Evinrude Recoil issues

[mrscott]

I have an 81 to 85 Evinrude 15 HP, (I don't really know, but it's from the 80's). My recoil didn't return all of the rope, about a 1/3. I took it apart, expecting the spring to boi yoi yoing. It didn't. There was no retainer, no washer under the spring and I think the spring may be in upside down?....I have pics below. Notice the outer spring and it's relation to the bent up cup. Any ideas how my recoil SHOULD look? Thanks.

[Jmnhunter]

if i could post pics or links i would, but check this out scott; very helpful for out motors, scroll about halfway down and he put in a write up on the recoil, i thought it was going to be a son of a gun but it was actually easy to do: sschapterpsa.com/ramblings/Johnson%209.9_15.htm

[boatfixer]

The spring appears to be in the direction, however the outer end of the spring should be outside the cup. It does look as if the cup is bent. Yes there should be a washer in the cup as well a retainer. You should be able to correct the cup but I would plan on a new spring, retainer and washer. I'm a little surprised that the spring has not broke where the retainre should be, it helps hold it in a nice rounded shape and not put undue stress on it.