The pull starter on my son's ATC70 broke this weekend. I went to start it and the pull chord would not retract back into the case. I removed the case cover and the spring was broken and unsprung.

The pull starter unit looks similar to a lawnmower. My question is could I take it to a lawnmower shop and have a new spring installed, or do I need to get a Honda brand spring?

Also, could someone please provide me with step-by-step instructions how to replace this spring in case I get it from Honda? Is it difficult?

Thanks alot!

 

Ah geez....next to working on CR500's...rewinding starters is next worse...

So the big main recoil spring is broken for sure??? I'd say need to get one made for that application. I have seen recoil parts advert in places like Dennins Kirk...

Just recently did one...as to step by step....uhhhh...its magic man...I'd have to look at it some tonite to be able to tell you for sure...but roughly it would be:

Install spring, center, flywgts/tabs/etc, and cover....wind the center the opposite direction of pull(it'll only go one way and get tight) and then wind it and wind it and wind it, hold it with vise grips or a handy and very strong assistant. Thread the rope thru the hole and tie off. Let rewind action suck it all up. If it doesnt retract all the way....Pull rope out, wind a couple turns tighter...

The fly wgts and cover only fit one way and the funny spring in the middle is where I get stumbled up some...it fits in a couple of ways, but only one way is right. The right way is when you start to pull the rope the cover makes the tabs come out the would grab the mating part on the crank....

May the force be with you....you'll need it!!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Backcountry:

Great to hear from you again!

However, this is the first time I don't quite follow what you are telling me.

Could you start from the begining, ie: from taking the side cover off...start to finish??

I couldn't follow your other instructions.

Thanks again!

 

good luck.

I would rather clean dog sh*t up then winding the spring in those pull starters. Thats why my pull starter cover is off and I just push the ATC70 to start it every time [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img].

 

An ATC70 will not start unless it is in Neutral. You can't push start anything in Neutral. At least mine is set up this way.

Even with the pull chord working, the engine will not start unless it is in Neutral.

How did you get around this?

 

When I was a kid I had a '82 ATC 70 and it push started easily. 2nd gear was the best as 1st just skidded the tires. Get on a hill and stand on the peg with one foot holding the shifter down like you are going from 1st to 2nd. Get some speed by pushing with your right leg (fairly awkward) and when you let up on the shifter it should pop into 2nd and start right up! At least mine always did...

 

Hi im responding a little late but doing the spring isnt very hard. wrap the new spring firstholding it tight with one hand, then rap the pull cord tight. Use a peice of duct tape and tape it over the coil. after you replace it into the cap, you pull the tape off and the spring will catch.!!!!!!

 

The spring on my ATC bit the dust last weekend at Sandlake - we could pushstart it in the parking lot, but were scr@wed when it died on the sand.

So when I get the parts in, how do I replace it? Like Rob4092, I would really appreciate step by step instructions.

THANKS!

 

The hardest thing I found was getting the spring into the housing. What I did was wrap the spring really tight, while holding it so it would not uncoil under tension. While still holding the spring wrap the pull cord aroundtill it is about 3in. from the housing. Then use a peice of duct tape about 4in long and place it over the spring ( do not cover the hole) This will keep the spring from exploding. Place the reel into the cover and remove the tape once it is in place. the spring will automatically catch one of the retaining fins and you will be set. It might take a couple of trys (it took me 3) but it seems to be the easiest way. good Luck

Babyquad05

 

I've replaced ropes several times.

1. Remove the three bolts holding the starter onto the
sidecase.

2. If you're just replacing the T handle and the rope is ok,
fish the end out and into the notch as in step 6, then skip
to step 10.

3. Turn it over and remove the snap ring holding the cover
on.

4. Lift the cover slowly, paying attention to how the catch
dogs and the small spring in the center are sitting.

5. Pull the pulley part out to get to where the rope is
wound.

6. Replace the rope and wind it around until you have about
3-6" sticking out. Be sure to line up the "tail" with the
small notch in the side of the pulley.

7. If you've removed or are replacing the spring, drop it
into the base and hook the end onto the tab in the center.

8. Drop the pulley into the base making sure it catches the
spring end in the right spot.

9. Replace the dogs, center spring, cover plate and the snap ring.

10. Wind the spring by rotating the pulley (in place like if
you were pulling the rope), but with the tail sticking up in
the notch and not out the hole.

11. When it gets tight, just feed the end of the rope out
the hole and tie the handle on and test it.

12. If needed, untie the handle, slip the rope back through, turn it
tighter and pull it back through the hole again.