Engine starter conversion...

[niesixxjr]

Hello everyone! So a long time ago I bought this Briggs and stratton animal engine (part number PWD-124332-8003 ) at a swap meet for a steal. It runs great but I don't like the idea of needing a external starter machine to get the kart started. I'm wondering if there is any way to convert this engine to a normal style pull start or maybe fabricate a onboard starter and flywheel or something that could make it easier to start? I'm not running any classes so opening this sealed engine is no problem. Thank you all in advanced!

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Let see what you have. Post pics.

Could be as easy as a starter cup and a rope recoil unit.

 

[Hellion]

Technically speaking the starter cup (on the flywheel) and recoil starter from a 5-6hp Intek engine should work as the engines themselves are essentially interchangeable. That’s what I’ve heard for many years but I’d double check….

WTR is right about the pics though, he got you there.

 

[niesixxjr]

Here’s some pics of what I’m dealing with.

 

[Hellion]

Someone wise once said: "You're not starting an Animal with a pull starter."

You might retrofit the starter from a Briggs 206 or "LO206" as they are called but that statement above has some weight.

206 - Briggs Racing Engines

Hand-built in Milwaukee, WI., the 206 engine is there for all Karting, Microstocks, Jr. Drag Racing needs.

www.briggsracing.com

The Briggs 206 & the Animal are both 206cc; one has a recoil starter and one uses a starter motor.

From Brian Carlson of Carlson Motorsports:

They start life as the same engine aside from the seals and rev limiter coil on the LO206.
The 206 is a factory built engine spec'd to be raced with very few modifications per Briggs & Stratton rules.

An Animal is a fully blueprinted engine built by an engine builder to sanctioning body rules. Typical Animal engines run on alcohol, use an aftermarket rod, ground cam, after market valve springs and have machine work done to bring the engine to max HP within spec. (i.e. blueprinting).

An Animal makes ~50% more HP and turns upward of 7000 rpm.

Edited to add: What is it that makes the Animal 'impossible' to start with a recoil starter? What is the compression ratio on a fully-built Animal and does it lack a compression release on the cam? I am guessing yes on the no C/R.

 

[niesixxjr]

Someone wise once said: "You're not starting an Animal with a pull starter."

You might retrofit the starter from a Briggs 206 or "LO206" as they are called but that statement above has some weight.

206 - Briggs Racing Engines

Hand-built in Milwaukee, WI., the 206 engine is there for all Karting, Microstocks, Jr. Drag Racing needs.

www.briggsracing.com

The Briggs 206 & the Animal are both 206cc; one has a recoil starter and one uses a starter motor.

From Brian Carlson of Carlson Motorsports:


Edited to add: What is it that makes the Animal 'impossible' to start with a recoil starter? What is the compression ratio on a fully-built Animal and does it lack a compression release on the cam? I am guessing yes on the no C/R.

These are the questions I've been wondering myself. When i looked on summit racing to compare the compression ratio's they both said 8.5:1 so I'm not sure the compression ratio would be a problem but i do wonder if this engine lacks a compression release on the cam like you said which would make sense why I wouldn't be able to run a normal recoil starter. So if a recoil starter is out of the picture, can i somehow fabricate a starter or something similar to those electric start kits they sell for the predator 212s?

 

[Hellion]

I think you should add a 206 recoil starter or whichever one will fit, just to test the theory.

I suspect it is timing and the cam that may be installed in your engine that makes it difficult to pull the engine through a complete cycle, i.e. "impossible" to start. There are engines that have a broken or disabled compression release that will hurt you via 'kickback' and especially when you do it wrong, but they can be started. The ideal procedure is to put the engine on choke and pull the starter rope slowly until you feel the piston coming up on the compression stroke, then stop. Feed the starter rope back into the recoil assembly, always a good idea to let it back in slowly, and then pull it hard and briskly through the compression stroke and it should start with no fuss.

But I could be wrong in my suppositions. Anyone? Bueller?

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

I pull my high compression 301 like you mentioned. Compression release was deleted and almost 11:1

 

[niesixxjr]

Ok sounds like i should give a recoil starter a shot. @Whitetrashrocker did you have any issue with 'kickback' while trying to start your engine?

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Yes. You have to learn how to start a high compression engine.
Just like Hellion said above.
Slowly find top dead center by pulling the rope till you feel the resistance. Then reset your rope and pull in a swift motion.
Your trying to get that next fuel charge and some momentum to squeeze it.

Im sure you've felt this with your drill starter.

Its not bad one you learn, but that first or mis timed pull will get ya.

 

[Denny]

Just like starting a kicker Harley. The engine will let you know when you do it wrong. Usually as your flying through the handlebars like goal posts with a broken ankle!