dog lever on spool

[10000lakes]

J9.9 1976
There is a dog lever on the top or side of the manual starter spool that drops down & engages a ratchet that prevents the starter rope from being pulled.
There is supposed to be a very small clearance between the dog and the spool(.0010?) however, the turn out screw doesn't let me adjust it any smaller-it's bottomed out. Any idea why?
Thanks

 

[F_R]

Re: dog lever on spool

I don't get it. Is it not locking the spool when it's supposed to, or is it locking it when it is not supposed to?

 

[10000lakes]

Re: dog lever on spool

it's not locking when it is supposed to. also i am trying to set the clearance to the book specs and the adjustment screw will not allow it.

 

[F_R]

Re: dog lever on spool

I'll take a wild guess. The 318941 washer that is supposed to be in the center of the spring retainer cup. Is it in there? If not, it would seem that the rope pulley assembly would sit lower (away from the interlock pawl). Exploded parts diagram at http://epc.brp.com/default.aspx?brands=ej&lang=E