Small engine help needed

Hello folks, well I'm addicted to junky old equipment and keep getting nice projects. I recently got a Rotohoe 800 shredder thingy fired by a Tecumseh HM80 engine. The seller said the pull start is stuck so I got it cheap. I started pulling and cleaning the shredder. In pretty decent shape, getting the throttle serviced first, then engine, then carb, then new chipper blade, then the party begins.

Well I pulled the starter recoil off, it was a crusty dog. The recoil mechanism is set into an aluminum housing. I got the starter dogs off with the springs but the recoil mechanism is stuck in the housing and will not budge. It is soaking in penetrant now but was curious if anyone has any ideas how to remove the recoil spring and pulley. Luck for me it is made of plastic and I'm trying to not have to spend too much on parts.

Any tips of suggestions are appreciated.

http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u621/benzbaron/003_zps781e84ee.jpg

Will it spin on the shaft at all?

Drill a hole for a punch on the back/top side and drive the recoil pulley out with punch/hammer? Edit, that might damage the recoil spring if you have to get real mean with it.

• Lee

I know you don't want to spend $$ on parts but check EBay for the pull mechanism. I just did some work on my Dad's old Techumseh engine and was able to replace something with a used part which was way easier than fixing.

Ok got the damn thing apart, it had a crusty shaft. The recoil spring is broken so I ordered new spring installed in retainer cup.

I'll keep y'all posted how it goes and thank you for the suggestions. This is gonna be a cheapskate repair so trying to keep cost low.