls seems to be the right answer for me. Rick.