tractorgp
Platinum Member
Just finished this modification.
Starting my generator this winter shud be easier
- Thread starter tractorgp
- Start date
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Really did not need to use this mod. A quick spray of starter fluid into the regular air inlet provides enough vapor drawn into the engine to assist starting. Too much, especially injected directly into the carb throat could potentially overpressure the cylinder.
paul
paul
buickanddeere
Super Member
Anybody hear that horrible ether detonation that is going to break rings, bend the rod, deform the rod's big end or break the crank. Don't ruin your generator with this " improvement". All three of my generators start on the 1st or 2nd pull. Just turn the gas on from the tank, give it a minute to fill the carb bowl. Apply full choke. Turn the ignition switch on a pull the rope.
Another fix for a problem that does not exist.
Sooner or later that engine is going to draw unfiltered air through the assist tube.
OP
tractorgp
Platinum Member
Starting the generator has been a problem from pretty well day one. I was considering selling it and getting one with a starter. Anyway I tried this and so far (granted after just one test) it works. So that the main thing.
OP
tractorgp
Platinum Member
I've used starting fluid in my cars for many years without any apparent problems. But that was a long time ago. While doing up the video on this subject I checked the web to see if starting fluid cans are available with an extended tip or equivalent. Didn't see any but I was amazed at how many manufacturers are out there - so got to be some inherent value to these products. Anyway so far it looks good for my generator. But will let the forum know if something unusual happens.
Opti-Mist
Platinum Member
You may be able to add an electric starter to your generator. Look for a plate covering a flywheel access hole.
OP
tractorgp
Platinum Member
That was plan B but I was going to see if I could make an adapter to work from my drill. That's a system I found on Youtube. The idea is to take off the pull cord mechanism to access the nut on the crankshaft. Might still give the idea a try.
thepumpguysc
Elite Member
I too like to tinker, but as others have said, you could just shoot it in the SIDE that's ALREADY open.
I want to convert mine to an electric start but having a hard time giving 90 bucks for a USED flywheel.. the starter NEW is only 45.00.
Its a Tecumseh HM100 engine and the toothed F.Wheel P# required is> 611091 if anyone has 1 laying around..
I want to convert mine to an electric start but having a hard time giving 90 bucks for a USED flywheel.. the starter NEW is only 45.00.
Its a Tecumseh HM100 engine and the toothed F.Wheel P# required is> 611091 if anyone has 1 laying around..
OP
tractorgp
Platinum Member
That opening is for air intake and the air has to go through (what looks like) a pretty dense filter to get to the carburetor, so hard to see how the starter fluid spray would find an easy way through the filter - but I don't know what would happen for sure.
buickanddeere
Super Member
ether is a vapour, it will travel right through
4570Man
Super Star Member
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- Kubota M59, Kubota L3800, Grasshopper 428D, Topkick dump truck, 3500 dump truck, 10 ton trailer, more lighter trailers.
I've considered building an adapter for a cordless drill to turn the flywheel. I'm pretty sure you'd need an over run to prevent things from going sour once it starts.
Sawyer Rob
Super Member
I've made one, you better have a STRONG drill... (I do)
I used a socket, once it starts, give a pull and it comes off the nut...
Personally, I don't think it works very well, unless you have a smaller motor...
SR
buickanddeere
Super Member
Without an over running clutch, something is going to go wrong sooner or later.
Sawyer Rob
Super Member
You have to be smart enough to start the motor at an idle, and give the drill a good pull when it starts....
Like I said, you have to be smarter than what you are working with... lol
SR
Like I said, you have to be smarter than what you are working with... lol
SR
4570Man
Super Star Member
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- Crossville, TN
- Tractor
- Kubota M59, Kubota L3800, Grasshopper 428D, Topkick dump truck, 3500 dump truck, 10 ton trailer, more lighter trailers.
If I build one it would definitely have an overrun. It's unlikely I'd be the one using it. My 94 year old grandpa would benefit a lot more from the device than I would. The biggest reason I haven't built one is the high number of small engines that we use. It's obviously going to be used with a small engine. I don't have anything over 5 hp without a starter.
Larry Caldwell
Super Member
Tecumseh engines are famous for hard starting. Once you have them running they are durable enough, but I swear I could repair a Tecumseh carb in my sleep.
OP
tractorgp
Platinum Member
Just read the instructions on the can of starting fluid that I used in the video. "IMPORTANT: Do no use in passenger car diesel engines or other diesel engines with glow plugs. DIRECTIONS: Shake well (I didn't) and spray directly into air chamber or air intake port for several seconds. Start Engine."
A quick web check indicates a lot of variables re removing filter/leaving filter in when using starting fluid. An interesting point (from Wikipedia I think) is that apparently current day WD40 may not work the same as it did in the past for starting aid.
OP
tractorgp
Platinum Member
OK... I took a another look at the can and on the very front in large letters it says "for gasoline and diesel engines" Losing faith in one of my favourite brands.
Rocky J
Silver Member
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I use starting fluid for testing engines for spark or no spark and have been lucky so far . I did stretch the valve covers on a Rocket 350 years ago, they were square then a bang and they were round and almost pulled the bolts through, as long as you know a little goes a long ways it is good stuff. Your workman ship is top notch,well planned and your video was filmed well and I enjoyed it. My generator goes half a year to a year between starts and I had to go propane to get away from my fuel going stale . My electricity goes out during the high winds and they cant fix it until it dies down to go up in the bucket trucks so can be a few days and takes more gas then I would want to store even with stabil in it. Mine always smoked and stank when I got it started and sometimes had to run half choke the whole time.
kcflhrc
Veteran Member
Interestingly enough, at least in Eastern Kansas, my generator has always started on the first pull with just stabilized non ethanol gasoline in it. I bought it at Sams Club on sale for $199.00. I think the engine is a Honda Clone. I also have a Honda Push mower. always starts on the first pull. My Cub Cadet snow blower is a little finicky though, but it has electric start so isn't really a big deal. I always use non ethanol fuel for storage over the winter months with either Stabil in the fuel or SeaFoam
