4 hp kohler pull start problem

[BHunter 1,700]

Hi guys. I just picked up a suburban with a 4 hp on it. The pull rope works good but the pawl doesn’t engage the engine. It doesn’t seem to go in far enough to reach the nubs. Any ideas on what the problem is? Thanks, Bob

[AMC RULES 37,126]

Did you try some spray lube on that sticky pawl...is it fully extended there in your photo?

[ol550 830]

Is that the correct cup for your recoil? Looks like the pawl should be deeper in the cup.

[wallfish 16,980]

20 minutes ago, ol550 said:

Is that the correct cup for your recoil? Looks like the pawl should be deeper in the cup.

need a deeper cup. It's probably a correct cup for the recoil but not for your engine application.

[BHunter 1,700]

I agree. They don’t match up. Seems like the recoil sticks out too far. The patina on the shroud  and the recoil might be a little different. Maybe the previous owner changed it ?

[BHunter 1,700]

56 minutes ago, AMC RULES said:

Did you try some spray lube on that sticky pawl...is it fully extended there in your photo?

I didn’t try that yet. No. It extends more when I pull the rope.

thanks for the suggestion. 

[wallfish 16,980]

Think that's a Tecumseh recoil. They do fit and you can find a deeper cup. Look around on ebay for one

[AMC RULES 37,126]

Looks like maybe 8hp Kohler, or a magnum recoil to me.

[wallfish 16,980]

I thought the Tecumseh recoils were the ones with the square holes near the standoffs. I may be mixing them up

[AMC RULES 37,126]

They do, but that one appears deeper to me for some reason.

[BHunter 1,700]

Thanks for the info guys. I might try a deeper cup if I can find one. 

[WHNJ701 4,165]

I have them somewhere, I saved a few off some  tech engines before they went to the crusher.