OPmini
moo
I have gone through at least 4 gx390 pull starters on my built predator 420 in the last 5 months, with the rope and plastic breaking. I want to see if other people are having the same issue.
How common is gx390 pull starters breaking?
- Thread starter OPmini
- Start date
Budget GoKart
Aka a kenbar
the cheap 212 and 420 starters break gx390 starters dont break mine hasnt broke yet
mckutzy
Well-known member
What part and where is it breaking ??
Pics?
Pics?
OPmini
moo
Rope and center round plastic mechanism that engages the starter cup.
mckutzy
Well-known member
That does sound unusual...
Lets see some pics of the cup and starter mech....
I reckon something is awry with the fitment....
Edit:What mods do you have done with the engine?? new flywheel??? ...
Lets see some pics of the cup and starter mech....
I reckon something is awry with the fitment....
Edit:What mods do you have done with the engine?? new flywheel??? ...
Last edited:
OPmini
moo
Ill get u some pics tomorrow
As for engine mods, it has a billet rod, billet flywheel, 50lbs valve springs, governer and balance shaft delete, and a 34mm carb.I should mention that I think just buying a cheap knock-off gx390 pull starters may be the issue, as budget gokart hinted to earlier.
Kartorbust
Well-known member
Sounds like a higher compression is causing it to come apart.
OPmini
moo
Yeah now that you mention that, It might be higher compression coupled with a cheap starter. Thanks
mckutzy
Well-known member
Does it have factory starter cup and blower housing???
It almost sounds like the cup is out of standard alignment with the starter pawls...
They will bind and hang up if the housing isn't seated correctly, or if the flywheel is offset not being stock...
Or... It's got alot more go off the bat, that it can't disengaged as it's going... but then it would have ripped out the pull cord out of your hand...
Just spit balling... But those things off hand are what I can think of...
Interesting situation...
It almost sounds like the cup is out of standard alignment with the starter pawls...
They will bind and hang up if the housing isn't seated correctly, or if the flywheel is offset not being stock...
Or... It's got alot more go off the bat, that it can't disengaged as it's going... but then it would have ripped out the pull cord out of your hand...
Just spit balling... But those things off hand are what I can think of...
Interesting situation...
OPmini
moo
Your spot on mckutzy! the last time I changed out the starter I noticed the cup had a slightly bent spot, and sometimes the cord is jerked out of my hands but I always thought this was an issue related to advanced timing. When I get some time Ill try and swap out starter cups as I have a couple of extras laying around. And yes its a factory cup and housing.
Budget GoKart
Aka a kenbar
im just wondering post a pic of that cheap nock off starter i wonder if its predator quality or honda quality
OPmini
moo
I don't have a pic of the broken starter but is a pic of the one I have now and the starter cup, where I am pointing is where the other one broke.
Attachments
-
IMG_20210308_141700.jpg -
IMG_20210308_141732.jpg -
IMG_20210308_141934.jpg
mckutzy
Well-known member
Hmmm... interesting...
When you pull the cord for the first few inches.... does it have any resistance or hangups.... or just fine till it contacts the cup???....
When you pull the cord for the first few inches.... does it have any resistance or hangups.... or just fine till it contacts the cup???....
OPmini
moo
Nope, pretty smooth operation
Budget GoKart
Aka a kenbar
get a genuine honda pull start thats a cheapo knock off the genuine honda starters are made of stronger materials and stronger engagement ears
Denny
Canned Monster
The cup is bent and should be replaced. Now on to you’re starting technique. Pull the handle slowly to engage the starting pawls then once they are engaged pull sharply. By just grabbing and yanking you can do all kinds of bad stuff to the cup and mechanism. 