[jsup]

I have cords hanging from the ceiling, the kind that recoil back. It's easy to do. However, I never use the electric start. All my engines start on one pull.

My older generator, however, I do use the 12v starter for that. It's hard to start, because it only runs a few times a year, it's a funny sort of engine. Has that updraft carb that I hate. Once running, it runs great, but sometimes getting it there is a bitch.

 

[crazzywolfie]

the only reason i usually use the electric start is if the pull start is broken. otherwise i just use the pull start. if a machine is working and adjust properly is should start just fine with the pull start. i got no problem what so ever starting the 10.5hp engine on my big machine when it is cold out. i agree that i find the pull start way more convenient especially since i would have to roll the snowblower all the way around my 1 vehicle to get at a plug.

 

[1132le]

As mr red said
st824 2 primes full choke starts 1/2 pull every time no matter the temp

28 414cc 3primes starts 1st pull

1332le 358 tec also started 1st pull 2 primes 1 click from full on the choke

imo anything with a primer bulb should start 1st pull if its running right

 

[crazzywolfie]

with full throttle and full choke i find most machines start pretty good with or without primer. my machine without a primer usually always starts on first pull that way

 

[York v45]

I am converting my 5hp Tecumseh to electric start. I'm just tired of having issues getting it going after storage. I only need it 1-3 times a year, so after storage ends up being everytime I need it.

 

[Natty Bumpo]

Lots of reasons actually......


Like the time when I fell on some black ice and broke four ribs.........
Like when I am away from home and SWMBO has to fire up the SB.....
Like when its -20F in the pole barn, a couple of weeks ago......
Like when the recoil starter breaks, again.......


I will never buy a SB wo/ electric start again.

 

[RedOctobyr]

Interesting, I'll have to try adjusting my starting technique. I've been giving it 4-6 primer pushes. I'll have to try just 2, thanks. Heck, maybe I can join the 1-pull club!

 

[broo]

Mine has an electric starter that I used twice. The pull start is pretty easy and I usually have to pull only once.

First time was when I got the blower to make sure the electric starter actually works.

Second time was last weekend as my pull starter was frozen and didn't do anything.

 

[tuffnell]

Given my age and a bad shoulder life is much better using electric start.
When I was much younger I never gave it much thought about having to use a pull start.

 

[drmerdp]

I hate pull starting machines. I always use electric start if I can.

HSS HONDA, on board battery, no cords, turn key. I pull started the new engine the first time, and never since.

 

[orangputeh]

I'd like electric start on my Stihl chainsaw - overcoming compression when it's the teens or twenties outside is sometimes a pain in the butt.

stihl don't have a compression release button? my husky's do.

 

[drmerdp]

The pro saws do.

I sent my ms362 to mastermind work saws for port work. Compression was increased, even with the relief... it’s a bear. But man it’s a monster!

 

[bearman49709]

Well lets see I'm a great grandfather, I've had my right shoulder operated on twice and it sounds like gears grinding when moved certain ways, I've had two operations on my right hand. My left shoulder just had two more cortisone shots on Monday, that hand has had four operations to include thumb replacement surgery.
If that's not enough for you I've fractured my spine seven times, have six bulged disk, bone spurs and a pinched sciatic nerve that needs surgery and have arthritis in everything I've just wrote about.

Now the good part, I always start mine with the pull rope with one or two pulls. My buddies since new has needed the electric start when cold and it takes several minutes turning over to start.

 

[10953]

both my sthil and husky saws have compression releases, blower wise like a few other old timers, a bad back thanks to wreak racing a top fuel drag boat lead to being fused at c 2-3 to t 1 and t10 to s1, a torn non repairable left biceps tendon, worn out rotator cuff in the right,worn out knees, means the shed housing the blower has 120 in it, choke, 2 primes and push the button.

trick to pull cold starting is really simple 0w30 or 5w30 oil. the thinner oil makes for easier pulling .choke, a few pushes of the primer, 1 or 2 pulls

 

[jonnied12]

It sounds like most of us around here should join the old-farts club. I'll hit 67 soon, I prefer to use the push button start method, but sometimes I just want to be a tough guy and pull the rope.lain:

 

[RickDangerous]

Thanks and very interesting thoughts everyone!

If I learned anything it's to push my primer bulb twice rather than 3-4 times.

Also--Maybe rig a setup so I have easy access to a retractable extension cord. The main time I see them being super helpful is when it's very cold and the carburetor engines are being finicky about starting. Alternatively, I think I just need to leave my choke open longer when it's below freezing...

Either way, some great insight and ideas in this thread.

 

[dhazelton]

I'm sure this topic was debated a lot at Ford during Model T production. "If you follow start procedures correctly no one needs an electric starter - a crank is good enough.'

 

[10953]

I'm sure this topic was debated a lot at Ford during Model T production. "If you follow start procedures correctly no one needs an electric starter - a crank is good enough.'

make me wonder about that crank adapter on the front of the 33 ford wagon i'm working on, how hard would it be to turn over a v8 flathead filled with 30w oil at 0 degs

 

[vinnycom]

I'm sure this topic was debated a lot at Ford during Model T production. "If you follow start procedures correctly no one needs an electric starter - a crank is good enough.'

make me wonder about that crank adapter on the front of the 33 ford wagon i'm working on, how hard would it be to turn over a v8 flathead filled with 30w oil at 0 degs

ahh, the good old days when men were men
LOL

 

[jrom]

Well, first, congrats on making it to great grandfather, second for surviving all the surgeries_and_being able to yank a starter rope and third, maybe you should change your name to Bear Claw Chris Lapp (from Jeremiah Johnson) – one of his more famous quotes: "I am Bear Claw Chris Lapp; bloodkin to the grizzer that bit Jim Bridger's ass! YOU are molesting my hunt!".

My dad (gone on now), myself, my son, a nephew and one of my grandsons just love that movie. We quote it all the time. (Well I quote it all the time).

Good going there bearman.

Well lets see I'm a great grandfather, I've had my right shoulder operated on twice and it sounds like gears grinding when moved certain ways, I've had two operations on my right hand. My left shoulder just had two more cortisone shots on Monday, that hand has had four operations to include thumb replacement surgery.
If that's not enough for you I've fractured my spine seven times, have six bulged disk, bone spurs and a pinched sciatic nerve that needs surgery and have arthritis in everything I've just wrote about.

Now the good part, I always start mine with the pull rope with one or two pulls. My buddies since new has needed the electric start when cold and it takes several minutes turning over to start.