Gravley L / starter clutch

[happy]

I was wondering about the clutch on the electric start for my Gravley. How it should work. I am not ready to try and start it just yet, but I have put the starter strap on once and the clutch free wheeled? Is this the norm for that or should it have lock in to turn the engine over? Does it work like a ratchet wrench? I would appreciate and help. Thanks.

[Ken]

The L series had row of pins around the shaft and when the starter spun it tightened the pins to spin the motor. this is inside the large chain driven pully. I'm away from my book that gives proper discription of parts.
Maybe this help some. mine has been reliable past 30 years replaced the pins once and then found out small amount of oil would of fixed any way.
Starter charges the battery when engine is running.
ken

[FlaDon]

Originally Posted by Ken

The L series had row of pins around the shaft and when the starter spun it tightened the pins to spin the motor. this is inside the large chain driven pully. I'm away from my book that gives proper discription of parts.
Maybe this help some. mine has been reliable past 30 years replaced the pins once and then found out small amount of oil would of fixed any way.
Starter charges the battery when engine is running.
ken

You were doing good till the last line. Once the engine is running, the overrunning clutch stops motion of the chain unless you hold the starter switch in. Which drains, not charges the battery. The cams will fail to grab if someone packs grease in the hole where the pin is or the springs fail.

[Ken]

You are correct. must of been 1/2 asleep the large pully does not move when engine is running. Rust is the major problem with this set up.
The chain needs some oil also. the orginal starter switch I have changed so higher on the handle to stop draging in the dirt.
ken