Recoil spring retainer, later 9.9 and 15 Johnsons

[outbdnut2]

I notice the early 9.9 and 15 Johnsons did not have a "retainer" that is positioned where the center of the recoil spring is anchored to the pulley, while 1979 and up models did.. The retainer is part #6 below. Anyone know why this was added? I’m thinking it may take some stress off the end of the recoil spring and extend it’s life? or is there another reason? Looks like a band-aid fix. I’ve got one that should have it and doesn’t. The end of the recoil spring is broken off and I’m wondering if I can just form a new loop on the end of the spring and put it together without the retainer which is the way I found it.
Dave

[fleetwin]

Well, that retainer helps keep the end of the spring secure in its pin in the pulley. Without it, the spring is more likely to come unwound somewhat and disengage from the pulley. It is especially helpful when unknowing users let go of the starter rope which often causes the spring to double over on itself in this location. So, I would get the retainer and use it. Perhaps this is why the end of the spring has already been repaired before you got to it…
The 78 and earlier recoils had a completely different pulley, mostly due to the interlock change, but the recoil springs are different also. The recoil is retained differently in these older models, so I guess engineering felt the spring retainer was not needed.

[garry-in-michigan]

They never thought of a retainer until they got a bunch of complaints about the starter spring breaking. They foolishly thought putting a warning not to let go of the starter rope until it had retracted in the instruction booklet was all the protection the spring needed. we had a warrantee motor in the showroom waiting for a powerhead. I put a spool of rope in place of the defective powerhead and attached a starter handle to the end. A big red sign said "DO NOT PULL HANDLE". A big laugh seeing someone trying to stuff the rope back into the motor. I swear I could put a 12 foot rope on a starter and somebody would grab it with both hands and run to the front of the boat to start the motor. . . . 😆

[outbdnut2]

Thanks for the info – I just ordered two retainers for a couple motors I have here (1989 and 1991) that the retainer somehow got left out of over the years.
Dave

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