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Engine basics => Engine set up tips => Topic started by: Peter in Fairfax, VA on September 19, 2024, 08:10:46 PM
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How long do others like to run the electric starter in each starting attempt? Myself, I'm comfortable with a relatively long starter run, like 15 or 30 seconds, if needed.
While I prefer not to use an electric starter, they can be convenient. For well worn engines, they make hot restarts possible.
An issue with certain older engines is crank pin to backplate clearance. But modern engines, like the LA 46, do not have this issue and even feature an extra washer behind the thrust washer that provides a half-decent bearing surface.
My experience is that a long starter run can clear a flood or, conversely, draw in fuel. I'll even run the starter a few seconds after I hear the engine running.
thoughts?
thanks,
Peter
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When I do think I need tobuse a starter, I keep it to short bursts, 2 or e seconds at the most.i go though the same motions to prepare for start and sometimes even feel for a bump, and then if it won't flip start after a half dozen flips, and I get impatient, then I'll hit it with the starter. Cold, damp mornings usually present challenges on a cold start. On ANY plain bearing engine especially keep the burst short. You can choke it by hand to draw fuel up to the needle and get a prime. Four stroke are still a bit of a mystery to me and I use the starter the most on those. I'm not sure if I get it too much prime or not enough, but the same short burst rule applies for me. On small engines like Norvel, I find that the first cold start usually requires the starter, so I just use it anyway , but keep with the short burst routine. If it won't start in the first 3 to 5 seconds, you are not doing something correctly.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee
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I try to keep my use of my electric starter to a minimum and try to use short bursts but the arthritics ain't getting better and it is used on stubborn engines, worn out and warm glows and Fora diesels to warm them up. Not wise to grind away on most old plain bearing engines as the drive washer rubs into the case and the crankpin gouges the backplate and tell tail grey oil starts coming out.
I use a 30amp circuit breaker so I can't crank flooded engines and this has worked very well preventing damage if you forget to turn it over by hand first.
Regards Gerald
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I like to use a stationary starter and plug the engine into the RUNNING starter. This is very handy for a one-man operation.
Electric motors use A LOT of power to start and almost nothing when they are up to speed. If I forget to turn it off it can run for ten minutes and not hurt anything.
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I wouldn't leave the starter on after it starts. Puts allot of stress on the crank pin.
MM :)
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I have an electric starter, but rarely need to use it. I just hand flip to start.
If there are no fuel delivery issues, and the engine has proper compression, fuel prime and a healthy and proper heat range glow plug, it should easily hand flip start.
The only engine I have (an older high-time Fox 35) that has low compression needs the electric to start. But I also have other low-time Fox and McCoy 35's that start fine just hand flipping.
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I wouldn't leave the starter on after it starts. Puts allot of stress on the crank pin.
MM :)
No. I'm saying that I just momentarily bump the engine to start it. But if I forget to turn off the starter there is no harm done.
I prefer to hand flip engines whenever possible. But in some speed and carrier events with fragile and expensive props, you are better off with a starter.
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Was refering to the OP.
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Dan has it right