Hi

I got my kick start shaft problem resolved. the question I now have is how much preload should the spring have,

I'm not sure but on a 175 i just let the spring relax, put the spring on the hook and then put the shaft in place. seems to work okay!!

-power175

Thanks power 175

I wasnt sure if any preload was needed,so I just put it in as you said.the ty is back together totally rebuilt. I started it up last night and ran it about 40 minutes, it ran great.Hopefully it will run for many more years .

thanks

I did the kickstarter spring adjustment years ago, but I would put in enough preload so that when your foot comes off the kick starter it whips up and dis engages the starting pauls with some authority.  You will hear it rattling until the lever is almost verical and you have to get beyond that or risk damage to the gearbox parts.