Recoil Starter "Sticking"

[Jupiter Dinghy]

This is happening on a 1984 Evinrude 9.9, and I was wondering what causes this before taking the thing apart.
When pulling the rope it goes all the way out with no problem, but then only comes back maybe a 3rd of the way, recoil gets stuck leaving rope hanging out, then I wiggle the rope a bit and it goes back in a little further, until I do this 2 or 3 times to bring the handle back against the cowling at its normal resting position.
Is it a "tired" spring? Does it just need greasing?

 

[joereeves]

Usually it's just a case that the spring isn't wound fully... OR... that someone actually did grease it and the grease attracted dirt and whatever, creating friction which leads to sticking. Nylon bearings do not require grease.

 

[Jupiter Dinghy]

Usually it's just a case that the spring isn't wound fully... OR... that someone actually did grease it and the grease attracted dirt and whatever, creating friction which leads to sticking. Nylon bearings do not require grease.

Thanks Joe. I'll try to rewind it a bit more before removing it in case it does the trick....

 

[racerone]

There is supposed to be a washer INSIDE the recoil under the bolt.------If washer is out of place the recoil can jam up.-----Did you have the recoil off this motor ?----Then agaib it just may need a few more turns to tighten up the spring.---Easy fix.

 

[Jupiter Dinghy]

There is supposed to be a washer INSIDE the recoil under the bolt.------If washer is out of place the recoil can jam up.-----Did you have the recoil off this motor ?----Then agaib it just may need a few more turns to tighten up the spring.---Easy fix.

Thanks Racer, and no, I didn't remove it from motor yet, I know exactly the washer you are talking about as I saw it many times when removing/re-installing the recoil for carb removal purposes. I will check when taking it off the motor.

 

[fdrgator]

Before you take anything apart, try squirting some WD-40 or similar stuff into the spring. That could loosen up any sticky, gummy grease and convert it to some thinner mixture.

 

[Jupiter Dinghy]

Before you take anything apart, try squirting some WD-40 or similar stuff into the spring. That could loosen up any sticky, gummy grease and convert it to some thinner mixture.

Thanks gator, will give this a shot!

 

[kevinj]

Thanks Joe. I'll try to rewind it a bit more before removing it in case it does the trick....

All very good suggestions.

Be very careful when removing the recoil. If that spring slips out of place it will have a good bit of force and it's also a total pain getting it back into place. Don't ask me how I know

 

[Jupiter Dinghy]

All very good suggestions.

Be very careful when removing the recoil. If that spring slips out of place it will have a good bit of force and it's also a total pain getting it back into place. Don't ask me how I know

AH AH AH!...I won't ask.
And thanks for the reminder, I had read about some unfortunate adventures stemming from this spring (which I suspect may have some similarities with the experience you are alluding to)

 

[Jupiter Dinghy]

Before you take anything apart, try squirting some WD-40 or similar stuff into the spring. That could loosen up any sticky, gummy grease and convert it to some thinner mixture.

Thanks again gator.... your tip saved my day: 3 or 4 squirts of WD-40 inside the recoil made it work like new again! The rope now rolls right back in all the way with no "sticking".
Of all my 9.9/15 hp Evinrude / Johnson motors acquisitions, this one is by far the best deal I have come onto. Hard to believe it's from 1984, this motor is so clean I thought I'd share a few pics fro those who enjoy these "all stock" time capsules.
Bought it from a gentleman from Canada (hence the bi-lingual operation instructions) who never put it in salt water, and who told me this thing doesn't have more than 50 hours in its life span..... Rare find!