The springs are designed to pull back the starter pawls. When the starter turns, centrifugal force forces the pawls outwards, locking them onto the flywheel so it can start the engine. When you let the rope go, the springs pull the ratchet pawls back in. If the spring is damaged, the rope will not be able to retract. To replace these springs, first remove the bolts fastening the starter down, and remove the starter. Pull the starter rope, watch for the pawls to come out, then retract when you let go of the rope. If the pawls do not retract, the springs need to be replaced. To do so, remove the center bolt and cap, then remove the ratchet pawls, and use pliers to pull out the old springs. Then, install the new springs, re-install the pawls, and re-assemble. Now, re-install the center bolt and cap, then re-install the starter...
The springs are designed to pull back the starter pawls. When the starter turns, centrifugal force forces the pawls outwards, locking them onto the flywheel so it can start the engine. When you let the rope go, the springs pull the ratchet pawls back in. If the spring is damaged, the rope will not be able to retract. To replace these springs, first remove the bolts fastening the starter down, and remove the starter. Pull the starter rope, watch for the pawls to come out, then retract when you let go of the rope. If the pawls do not retract, the springs need to be replaced. To do so, remove the center bolt and cap, then remove the ratchet pawls, and use pliers to pull out the old springs. Then, install the new springs, re-install the pawls, and re-assemble. Now, re-install the center bolt and cap, then re-install the starter back onto the engine.
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