Ohlsson & Rice: Removing Starter Recoil Spool? (Early 3/4HP Engines)

[CNew 404]

Is there a trick to removing the recoil rope spool from the earlier O&R engines? This is the first engine I’ve worked on that doesn’t have the large retaining ring that clips into the little recesses on the housing. I can’t figure out what seems to be preventing the spool from sliding right out but it doesn’t seem to want to budge. I have not yet let the tension out of the recoil spring so I’m thinking that is probably my issue but wanted to ask before I mess anything up.

[factory 487]

You probably need to remove the starter pull knob.

Or you don't want to take it apart, you could just soak the spring in WD40 and operate it to try & free it up. See this thread from the old forum for more on that method: https://web.archive.org/web/20130814213737/http://ohlssonandrice.forumer.com:80/rope-recoil-oiling-and-removing-t1186657.html

 

Here are some pictures of one of these early starters I rebuilt a while ago;

 

This one I was able to undo the knot holding the starter knob on.

 

Starter reel & spring retainer removed, note the tabs on the spring retainer tend to break off preventing reuse, most early engines seem to be missing it for this reason.

 

All parts removed and cleaned ready for reassembly.

 

The spring was oiled after fitting (picture from another starter).

 

Follow the service bulletin SE-040 for starter reel fitting/cord winding (short cord method).

I couldn't take any pictures of this as it's impossible to work on under tension and hold a camera at the same time.

 

All back together.

 

And finally don't forget to refit the felt washer & thrust disc if you have them, most engines seem to be missing these.

 

David

[CNew 404]

David,

    This is great, thank you for all the detailed photos and guidance!  As you noted, my engine is missing the felt and thrust disc, this does seem to be a common occursnce.  I’ll give this a go...

 

Thanks!

Clint

[CNew 404]

Finally got the spool free last night and have started cleaning everything. I think I’m back in business again. Thanks again David!

[factory 487]

Good to hear the spool is free, I'm curious as to what this engine is from, as you never said?

 

David

[Webhead 95]

My least favorite thing to work on with these....

[CNew 404]

Ha, yep.... I’m starting to get the hang of it though. Still learning some of the little differences in design over the years.

[factory 487]

Getting the spring back in is always fun! I've had several tools where the previous owners gave up.

When I did repaired my first engine I had to figure it out without the aid of any service information, it took me a while to figure out the end of the spring was bent the wrong way too.

 

David

[CNew 404]

Agree 100%, those springs can be tricky! At least I’ve had the privilege of benefitting from all the expertise of others on here!