Starter Option

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OutbackLivin

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Hi Everyone,

Im recently back into RC after almost 10 years and I have purchase a Rovan FT with 36cc. Everything is standard including the pull start (easy start system).

Took it out for the first time last weekend and wanted to heat cycle, so I gently ran it on some dirt no more than half throttle for 10 mins and shut it down. The stop button didnt even last this long and wasnt responding so I had to pull the lead off the top of the plug which also came apart in my hand......great start.

Anyway After a call down and quick fix of the lead I went to start again and the pull start wasnt engaging the dog. So pulled the starter off and the little fingers on the dog werent springing back. Quick clean and its working again.

My question what options are out there for a more reliable starting system, doesn't have to be a pull start style. If I need to use my drill with a special attachment all good. I just want a setup that durable and reliable.

Also worth noting I live in the outback so while there is plenty of room to bash the dirt is super fine and gets in everywhere!
 
I hate to say it but the most reliable option is tossing that engine out and putting a zenoah in there. Me personally thats too many things to go south in a real short period of time. I understand times are not easy but by the time you spend money on fixing it you could have paid or be close to a reliable engine for it.
 
im a FG fan from way back. I understand how much better Zenoah is and will make the upgrade in the near future, I also have a kill switch on order.

even the zenoah though isnt going to fix my pull start concerns.
 
Unfortunately there is no truly reliable starting system. If your pull start is in good shape your hand,arm,fingers may get "hurt" while in the process. If your pull start and your starting arm is good your engine may not start. If you go with a roto start your drill and or battery may die. Get where im going here?
Also the starter pawl could be loose,damaged,poor quality.
 
When I was into FG years ago the pull start setup had a pawl. This new system doesn't, it has this thing below called a dog, the two small fingers push in when you rip on the cord and are supposed to release back out when the engine stops, my issue is that the fingers stay stuck in and therefore the pull start has nothing to 'grab'.

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I use a rovan easy start, well a version of it. I use the rovan easy start handle but I made my own pawl plate that bolts to the flywheel.
I too occasionally get a stuck pawl, but I use a small flat screwdriver through the vents to gently flick one down.
What I found helped a lot was removing the pawls from the plate and making sure there was no burrs on the pawl casting themselves, then applying some dry lube. This almost eliminated the sticky pawls all together.
The easy start is easier to use than a normal pull start, you just have to remember to not pull as hard on the cord as it doesn't need it.
Also as above, fit a kill remote kill before going out again fella, nothing worse than watching your rig tear across a field into a family or a fence.
 
Thanks for the reply I’ve got the kill switch on order. How do people rate the rotor starts? I have no experience with them
 
OutbackLivin said:
Thanks for the reply I’ve got the kill switch on order. How do people rate the rotor starts? I have no experience with them
Click to expand...
Don't think they are seen a great deal on 5th scales.
Generally as long as there are no air leaks and the engine normally runs they start easily.
 
Fine dirt/dust is gonna kill every pull start fast, even Zenoah sry to say. There was a guy at the track last summer had a remote start on his. Seemed to work every time so you could at least take the cord outta the equation. It sucks but I just carry multi spare pull starts and use the axis quick release screws.


https://www.ddmracing.com/Axis-R-C-Pull-Start-Thumb-Screws-TT292T
 
Hey OutbackLivin I purchased a roto start system for my 1/5 scale and the problem that I ran in to was the motor has a lot of compression that the clutch would engage on the drill even on the drill setting and not allowing the drill to spin at full speed which would not produce a strong enough spark.
 
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