Engine question. Is this right?

[Luckydog]

Hello everyone, I changed my clutch tonight and as I was about to put my cover back on I noticed a spring that looked like it was out of it's retainer. It looked similar to the kickstarter spring and how the kickstarter spring sits into the slots but this spring is up front on the gears. I've attached a pic showing the rounded spring clip and how it is next to to an area (to the left) that looks as if the spring clip should be in. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Luckydog]

Here is a better pic. Red wire is pointing to spring loop. Where it looks like it should be is just to the left. Thanks.

 

[jussumguy]

Isn't that the drag spring that engages the electric starter?

 

[5twins]

Yours is correct. The drag clip on the #4 starter gear was made heavier and larger on later models and would no longer fit in the original position .....

 

[Luckydog]

I don't know enough about these engines to know. I have a manual but cant find anything on it. And as far as I know the engine has never been torn down. It might be right I was just hoping some engine guys would know.

 

[Luckydog]

Thanks a lot 5twins. I can put my cover back on.

 

[I am Carbon]

I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but I see something that is different on my engine. It's a retainer.
pic of yours and a pic of mine.

 

[5twins]

Carbon, your retainer looks different than I'm used to seeing. The one on my '78 looks just like Luckydog's.

 

[I am Carbon]

the engine in my pic 75
my 79 engine has those parts removed.