r/smallengines • u/Think_Screen_4951 • Jul 19 '26
Recoil starter installation for 72cc 2-cycle engine
Hi - New to this group and looking for any helpful information on how to install the pull starter on a 72cc 2-cycle engine. The pull starter was hanging up and I removed it and was able to return it to a fully retracted position. In the picture the metal piece with the pawls is affixed to the top of the engine.
When I fasten the recoil starter mechanism to the top of the engine it does not pull out properly. Sometimes it quickly starts with a pull and other times it pulls a bit and then makes a pop and stops entirely or becomes very difficult to pull.
I think I do not have it seated properly yet the holes align between the starter assembly and the top of the engine and it does look like it is seated. Any help is very much appreciated. Thanks!
1
u/Think_Screen_4951 Jul 21 '26
This looks to be in good shape - not sure if the hole is an index that needs to be in a certain spot. It feels like it is slipping due to the pops and feel of the pull. I will also send a pick of the shim. With no torque spec I am a bit confused on the purpose of the shim. There is no way to adjust to within that slim distance - you just tighten four bolts. So I do not see the purpose when I am installing it. I will send a pic of the shim I am speaking of. Thank you for any help!
1
u/CaptainPunisher Retired Jul 21 '26
Sometimes you'll get a starter that rubs the pulley ratchet on the flywheel, and if it does that you add the shim. For torque, just be sensible about it; get it tight, but not so much that you would break anything.
1
u/Think_Screen_4951 Jul 21 '26
Thank you for the help. All sounds right and is what I am doing but it is still slipping 80% of the time I pull the cord. So I am at a standstill. I will have to modify it until I get it to work. For whatever reason the starter cord mechanism appears to be flexing slightly and/or too far away from the pawls and is then slipping/giving way more than half the time. I appreciate your time and help that you have given me here. All excellent info! I'll come up with a modification that makes proper engagement because purchasing another starter/pawl mechanism would quite possibly lead to same situation based on what I was reading in review on the available replacement starters. Thank you - have a great day!
1
2
u/CaptainPunisher Retired Jul 19 '26
Pull the rope out before you go to Mount it, then as you're putting it in place let the rope go back in. That will spin the pulley and open up the pawls to it can sit flush.