85 200S Recoil problem- HELP!!

[rwhite692]

Howdy folks,

HELP!!

We have a problem with our 1985 200S recoil starter assembly, that is, we have taken it apart and have successfully replaced the starter rope, no problems, BUT, now we cannot figure out how to get the plastic ring (which connects to and activates the cylinder decompression cable) properly attached to the 4-turn tension spring that fits (somehow) inside of this ring. We have the Clymer manual, which is about as clear as a glass of mud when it comes to assembling this spring to the plastic ring. Any help would be much appreciated, as we spent over two hours fiddling with this thing to the point of a migraine, and can't figure out how the heck it is supposed to go together.

We were as observant as possible when taking it apart, but unfortunately, you can't see anything when it's assembled and when it comes apart, there is no way to see how it was actually all fitting together.

[rwhite692]

Come on guys! Someone has to know how this thing goes together!!

[midnightexpress]

hi,i have done this myself twice,just today i have striped it down and rebuilt it but to put it into words is gonna be hard
after you have put the the washer and circlip on(not sure what you guys call a circlip)you are left with the large plastic ring and spring and also a curved steel slide with slot in it you attach the cable to this then you put the spring around the center of the recoil on the plastic ring there is a slot for the steel slide put this in first before pushing onto the recoil be sure that the springend
comes through the plastic ring and also through steel slide
i know it not very clear but as i said its hard to put into words

[85_ATC_200S]

lol Unless you got a high comp piston in you dont really need it. I just tore mine off and mine has pretty good compression, i can start it fine and im not too tough.

[bonkers_200s]

LMAO

I did the same thing untill I threw it acrossed the yard put the starter back together and went riding, and soon after that noticed the previous owner had melted the cable on the block anyway.

Stock you shouldnt need it. Whens the last time you heard an ATC decompression assembly actually working anyway??:P

[HaggLE]

If you decide to remove the cable, be sure to cover the hole in the starter to stop dirt/sand etc getting in there. Its a sure way to kill the starter not to mention the electrics.

[rwhite692]

Thanks MidnightExpress and all you guys.... I did try it without the decompression cable hooked up, but, I guess mine has good compression (it does have pretty low hours) because it is much harder to start without the decomp hooked up. My dad often rides it (he's 79) and I'd like it to be the way it was before....So I will try re-assembling it with Midnight's guidance this week and will report back. -Rob

[rwhite692]

Thanks to MidnightExpress for the help. I was able to get the decomp mechanism re-assembled and everything is working as it should. -Rob