TOPIC: 35hp Lark Compression Release

Hi all, does anyone know if the compression release mechanism on the 35hp Lark and Super Seahorse is supposed to engage during electric starting, or is it just for pull starting? I'm trouble checking the slow turning starter, and wondering if the starter needs rebuilt or maybe the comp. release is not engaging? Thanks for any input...

It does not engage when using the starter.

It is only engage while pulling on the rope.

Pull the starter clean the stator, replace the brushes, and bushing

Some where I have some bushing. You can buy the at WW Grainger in packs of 5. You have to cut them down (file or Dremen tool works great) for they are a bit too long.

Brushes can be order from NAPA. you may have to buy a set too large and sandpaper them down.

Use a very fine sand paper to clean the stator. I use wet and dry 1000 dry

While you are at it check all cables and replace that look as they may have gotten hot or look poor.

Check the coil by jumping it and see if the starter spins better then when engaging it.

Make sure that the battery is hot (14V)

There's a flat stainless bar attached to the compression release mechanism on one end. The other end tracks in grooves on the top of the recoil starter pulley, and when the recoil starter is pulled out the bar is moved such that it operates the compression release.

When you use the electric starter, the recoil assy isn't moving and so neither will the compression release.

Check all the wiring, any poor connection on the big cables will drag the starter down. If any portion of the wiring or connections are hot or very warm after cranking, that's a high-resistance connection.

Otherwise, it may be time to tear the starter down for inspection.

HTH.......ed

Thanks guys, I really couldn't see where the release could engage with the starter anywhere, but I wasn't sure if something might be missing, I'll check everything out...Thanks again

Upon checking out other 35-40hp Bigtwins, I notice that my '58 has the 'short' starter. Maybe it has a 'Fastwin' starter in it...???

The tall starters came about with the 40hp models, but will retrofit onto the 35s. They made the 40s a lot longer than the 35s, so the 40 starter became the replacement starter for the 35... hence a lot of 35s have the tall starter motors.

Ceiling above 10,000 ft, visibility unlimited !!!!

OK, great, thanks, so the short starter should be OK on my 35 Lark, if it's in good working order. Otherwise my 'parts' motor has a long starter, so I might end up swopping, if that one does work. Thanks, for the great info.

harrypward wrote:

Ceiling above 10,000 ft, visibility unlimited !!!!

Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited

OK, I removed and cleaned the starters, and lubed the bushings. The short starter did finally roll the engine over, but only for a few seconds, then would just turn slowly. I switched to the long starter and it seems to work fine...Thanks for the help