Johnson 3.5hp recoil starter

They are not complicated devices and usually just bolt directly on top of the engine. Three or four boats and it will probably lift off. It sounds like something is slightly out of line or the ratchet and pawl mechanism needs a touch of grease. When you re-assemble it you will need to pre-tension it with a full turn or two of the sprung drum. If you can get it apart without letting the cord fully retract by tying a knot or putting a small clamp on it then try and do so. You should then be able to see how much pre-tension it has when you eventually release it.

If you can't see the tension then don't worry. Just give it a few pulls to familiarise yourself with the tension before you dismantle it. When you assemble it, put one turn on and put it back together but leave the bolts finger tight and then pull it. If it feels too loose, or the cord handle doesn't fully retract, then put another turn on.

I've dismantled several different makes over the years and it really is just a 30 minute job. Obviously don't do it over the water! :)

Richard
 
I am afraid of that big spring getting loose. Is this a danger? There is a warning icon on the case which seems to suggest to read the manual before attempting to dismantle. Where could I find a manual?
 
I'm having problems also, since fitting new spring on a Suziki 3.5 Hp, I've got about 250 mm of cord hanging out, that won't retract, mine sits on the bottom cowling, not the top of the engine, how can you maintain the pretension with out it returning.there is no locking mechanism that I'm aware of, I am able to start, by using the rope top plate very easily.
 
Billows said:
http://www.marineengine.com/parts/j...3RSRE&manufacturer=Johnson§ion=Recoil+Starter
After a period of disuse the starter does not engage.I need to pull with a downward trajectory to get it to engage. After a period of running all is ok. How does it work?.Was thinking of injecting some oil into the housing rather than trying to take it apart.
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Billows said:
I am afraid of that big spring getting loose. Is this a danger? There is a warning icon on the case which seems to suggest to read the manual before attempting to dismantle. Where could I find a manual?
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You dont say what age, give the model number or even say what type of recoil starter is fitted but will probably find a manual and instructions or dealing with what ever type you have at http://boatinfo.no/lib/library.html#

id not squirt oil in willy nilly,
 
Billows said:
I am afraid of that big spring getting loose. Is this a danger? There is a warning icon on the case which seems to suggest to read the manual before attempting to dismantle. Where could I find a manual?
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It's not a danger in the sense of "danger to life and limb" as it's not that powerful. There is a danger i.e. likelyhood, that it will unwind but it's not difficult to pre-tension it again when you reassemble. I don't know about the manual but if you are reluctant to dismantle you could certainly try squirting in some lubricant as a first attempt to solve it as it sounds like something is sticking. I would try to use a PTFE based aerosol spray if you can. This should reach everywhere whilst it is still a vapour but will not leave too much oil covering everything when the propellant evaporates. Halfords GT85 type stuff is fine.

Try a few quick sprays from as many angles as possible into the recoil mechanism rather than a long spray into one place, and after every couple of sprays give it a pull to see if you are hitting the spot.

Richard
 
It seems to be a version of the Tohatsu/Mariner engine.

Motor_stbd2.JPG[

In which case here is the manual for the starter http://www.lakelandimages.co.uk/For...hatsu/Section 6 - REWIND STARTER ASSEMBLY.pdf


I'm guessing it's not the air-cooled one.

2c.jpg





If it is not either and there is a big screw in the middle of the top cover Do Not Undo It

The spring will unwind as that is the centre locating bolt. Depending on the engine you need to remove the cover entirely.
 
They are all much the same, 3 bolts to undo, lift it and turn it over, gently pull cord and the pawls should appear. Clean around pawls with petrol or better 2 stroke mixed fuel, gently pull and release cord several times to check pawles function ok, spray pawl areas with 3in1 or the like, turn assembily over and lay it back where it belongs, put bolts back in finger tight, gently pull cord again till you feel resistance of pawles engaging, wiggle assembily to make sure it's centered, release cord gently, tighten bolts, tank test, job done.
Or something like that :)
 
LadyInBed said:
They are all much the same, 3 bolts to undo, lift it and turn it over, gently pull cord and the pawls should appear. Clean around pawls with petrol or better 2 stroke mixed fuel, gently pull and release cord several times to check pawles function ok, spray pawl areas with 3in1 or the like, turn assembily over and lay it back where it belongs, put bolts back in finger tight, gently pull cord again till you feel resistance of pawles engaging, wiggle assembily to make sure it's centered, release cord gently, tighten bolts, tank test, job done.
Or something like that :)
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Did exactly that. Fingers crossed it will stay working. It's a crime these little engines are now banned.
 
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