1963 Evinrude 28 HP Speeditwin Hard Start (Woodruff key?)

[Lowcash2012]

HI All,
I recently purchased a 1963 Evinrude 28 HP Speeditwin. It is hard to pull the start cord, but when I take the plugs out it pulls really easy. Others have mentioned this is probably a mechanical problem of some sort. Could it be a bad woodruff key? I have attached pictures. I am very new to outboard repair, so any advice you can give would be appreciated. I don't know if that is a normal amount of key or if I need a new one.

Thanks,

Lowcash2012

 

[F_R]

key is ok. Wires need to be dressed so they don't rub on flywheel (but that isn't making it hard to pull)

 

[oldboat1]

Try spinning the flywheel clockwise by hand with the plugs out, then with the plugs in. Difference is compression when plugs are in place. (That is, unless you feel a metal to metal obstruction.)

 

[racerone]

Nothing to do with the key.-----Electric start should be easy to find for that motor.----Your location ?

 

[Lowcash2012]

Nothing to do with the key.-----Electric start should be easy to find for that motor.----Your location ?

There is no electric start, pull only.

 

[racerone]

They are a handful to pull over on a stand.---Easier to do clamped on a boat.----I merely tried to help by suggesting the electric start option !

 

[Lowcash2012]

Try spinning the flywheel clockwise by hand with the plugs out, then with the plugs in. Difference is compression when plugs are in place. (That is, unless you feel a metal to metal obstruction.)

So at first I couldnt pull it at all, finally got it to where it would pull well enough that I could perform a compression test. I just replaced the coils but when i tighten down the nut on top the entire ignition plate moves and then stops and I cant move it any further. When i take the flywheel off the crank turns with a socket and just the nut.

 

[Lowcash2012]

They are a handful to pull over on a stand.---Easier to do clamped on a boat.----I merely tried to help by suggesting the electric start option !

Gotchya, thanks. Right now I can turn the flywheel a bit but then it seems to pull the ignition plate along with it. Then it stops completely.

 

[racerone]

Remove flywheel with puller ( 3 bolts 1/4-20NC ) perhaps coils are not adjusted properly.---There is a factory tool to set them in the correct spot.----Or visit ----leroysramblings----For info on that simple magneto.