CCW/Kioritz recoil issues

[HoosierDeereMan]

O.K. guys help me out here. I have two CCW recoils that do the exact same thing. When installed on the sled you pull the rope and the rope stays out! I can remove the recoil from the engine and the rope still stays out. There is no evidence of the recoil spool rubbing against the outside engagement cage on the flywheel so that's not an issue. I've had both recoils completely apart, cleaned, and used powdered graphite on the center stud that everything rotates on. I can hold both recoils in my hand and they work just like they should. I install either back on the engine and give them one pull and rope doesn't retract!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRR! Centering stud worn allowing spool to bind up?????? What am I missing here????

Thanks,

Troy

[JDT]

Is the starter cup too deep? This would rub on the back of the spool and keep it from retracting.

[400brian]

Just happened across this tonight. From the '74 Service Text Book.

If the CCW recoil starter does not retract the rope properly, fix as follows:

1. Remove the nut, lockwasher and washer securing the friction plate.
2. Check washer and friction plate for roughness. Smooth with fine emery paper if necessary.
3. Apply multi-purpose grease to bottom side of washer.
4. Reinstall washer, lockwasher, and nut and tighten securely.

I'm not optimistic on the prospects of this fix working, but its worth a try.

[HoosierDeereMan]

Todd & Brian,

I can't see any shiny spots on the end of the starter cage or the inside of the rope spool. I also tried loosening the 4 retaining bolts that hold the recoil on and even loose it won't retract. I've had both units apart down to the bare covers. I've cleaned everything. The black nasty thick grease that came out of these reminded me of anti-sieze. Once you had it on your hands you had it every freaking where! The only thing I did notice was there was some wear on the shoulder of the stud that everything turns on inside the cover. I've tried graphite and grease both with the same results. Can the rope spool be binding against the recoil spring due to wear? With the recoil off, I've tugged on the rope and pushed and pryed on the rope spool with no results. I take it all apart and reassemble it and it works fine. Install it on the sled and one pull it's stuck out again! Not that it matters but these are both the smooth face recoils. I've never had any issues with the ones that have the CCW on them.

Think I should buy a bare replacement recoil housing and install my used parts?

Thanks,
Troy

[JDT]

Troy this sounds like a real mystery.

Any chance that you have a third recoil that you could try on the engine and see what happens?
It is possible that both recoil assemblies have the same problem.

[HoosierDeereMan]

Todd,

I'm convinced both recoils have the same problem. I have installed a 3rd recoil on the sled and it is also a smooth face. It has worked great with no problems so far.

Thanks,
Troy

[400brian]

Pulled the recoil apart on the X8 last night. The washer was really scored! I didn't have another exactly like it, so I flipped it over and re-installed it with a bit of grease. Seems a lot snappier now! Time will tell.

[just_some_dude]

I'm having the same issue with my Spitfire. I'll try what 400brian suggests.