Cessna 120-140 Association

Yes Josh they are good guys.

The 100 series service manual has an illustration showing the correct travel of the plunger that engages the clutch as well as the amount of clearance between the arm and the plunger. Has to be set up correctly - need a mechanic to do it.

Have not seen that spring on a C-85 so expect that a C-90 wouldn’t have it either. As I see it the spring will remove the specified clearance which may or may not affect longevity of the clutch. The clutch is apparently no longer available as an overhauled unit; the starter itself can be overhauled still.

LMK if need the diagram and will dig it up. Just did this about six months ago.

Here's the Ercoupe version of the bulletin, which includes the drawing.

The spring, if installed, pulls the lever away from the pinion, ensuring the clearance is maintained.

FWIW here is same figure from Cessna Series 100 Manual. There's a call out for 7/16 of travel prior to switch engagement which helped me properly set this starter up recently.

Ah! And that one shows the return spring.

I don't have one and I always push the button all the way to the panel after starting.