Recoil Starter Seagull 90

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Mark B
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun May 19, 2019 1:36 pm
Location: London

Recoil Starter Seagull 90

Post by Mark B »

Hello all, this is my first post.
I have got a couple of Seagulls and have only used the one bellow once even though I have had it for 18 years now..
It is in very good condition and had had little use ( my mate was the owner of it before me)
I copied this on my note pad and have just pasted it on.

I have a Seagull 90 made around September 1979.
I can’t get the recoil starter to grip the starter mechanism.
I have cleaned it up and give it a dose of WD40 but it still won’t work.
The .... not sure what they are called? Do not move out and contact with the inner starting ring... it’s starts every with the starter cord manually wound on.
Any tips would be very helpful.


Thank you

Mark.
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Charles uk
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Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 4:38 pm
Location: Maidenhead Berks UK

Re: Recoil Starter Seagull 90

Post by Charles uk »

Do you have a copy of the parts book so that you can check you have all the parts of the recoil, clutch unit in the right place & in the right order.

The WD 40 could cause the start cup to slip if the flywheel nut isn't tight, it might not slip with the starter rope as much of the pressure is from the side.

Always quote the serial number as this will provide us with the exact specification of your Seagull.
Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot.
andrew
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Re: Recoil Starter Seagull 90

Post by andrew »

I wrote the below then just noticed that Charles gave basically same advice. Posting anyway as it may help future readers on the forum who are also having issues with a recoil.

Did the recoil work when you last used it?

If not, sometimes there is a part left off when these are put back together. Suggest taking a look at a parts diagram for the recoil starter and make sure everything is there. I think the “inner ring” you reference is the “starter cup” which I have seen left off a couple times, particularly when a recoil is retrofitted to another engine.

If so, it might be time to dis- and reassemble the recoil unit. Seagull service sheet #25 has both the parts diagram as well as instructions for replacing the cord which gives a few tips on what to look for. I’ve rewound the spring a few times by hand, not fun but can be done with patience (and needle nose vice grips to hold it wound up while installing!).

Finally, I have found that WD40 inside the starter cup or on the clutch ends is actually a bad thing. They need to grip each other and after coating in WD40 my first time, it was slipping until I took it off and cleaned out the parts that engage. A little scuffing inside the cup means it’s working and I think it’s actually a good thing as it gives better grip.

Also, remember it needs a decent speed pull to engage the clutch. It won’t engage with a slow pull.
Mark B
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun May 19, 2019 1:36 pm
Location: London

Re: Recoil Starter Seagull 90

Post by Mark B »

Thanks so much,
It has never worked so I think it would be as you said to take it apart and re assemble it.
I know I have a retaining screw or clip missing from the top... ( I do have a photo)
I have the big blue Seagull Manuel but I just can’t don’t it!!! I need to see an exploded image of the starter.
I have taken a few recoil started apart over the years but that’s chain saws and lawn mowers!
Thanks for the great information...I will have a go.

Mark
Mark B
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun May 19, 2019 1:36 pm
Location: London

Re: Recoil Starter Seagull 90

Post by Mark B »

Yes.... serial No EFNR16JJ9
Thank you
thcl500j6
Posts: 33
Joined: Mon Jul 17, 2017 12:48 pm
Location: Brisbane QLD

Re: Recoil Starter Seagull 90

Post by thcl500j6 »

This might help, Had the same problem with my EFNRL.
seagul047.gif
TC - 1960 LLS - 1961 LLS - 1966 THCL - 1968 THCL EFNRL - 1986
Mark B
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun May 19, 2019 1:36 pm
Location: London

Re: Recoil Starter Seagull 90

Post by Mark B »

Thanks mate,

I have just had a message, not sure if it was you who was going to email it over...

That’s great

What a great forum.

Thank you

Mark
Mark B
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun May 19, 2019 1:36 pm
Location: London

Re: Recoil Starter Seagull 90

Post by Mark B »

I have been looking the forum and I can see there could be different types... my one is a Siba... I have photos...but as yet don’t know how to post them?
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thcl500j6
Posts: 33
Joined: Mon Jul 17, 2017 12:48 pm
Location: Brisbane QLD

Re: Recoil Starter Seagull 90

Post by thcl500j6 »

If you haven't got anywhere when i get back home to Brisbane i will take the starter off and post you a picture.
Wont be for a week or so.
TC - 1960 LLS - 1961 LLS - 1966 THCL - 1968 THCL EFNRL - 1986
Mark B
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun May 19, 2019 1:36 pm
Location: London

Re: Recoil Starter Seagull 90

Post by Mark B »

Ok that’s great, although I have just taken the starter of my old 40 plus ( 1967) that I was thinking of trying to get going again... ( took in some sea water six months ago and locked up... long story It wasn’t me!)
The workings look the same as my 90 as in washers etc?
I might be able to use the same parts?
Tanks for the offer... I might need to take you up on it...

Mark.
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Mark B
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun May 19, 2019 1:36 pm
Location: London

Re: Recoil Starter Seagull 90

Post by Mark B »

The 40 plus.
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