Starting a 2 stroke motor without pullstart?

Question

Hi All - hoping someone can advise me on a problem i have with a motor...

Background - i know VERY LITTLE about mechanical engineering (electronics and circuit boards are my thing).

My son has a motorised skateboard. It has a 34cc 2 stroke engine that drives a rear wheel. The pull start broke on it after very little use, has been replaced and then the 'claw' snapped on it. That has been replaced and has gone again within a few 'pulls'. Major problem is that this is a cheap/nasty china cheap import and the motor/parts that just aren't made to last.

I'm looking for a solution to get this motor running. It has no gears/clutch (just a throttle/brake). I'd appreciate any advice.

My questions are:- Is it possible to 'bump start' a motor that doesn;t have clutch? Also, a freind, who knows as little about motors as me, says that you can start the motor with a common workmans drill - is this so? If not, is it possible to buy electric starts for this type of 'mower' engine...?

Answer 1

If you remove the covers from the pull start, remove all the ratchets and bits. You will be left with the output shaft from the engine. Try to see if you can fit a bolt on to the end of the shaft. The best way to start the engine will be with a pneumatic ratchet as this will overcome the problem of the engine biting after it start.
Another thing to think about is to bin the motor that is on the skateboard and replace it will a motor from a mini motor.

Answer 2

1 You cannot bump start auto clutch engines.
2.Starting the engine with an electric drill is a very big NO NO as it could break your body parts when the engine fires.(ie. wrists!)
3 Yes you can fit electric start but you will need a lot more knowledge than now and it will take some time to do.
I suggest you try to get a pull start mechanism from a mini-moto motor cycle as they are somewhat stronger.

Answer 3

Hello
I think u wont be able to start it with a drill, I've tried it with chainsaw and strimmer engines, which are quite similar to yours. But the drill I was using was a 14.4 volt rechargable one so it wasnt so powerful. I got 4 of these engines out of gardening tools and when the weather is fine and when i have spare time I try to start them but couldnt manage so far.
so if u do let me know as well.
Good Luck

Answer 4

Ok first off you cant bump start it becouse it has a cyntrifical clutch. And yes if you find the right socket that can go over the flywheel nut , than yes you can use a drill. Just make sure te drill is going in the right direction. I used to have to start a 12hp lawnmower engine this way

Answer 5

If I were you I would bin it. it does have a clutch but this is centrifugal. these crap imports are more trouble than they are worth. It may be possible to fit an electric start but you will be adding to the gross weight because you need a starter motor and a battery to drive it. forget the whole damn job this crap isn't built to last anyhow.

Answer 6

Hummm......
Well, My first concern is weather the engine siezed up from running straight gas. (no oil mixed 40 to 1)

If you try to use a drill to start it, and the engine manages to start, it may break your hand, wrist, or drill when the engine starts to run.

If the engine is direct drive, you SHOULD be able to run and jump on it causing the tire to turn the engine.
It's kind of tricky doing this without falling off. But it can be done.

ADDED:
Remove the spark plug and spray some WD-40 or other spray lubricant into the engine and try the "push start" method without the spark plug to ensure the engine is not locked up.

Answer 7

It would be possible with a powerful drill but dangerous because when it starts or kicks back it could injure someone

Answer 8

cant do it...junk it.before u put more money into a rathole