How do I rewind a Tohatsu 3.5B recoil starter?

[Saraband]

My recoil starter rope shredded itself and jammed. Whilst trying to replace it, the spring came apart and I now have what seems like 10 foot of greasy spring steel in a bucket! The week of sailing therefore finished with me using a rope around the flywheel, British Seagull style.

Searches on the internet haven't found any videos or posts which seem to help me on my specific model of Tohatsu, which is the 3.5hp two stroke, with a gearbox, so its the Tohatsu 3.5B

Any help appreciated!

 

[andsarkit]

This is from the Mariner Mercury manual that you can find online . Tohatsu should be the same.

 

[Cerebus]

Having done this job, be careful not to cut yourself on the greasy spring; it is not exactly sharp, but what with the tension and the spring’s desire to elongate, it may be worth noting.

 

[VicS]

Golden rule is never let the spring escape. They are like a caged tiger except that the tiger will be easier to coax back into its cage

 

[KevinV]

To add to the "be careful" posts above - please wear eye protection

 

[MontyMariner]

Golden rule is never let the spring escape.

Ah! The wisdom of hindsight
I once let a spring escape, very therapeutic rewinding it but I haven't let it happen again.

 

[Saraband]

Thanks for all the answers, especially the diagram from Andsarkit!........I will try it at the weekend!

 

[andsarkit]

To add to the "be careful" posts above - please wear eye protection

Also wear protective gloves. I got a nasty cut when repairing a Miele vacuum cord recoil and the spring exploded. It must have been at least 20 ft long in order to rewind the full mains cord.

 

[Cerebus]

To add to the "be careful" posts above - please wear eye protection

Having done this job (for a friend who undid a bolt they should not have) I attended their house in less than an hour and rectified the problem.

I now note that I did not wear any protective gear; glasses would/ should be paramount.

Too late now; years ago.

But springs have a lot of potential energy.

I was lucky perhaps.

But I agree that personal protection should be used and perhaps friends should ask for help before they f- it all up because they have no manual or instructions.

I am owed a few favours. But as a friend, I do not keep count.