Jethro wrote:
On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 23:39:17 GMT, Grandpa wrote:


Jethro wrote:

On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 21:40:33 GMT, Grandpa wrote:


Jethro wrote:

I have a generator with a backup pull start in case the electric start
fails.
I tried it and promptly broke the pull rope. I removed the cover
(housing) and removed the rope, then replaced it with new rope.
Now there is no tension when I pull the rope. If I pull the rope it
just pulls out and stays out.

Obviously, I didn't wind the new rope right or I 'sprung' the
mechanism or something. I'm wondering if someone can describe to me
what I might try. Probably not - but I thought I'd ask.

Thanks

Jethro

Do a Google search for "recoil starter repair" or "pull starter
repair" and you'll find all the info you'll need.


Well - I tried that and don't see anything very useful to me.
My engine is a Chonqing Weima 420CC. It is on a 9000W gas-powered
generator I bought at Pep Boys. I searched the Weima web sites hoping
for schematic(s) or instructions, but found nothing. I have the
recoil starter pull-rope mechanism in my hands as we speak, but can
find no way to put tension of the thing now that I have replaced the
broken pull-rope. If I could just do that, I think the thing would
work. I figure when the pull-rope broke, the spring mechanism might
have 'unsprung', but I don't really know. I didn't hear any
'boingg'.

Thanks

Jethro


When you broke the rope, the spring "unwound" since there was
nothing to stop it (the handle). You'll have to rewind the spring in
order to get the tension back.


I agree. But I can't find a way to 'rewind' the spring to restore the
tension. I'll look at the following URL tomorrow AM to see if
anything there will help. Thanks. Jethro.


See if this site helps:
http://www.lawn-mower-shop.com/vropstrt.htm

What I usually do is rotate the rope reel by hand in the direction
pulling rope moves it. I put in enough turns to reel all the rope back
in when in use, and a little bit more.

(If you can't feel the spring winding up when you try and do that, then
the spring is broken or has come unfastened and you'll have to dig
deeper to replace or hook it back up.)

I clamp or jam something in to keep the reel in that position and then
thread the rope through it's guide and the hole in the reel, then tie
the knot to keep it there and release the reel, which then winds up the
rope. A piece of wire hooked through the end of the rope and used as a
"needle" can make the threading through the reel hole go easier.

If your unit will accept that approach, use it.

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.98*10^14 fathoms per fortnight.