81186M – Guide – Mercury Outboard

The 81186M Mercury guide is a genuine OEM marine part used in the recoil starter assembly of certain Mercury outboard engines. This guide works with the recoil starter system by helping position or guide the pull rope and starter components during operation. Mercury Marine refers to this part in recoil starter parts diagrams, and it often serves as a plastic guide inside the starter housing.

This 81186M Mercury guide fits older Mercury and Mariner outboards such as the Mariner 5A HP recoil starter assembly, where it appears as a part of the starter mechanism. The guide helps reduce friction and wear on the pull rope as it retracts, and it assists the recoil spring in routing the rope correctly back into the starter housing. Because this part sits within the starter assembly, it plays an important role in ensuring smoother pull-starting action.

Recoil starter parts experience repeated stress from frequent use, and guides can wear or crack over time. When that happens, the starter rope can rub directly against harder metal surfaces, which accelerates rope wear and can cause fraying or premature breaks. Replacing worn starter guides with a correct OEM replacement like this restores proper rope routing and minimizes startup issues. That makes the starting process more reliable and less likely to cause frustration.

Shop at Arizona Outboard Dismantlers to keep your outboard running strong and ready for the water. Quality parts such as this starter guide help preserve engine performance and reliability on every trip.