1972 GT380 kicker not wanting to automatically return

[jhood]

Ok, maybe someone can set me straight. I am restoring a '72 GT380 and it is about 95% done. When I kick the starter it goes done ok, still very tight, I guess for the complete engine overhaul. The problem that I am having is that the kicker will not automatically return to its original position when kicked over. It will return by hand and the rubber part can actually be pushed all the way to the cylinder. I have the punch marks lined up on the shaft and kick starter piece. Is there a trick that has to be done to make it operate correctly?

Any and all help will be appreciated.

thanks,
John

[titan performance]

Have you had the bottom end apart?
It sounds like you haven't got the return spring loaded up...........

[advant63]

john, i had the same problem on my 550 which i believe i have fixed.
i don't know if the 380 is the same as the 550 or if what i did is a proper fix so beware.
while installing a boyer ignition and replacing the original scarred up clutch case i noticed that the tab on #2 was not resting on the ramp of #6 when at rest.
i originally thought that i had broke the return spring #19 but by removing #6 and preloading #2 it now holds the kickstarter in its' rest position.
the kick starter functions as i remember but i wonder if the end of the spring #19 has jumped out of the slot on #20 an is catching on the case instead, giving it tension.
anyone else?

[Scorch]

It's tricky! Here's my repair journal, about 1/2 down is a section on the kickstarter and mechanism, with a video. Hope this helps.

[jhood]

Thanks, I think I have it now. The trick was the 3/4 counter clockwise turn to lock it in place. It's been about 40 years since I actually worked on one of these.

Thanks again for all the feedback. I'm pressing forward.