Small Engine Question

[ZipZap]

Never thought I'd have a question for Red...

I'd like to outfit my snowblower and generator with electric starters. (For the wife, of course) They both have provisions for mounting them and access to the flywheel. I have found 120v starters that are compatible; you just hook them up via an extension cord.



While this seems like an easy solution, it is a bit pointless for the generator Also, I would like to be able to do something with a 12v battery, as it would be more convenient in the storage location.

I have found appropriate 12v starters as well.



My question is, do I need to install a solenoid and switch with the 12v as well? How would I wire it up? I don't want an on-board battery, so I don't need a charge circuit.

Or, should I just buy the 120v versions and an inverter, and call it a day

[Fastguy]

Jumper cables!

[DJ_Critterus]

Put the solenoid on it with a starter switch in the the circuit. Hook up the 12v via jumper cables and that should work. I'm not sure how a solenoid would work out with a 120v power source, though, unless that starter and kit comes with one that handle that kind of voltage.

[SubZero]

good ol' tecumseh starters brings back memories

Get the 120V starter for the snowblower (as long as it's the right starter for the engine), bolt it up, plug it in, and go.

I'm not sure about the generator concerning your set-up. You have a dedicated 12V battery source for the starter? Is the starter you found one that was specified as an option for the generator? Depending on the current draw and switch gear you may need a solenoid.

[ZipZap]

Originally Posted by DJ_Critterus

Put the solenoid on it with a starter switch in the the circuit. Hook up the 12v via jumper cables and that should work. I'm not sure how a solenoid would work out with a 120v power source, though, unless that starter and kit comes with one that handle that kind of voltage.

120v system is a turn-key.

I can't see from the photos how a solenoid would inerface with the starter. I'm guessing if I just apply 12v to the starter it will spin, but not throw the gear forward...

[ZipZap]

Originally Posted by SubZero

good ol' tecumseh starters brings back memories

Get the 120V starter for the snowblower (as long as it's the right starter for the engine), bolt it up, plug it in, and go.

I'm not sure about the generator concerning your set-up. You have a dedicated 12V battery source for the starter? Is the starter you found one that was specified as an option for the generator? Depending on the current draw and switch gear you may need a solenoid.

I have several auto/atv battery options for the 12v power supply. I have thought about the 120v on the blower, but it lives out in a shed in the back yard. It's a real pisser to get it across the yard when not running...

[DJ_Critterus]

Originally Posted by ZipZap

120v system is a turn-key.

I can't see from the photos how a solenoid would inerface with the starter. I'm guessing if I just apply 12v to the starter it will spin, but not throw the gear forward...

If it's turn key, the system comes with a solenoid. Go with this set up and you'll be happy. Maintaining and replaacing batteries for something you don't use often sucks. For the generator, I'd have a battery though.

[DJ_Critterus]

Originally Posted by ZipZap

I have several auto/atv battery options for the 12v power supply. I have thought about the 120v on the blower, but it lives out in a shed in the back yard. It's a real pisser to get it across the yard when not running...

Go with the battery set up and a battery tender.

[Sea Six]

Originally Posted by ZipZap

I have several auto/atv battery options for the 12v power supply. I have thought about the 120v on the blower, but it lives out in a shed in the back yard. It's a real pisser to get it across the yard when not running...

How hard would it be to run a 120V line out to the shed? Buy 100' of Romex and bury it.

You'll have power for other things as well.

[ZipZap]

Originally Posted by DJ_Critterus

Go with the battery set up and a battery tender.

That's the idea. I'm just looking for help on how to hook up the solenoid and what type of momentary switch would be appropriate.

The shed will also contain a lawn tractor, or atv, so I will always have 12v available there. 120v is about 175' away...

[ZipZap]

Originally Posted by Sea Six

How hard would it be to run a 120V line out to the shed? Buy 100' of Romex and bury it.

You'll have power for other things as well.

Can't do that w/o pulling a permit, and the county is a bitch for that sort of thing...

[DJ_Critterus]

What happens if they don't know?

[Fastguy]

Originally Posted by ZipZap

That's the idea. I'm just looking for help on how to hook up the solenoid and what type of momentary switch would be appropriate.

The shed will also contain a lawn tractor, or atv, so I will always have 12v available there. 120v is about 175' away...

Telling you man, jumper cables.

http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b71/saltysearay/?action=view&current=002-9.mp4

[SubZero]

Originally Posted by ZipZap

120v system is a turn-key.

I can't see from the photos how a solenoid would inerface with the starter. I'm guessing if I just apply 12v to the starter it will spin, but not throw the gear forward...

There's no solenoid needed to throw the pinion out, the shaft is geared and there's a return spring under the pinion. The pinion is "spun out" on the shaft by centrifical force.

I was a lead person in the department that made a few of the starter models (amongst other things) for Tecumseh.

[nhlgopens]

Originally Posted by SubZero

There's no solenoid needed to throw the pinion out, the shaft is geared and there's a return spring under the pinion. The pinion is "spun out" on the shaft by centrifical force.

I was a lead person in the department that made a few of the starter models (amongst other things) for Tecumseh.

The only issue is that some of them are designed with plastic threads for the pinion to spin out on. Mine stripped. Now useless and you can't buy parts. You have to buy the entire unit. At least I can pull start it.

[ZipZap]

Originally Posted by SubZero

There's no solenoid needed to throw the pinion out, the shaft is geared and there's a return spring under the pinion. The pinion is "spun out" on the shaft by centrifical force.

I was a lead person in the department that made a few of the starter models (amongst other things) for Tecumseh.

Key info. Thanks. Given this, the only thing the solenoid is doing is separating the high current starter relay from the low current switch. I can figure the rest out.

[ZipZap]

Originally Posted by nhlgopens

The only issue is that some of them are designed with plastic threads for the pinion to spin out on. Mine stripped. Now useless and you can't buy parts. You have to buy the entire unit. At least I can pull start it.

I'm seeing starters for <$60 online.

[nhlgopens]

Originally Posted by ZipZap

I'm seeing starters for <$60 online.

Yep - as opposed to a $3 gear. You have to purchase the entire starter assembly unit.

[ZipZap]

Originally Posted by nhlgopens

Yep - as opposed to a $3 gear. You have to purchase the entire starter assembly unit.

Did you check partstree? They have Tecumseh starter parts...