How to Fix the Recoil Spring on an Outboard Motor

Outboard motors have come a long way over the years. Outboard boat motors today use an electric ignition system for starting. However, outboard motors used to use a pull rope-style recoil starter like those still used on push lawn-mowers, leaf blowers and lawn trimmers. One of the main components of the recoil starter is the spring that pulls the starter rope back into place after it has been pulled. If the spring gets bent or tangled up in the starter rope, it has to be replaced.

Things You'll Need

  • Socket set
  • Replacement spring
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lift the latches on the motor's cover and then lift the cover up and off.

    • 2

      Use a socket set to remove the bolts that hold the recoil starter in place inside the engine.

    • 3

      Flip the starter assembly upside down, and then use the socket set to remove the bolt holding the bolt that holds this piece, which is called the sheave, in place.

    • 4

      Coil the spring, if it has only come loose. Then fit it back into place and clamp its end to the notch. If the spring is damaged, remove it and fit the new spring into place. If necessary, unwind the starter rope and re-wind it. Place the sheave back into place and replace the bolt that holds it to the starter assembly.

    • 5

      Place the starter assembly back onto the motor and bolt it down with the retaining bolts using the socket set.

    • 6

      Put the engine cover, or cowl, back into place and latch it back down.