Hand starting an engine

[Parksy]

Hi all

I feel stupid asking this question, but what is the technique to hand start a four stroke engine by hand? I mean, what position is the crank at? I've tried bottom dead centre on the compression stroke and tried flicking the flywheel over and I can get a few pops. Any other position of the crank and I can't make the full revolution without it bouncing back.

Thanks all

Andy

 

[kuhncw]

Hi Andy,

The method that works for me is to turn the crank until I feel compression and then give it a quick pull right thru top center. I start my hit and miss engines and my Silver Bullet this way.

Chuck

 

[Philipintexas]

They can be hard to start until you get everything sorted out. I make a device so I can use a hand-drill, kind of like the old hand-crank cars so it engages in one direction but disengages when the engine fires. You might also try retarding your ignition at first, then once running, find the optimal setting.

 

[Jasonb]

As above, bring it round until you can feel compression and give it a good flick.

I also quite like a starting handle as you can turn the engine over a few times if it is not firing straight away and this may work better with your small flywheels.

Mine is the Gade about 50 secs into the video

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovd_ROZQttE[/ame]

 

[Mechanicboy]

If it is a 4 stroke model glowplug engine, give it a bounched starting. Also flip engine in reverse rotation until it will ignite and run in right rotation direction.

 

[kadora]

Try to cover inlet of carburator with finger and turn engine
till you see small fuel droplets run out from exhaust pipe.
/overflow engine/
Then piston before compression and fast flick.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-WqSjO9NJI[/ame]

 

[doc1955]

Here is a vid of hand starting my 6 cycle hit miss engine
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6PJ2jZyoyc[/ame]