TOPIC: Mark 55 Pull Chord Won't Rewind

Hi All,

I purchased a Mark 55 last fall, saw it run, and have stored it indoors since I picked it up. I put it on a boat this past weekend and hooked up the control cables.

When I went to pull I was only able to put the rope out about 3/4 of the way and could feel it getting stuck. I assumed the cable attached to the shifter was out of whack so I adjusted it and gave it another pull but the same thing happened. The motor did appear to be in neutral when I pulled the chord.

Anyway, I pulled it a third time and the rope would not retract. I did this on my 1957 Evinrude 18 hp and broke a plastic arm in the flywheel.

Did I do the same thing again? Any idea how to take the top cowl off as well? I'm just getting into working on these old Mercs so I'm new to all of this fun stuff. Thanks!

2 things could be wrong . 1 a broken return spring 2 dried grease or possibly a 3rd but rare is the rope doubles up and will jam the works. 1 914 310 7086

amreame wrote: Any idea how to take the top cowl off as well? I'm just getting into working on these old Mercs so I'm new to all of this fun stuff. Thanks!

With the wrap off, look up into the top cowl and you'll see 4 7/16" nuts, two in front and two in the back. Remove these and the top cowl will lift right off. There may be spacers on the studs in the cowl. Don't let those get away; you'll need them.

Thanks for the help guys. I have the top cowl off but don't see an easy access point to get into where the return spring would be. I have the assembly sheet printed out from this website .

Where should I be looking?

Thanks!

Depending on what year mark 55 you have take the handle or the (little cover off the top 1 screw) there is a nut under there.

That nut is REVERSE THREAD. Support the recoil assembly while you're removing it, too, so it doesn't fall out and spring the spring. Take pics, notes, etc. as there is a very specific order that all the bits have to go back together. I've taken several apart over the years that had things all bolloxed up and wouldn't work properly due to previous owners "fixing" them.

Thanks for the advice. I was able to get everything taken apart tonight and found a few issues. Click here for an album of some pictures I took but I've attached the ones I think may been causing problems.

Can you guys help me spot the culprit(s)?

I'm thinking new rewind spring like Dave mentioned.

www.marineengine.com/newparts/part_details.php?pnum=SIE18-6506

was there tension on the spring? if not the problem may be the tab washer under the nut. look at the center of the washer and see if the inner tab is broken off.
I just looked at the tab washer pic it is broken and you need a new one.

Thanks for the help! I'll stop by a repairs shop and pick one up on my way home tonight. I'll let you know if that does it.

Parts won't be in until Friday. I'll update then.

Thanks

I use 1 1/2 turns for tension.

Here is one on ebay.
r.ebay.com/BwSOGb

doc

Thanks for the link Doc! The parts came in on Monday but I haven't had a chance to switch the washer tab out yet. I'll be at it again Friday and will update.

Thanks!