I was out fishing Yesterday running my Super Wizard 5 HP Model WH-6a 2g6610. I would drift and fish and restart each time. On the last start-up start cord/coil would not retrieve back into the head.I open it up today and it appears that the cord/coil unit should be replaced. Is there a replacement kit or parts place that I could contact? Thanks for your assistance!
Bob

Bob-

The original starter cord on those was metal and shouldn't wear out. It is possible that the screw to keep the recoil tight loosened up and you lost tension on the spring (happened on one of my Mercs before). Unless the spring is broken or badly kinked, it shouldn't need replacing. However, if you do need the spring you can get one here:

http://store.eastcoastmarineservice.com/product_p/24-29340t02.htm

Like I said, unless either the cord or spring is broken or kinked, you shouldn't need to replace anything. Just turn/put tension back on the recoil and tighten up the screw. If you do need parts, I have a WH6 cowl and recoil that I can sell you for cheaper than a new spring ... it'll just need a little work!

JP

JP
You stated. "unless either the cord or spring is broken or kinked" I have not looked at the spring, but the cord has a kink near the end of the cord at the furthest point from the pull handle. It has a bend in it, not sure if it could be straighten out or if that is possible, meaning that this will not re-occure.
Thanks!
Bob

Bob-

You can probably get away with changing it over to nylon rope. But if you want to use wire, go to Home Depot... they sell wire just like what is currently in the recoil by the foot. You should get another 55 years out of fresh wire.

However, I'm not convinced that a kink in the wire at the far end is the problem. Pull the sheave off and look at the spring. It could also be as simple a the spring being gunked up with 55 year-old grease. Check it for pronounced kinks, and if it's in decent shape, clean off the old grease and lightly re-grease it with something like Lubriplate 105 or a slightly heavier white lithium grease.

JP

Thanks! I'll wok on this over the next few days, I will keep you posted Bob

Be careful when removing that sheeve. The 15 foot spring can burst out unexpectedly. Wear serious eye protection.

hi i have a 1942 wizard and it ran good tell a couple weeks ago and i need a new recoil spring can you help me fin one or do you have one i can but if so i would be very gratefull

In the end I went to a local marine shop and they fix the coil and replaced parts from a comparable Mercury outboard.
East Coast Marine [parts@eastcoastmarineservice.com]
may be able to provide information, they did help me.
Let me know how it works out for you. Bob

Getting a replacement spring is pretty simple: you
either contact one of the on line vendors for a new
spring or you look for a junk motor with the same
part number (24-20775)spring. This spring is used
on the recoil of all models up to Mark 20(except the 5 and 6 hp KF5 Mark 5 series which use 24-24081) Mercury part numbers but fits Wizards)
If spring has either end broken off you can heat and bend remaining spring and it will work...helps to have a spare spring to match bend though.
Removing and reinstalling a wound up spring requres
a certain amount of determination as well as technique...use of a vice grip as a spring clamp
and strong hands.
Rewind assembly seems to be often overlubed so cure
for sluggisn rewind may be use of degreaser to flush
out excessive old lube and spray in a light amount
of new lube. Rewinds on old outboards are subject to
wear to so like new performance may require some
donor motor parts...when taking a rewind apart
first note if fasteners are original and have lock washers. I have noted that prior mechanics seem to lose or mismatch fasteners...not a good sign. Rewind is a mechanism that is fairly easy to do right if you
read the manual and even easier to do wrong if you
didn't.
Like any other task the first time thru is the tough
one that teaches you lessons you may not want to learn ... next one is easier.
Louis