1 Starting Systems Small Engines

2 Rope Wind Starter The simplest of all starters is the rope wind starter. It consists of a pulley, with one or two notches, attached to the crankshaft. A knot is tied in one end to secure the T handle with the other end wrapped around the starter pulley. The advantage of this system is that it is simple and inexpensive.

3 Rope Wind Starter The main disadvantages are that the rope must be rewound each time the engine does not start, and the starter rope is easy to misplace because it is not attached to the engine.

4 Rope Rewind Starter The rope rewind starter is similar to the rope starter except it uses a spring to rewind the starting rope after it is pulled. The rope is permanently attached and there must be a way of engaging and releasing the starter drive. Pulling the rope turns the starter pulley and winds a clock type spring.

5 Rope Rewind Starter When the rope is released the spring tension rotates the starter pulley in the opposite direction rewinding the rope. Three styles of starter drive systems are commonly used. They are the ball type, dog type, and the gear type.

6 Rope Rewind Starter The ball type When the engine is cranked, the clutch housing is engaged as the balls are caught in a slot between the upper and lower parts of the clutch. When the engine starts, the clutch must disengage. The balls move outward, due to centrifugal force allowing the rope to rewind.

7 Rope Rewind Starter The dog type starter As the engine is cranked the dog moves outward and engages the starter cup attached to the crankshaft. When the engine starts the dog is retracted by spring tension and there is no mechanical connection between the starter cup and starter engagement mechanism.

8 Gear Type Starter Drive Normally used as a vertical pull starter. Uses a spring loaded ring gear that is activated by pulling a rope handle.

9 Wind Up Starters Are similar to rewind starters. The main difference is that the starter spring is wound manually and held mechanically until releases by the operator. A ratchet keeps the spring from unloading while cranking. The operator moves the release lever to disconnect the ratchet.

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