1987 Johnson 4hp recoil spring

[Tnpipewelder]

Hello all, I am having a heck of a time with my recoil spring on my engine. I have installed 2 different recoil springs and both have worked fine for a short period of pulls then straightened the rolled end out. Bend them back around as they were purchased then they break. What could be my issue? Too much preload? Rope too long? Open for suggestions!

 

[Tnpipewelder]

To be more specific its the end that hangs out of the recoil assembly. Not the end attatched to the spool for the rope.

 

[Crosbyman]

they should last years if not abused . never yank pull engage then a quick tug

check the specs for cord length

 

[DouglasW]

Maybe the piece the spring fits into has worn too large to capture the spring? If anything you may need a longer cord, not shorter so it doesn't "bottom out".

 

[Vic.S]

Your motor is covered by the manual at http://162.144.28.33/lib/evinrude/ma...inrude.html#/0

Your should find details of the spring preload in the text for the type of starter you have ( section 9) and the rope diameter & length in Appendix 21

 

[racerone]

Model # is ?

 

[Tnpipewelder]

J4rdhcud

 

[racerone]

If it is the recoil that goes to the side of the block then make sure all the bushings and washer is in place.----Generally you want to come to the end of the rope before you jam up the spring.

 

[Tnpipewelder]

All parts are there and accounted for. Does anyone know how much preload is suggested? Im thinking that with too much preload when the rope is pulled out it may be causing more tension than the rolled end of the spring can hold. Sound like a possibility?

 

[Tnpipewelder]

The end that hangs out of the assembly that holds the spring in place so it creates tension straightens over time then pulls inside the assembly.

 

[hardwater fisherman]

My manual explains how to test the pre-load. It states that you pull out the rope all the way and hold it. Then pull out the spring by the loop , and anything between 8 to 18 inches is correct. This is all assuming you have the correct length and diameter of rope.

 

[Vic.S]

All parts are there and accounted for. Does anyone know how much preload is suggested? Im thinking that with too much preload when the rope is pulled out it may be causing more tension than the rolled end of the spring can hold. Sound like a possibility?

Does the manual In my link above not state how many turns to wind the spring ?

 

[hardwater fisherman]

The proper way to wind it is by engaging the gear to the flywheel with a special tool. And then turning the flywheel clockwise until the spring touches the stop. And then about 1 1/2 turns of the pulley to set the load. EDIT Just to be clear you need to disengage the gear and slowly relieve the tension on the spring. And then reengage the gear to the flywheel before setting the load.

 

[Tnpipewelder]

Vic S. I couldnt view the manual through your link due to inadequate software on my phone and no home pc.

hardwater fisherman, thats what,im doing. I have a new spring on the way. Will give it another shot in the next day or two to see what happens. It wasnt an evinrude/johnson or sierra spring. Which has me wondering if part quality is a factor.

 

[Tnpipewelder]

Thanks everyone for your input and responses. Ill be back after the new spring arrives if the results are no better.

 

[Vic.S]

Vic S. I couldnt view the manual through your link due to inadequate software on my phone and no home pc.

hardwater fisherman, thats what,im doing. I have a new spring on the way. Will give it another shot in the next day or two to see what happens. It wasnt an evinrude/johnson or sierra spring. Which has me wondering if part quality is a factor.

Your engine has the side mounted starter with the pinion on a swing arm according to the model number you quoted earlier

The procedure for installing the spring seems quite complex but only enough pretension is needed to hold the handle tight up against the cowling when the rope is fully rewound.

I'd suggest that you get a look at the manual on a pc.

The rope should be [SUP]1[/SUP]/[SUB]8 [/SUB]" diameter by 59[SUP]1[/SUP]/[SUB]2[/SUB] " long