Steve@Advance
Well-known Member
Yes, 12v conversions can be rough on starters. Some handle it well, others not so well. Just depends on the design.
It can often finish off a borderline starter or work flywheel gear.
But once everything is up to specs, they usually have no problems.
A good part of the success depends on the operator.
Think before you hit the starter.
Be sure everything is ready, the engine is well tuned, clean fuel and a well functioning carb. You know your machine, you know what a normal start sounds like, how much choke it likes, where to set the throttle. Combine all this to get it started with minimal cranking, and above all only engage the starter once per start.
Plan your use. Start the engine as few times as possible.
But most important, watch and listen to the engine. Many times an engine will kick backward off a compression stroke when it is stopping. This often happens following a failed start. The last thing you want is to engage the starter when this is happening! Doing so is what can actually break things! Be sure the engine has completely stopped before engaging the starter.
It can often finish off a borderline starter or work flywheel gear.
But once everything is up to specs, they usually have no problems.
A good part of the success depends on the operator.
Think before you hit the starter.
Be sure everything is ready, the engine is well tuned, clean fuel and a well functioning carb. You know your machine, you know what a normal start sounds like, how much choke it likes, where to set the throttle. Combine all this to get it started with minimal cranking, and above all only engage the starter once per start.
Plan your use. Start the engine as few times as possible.
But most important, watch and listen to the engine. Many times an engine will kick backward off a compression stroke when it is stopping. This often happens following a failed start. The last thing you want is to engage the starter when this is happening! Doing so is what can actually break things! Be sure the engine has completely stopped before engaging the starter.