Always use the CAM539800 or CAM539601 series of starter adapter springs. The Continental spring, superseded number 654565, is slightly shorter and will not give satisfactory results.

Inspect the friction Collet. If it appears to have been knurled, it will not work. Replace it with another satisfactory part or a new CAM Collet. New Continental Collets are all knurled and will not work well.

After assembling the starter adapter, secure the gear end of the main gear shaft in a vise with soft jaws. Use a wide screwdriver to wind up the adapter counter-clockwise. There is usually an arrow stamped on the adapter housing to show direction of rotation. Twist the adapter unit hard in a counter clockwise direction ( clockwise for LTSIO units ). Release the screwdriver.The adapter MUST unwind smoothly and completely release the main gear shaft or you must disassemble the unit for further inspection. The slightest burr or defect on the brass gear or worm will prevent proper operation.

After the adapter is installed on the engine, the above test must be successfully repeated. Misalignment of the adapter can occur due to a bad pilot bearing in the crankcase or a faulty crankcase overhaul.

Before installing the adapter onto the engine, you must very carefully inspect the needle bearing inside the back of the engine. Look for evidence of damage to the bearings and, most importantly, damage/cracking of the bearing case. Such damage can dramatically reduce the pressurized flow of lubricating oil to the starter adapter. Subsequent failure will be catastrophic! 0360 series engines have a bushing in the back of the engine. Inspect this bushing for damage or evidence of scoring.

The starter motor must always be serviced or overhauled when a newly overhauled adapter is installed. The starter motor must actually turn backwards several turns to release. A starter motor which will not turn freely using only your fingers will not allow the starter adapter spring to fully release. At best, a faulty starter motor will cause premature wear, at worst, catastrophic failure with the clutch spring looking like "a bad hair day".

New style, permanent magnet, geared starter motors are to be avoided as they will not release completely or reliably.

The fit of the starter motor, to the adapter, must be very carefully checked. Numerous instances have been reported where the drive tang on the starter motor is too long, causing it to bottom out against the adapter with the same results as above. CAM has included gauge strips, which can be pressed onto the starter motor drive tang, as illustrated, to verify positive clearance. (The strips are engine oil soluble)

After the adapter and starter motor are installed, turn the engine over several times, without starting. Verify that the adapter has fully released. The prop must turn freely in both directions or you have a problem! If it does, start the engine several times and again verify full and proper release of the starter adapter.

WE SHIP SAME DAY, ANYWHERE!!!