Wiktor Wise
Converting a flywheel to electric ignition is a process that involves transitioning from a manual pull-start mechanism to an electric-start system. This modification can be applied to various machines, such as lawn mowers, generators, and outboard engines. To perform this conversion, certain requirements must be met, including the presence of mounting bosses or plates on the engine for attaching the starter. Additionally, specific kits, such as the Kathring Electric Start Conversion Kit, are available for certain engines, providing the necessary components for the conversion. It is important to consult the owner's manual or seek professional guidance to ensure a safe and successful conversion process.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engine | Honda GX240 8HP, Honda GX270 9HP, Tecumseh engine |
| Components | Mounting plates, ring gear on the flywheel, socket, electric drill, 4-inch square-head bolt, shank, etc. |
| Kits | Kathring Electric Start Conversion Kit, RANSOTO Electric Start Motor Kit, etc. |
| Procedure | Disconnect internal mag coil, run lead from points, leave condenser connected, use automotive ignition coil, etc. |
| Speed | 25 km/h, 45 km/h |
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What You'll Learn
Conversion kits for Honda GX240 and GX270 engines
To convert a flywheel to electric ignition, you need to ensure that your engine has mounting bosses for the starter. You can then either use a third-party starter that fits your machine or one provided by the manufacturer.
For Honda GX240 and GX270 engines, you can purchase an electric start conversion kit, such as the Kathring kit available on Amazon. This kit includes a starter motor, a flywheel, an ignition coil, a charging coil, a switch box, and mounting bolts. However, it's important to note that professional installation is recommended, and you should refer to the engine's owner's manual for specific instructions and compatibility confirmation.
The Kathring kit has received mixed reviews, with one customer stating that the timing was off by about 15 degrees, causing the engine to not rev up. It is important to carefully consider the compatibility of the conversion kit with your specific engine model to ensure a successful installation.
Alternatively, if you cannot convert your engine to electric start, you may still be able to start it with an electric drill. This method requires a socket that fits the nut on the flywheel and a way to connect it to your drill.
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Converting a Tecumseh engine
The key components required for the conversion are mounting plates and a ring gear on the flywheel. It is usually possible to retrofit the flywheel with one that has a ring gear. However, the challenge lies in mounting the starter to the engine housing, which may require creative solutions or adaptations.
For example, some Tecumseh engines use a magneto assembly inside the flywheel, which holds various parts together, including the stator and points. If this assembly is damaged or parts are missing, it may be difficult to find compatible replacements, especially for older engines. In such cases, it may be necessary to source parts from similar vintage engines, such as old push mowers, snowblowers, or riding mowers with Tecumseh or Craftsman engines.
Additionally, some Tecumseh engines may have unique setups that differ from the standard configuration, requiring further adaptations or workarounds. It is recommended to seek advice from experienced individuals or forums to gather insights and potential solutions for less common engine configurations.
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Using an electric drill
To convert a flywheel to electric ignition, you will need to use an electric drill. Before you begin, consult the owner's manual for your engine to determine if it can be converted to electric start. If the engine is convertible, the manual will likely contain basic instructions for the procedure and the part number of the kit required.
When selecting an electric drill, it is important to choose one with a high rpm to ensure the engine spins quickly. A drill with a long lever arm will also be beneficial as it will allow you to safely spin the engine with one hand. Additionally, a one-way clutch drive is necessary to prevent the engine from trying to spin the drill when it starts.
Briggs used to sell a "Spin Start" kit that included an aluminium drive cup to attach to the flywheel and a rubber drive cone that fits into an electric drill. While this kit has been discontinued, you may still be able to find it on dealer shelves or through third-party sellers. Alternatively, you can use a 9.6V battery drill with a 7/8 spring starter clutch.
When using the electric drill, attach the drive cone to the drill and secure it to the flywheel. Ensure that the drill is set to turn in the correct direction and slowly pull the trigger to begin spinning the flywheel. Once the engine starts, lift off the nut to disengage the drill.
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Converting a Tomos electronic ignition
To convert a Tomos electronic ignition, you will need to adjust the ignition timing. This can be done by turning the baseplate clockwise or anti-clockwise to reach the desired ignition position. The mark on the crankcase indicates the "snor" (25 km/h) and "brom" (45 km/h) positions.
It is important to note that the Tomos A35 mopeds produced before 1994 had fixed ignition timing, set at 20 degrees BTDC. However, most gasoline engines have variable ignition timing, which can be adjusted automatically using vacuum advancers, centrifugal advancers, and electronic control units (ECU).
For late-model Tomos mopeds with CDI ignition, the electronics are moulded into the coil. The CDI unit is a small 1.5-inch square circuit board hidden inside the black plastic of the coil. To create a spark, a sudden change in current is supplied to the transformer, either by the CDI unit or a mechanical point and condenser in earlier models.
When troubleshooting a late-model Tomos with bad or no spark, you can isolate the circuit to just the engine and coil by disconnecting the black or red magneto ignition wire and plugging it into the male blade of the coil.
Additionally, it is important to keep the electrical system in good condition, as worn spark plug cables, dirty spark plugs, and a faltering ignition can cause issues.
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Converting a flywheel magneto ignition to battery ignition
Converting a flywheel magneto ignition to a battery ignition can be done in several ways. One method is to use an electric start conversion kit, which typically includes components such as a starter motor, flywheel, ignition coil, and charging coil. These kits can be purchased and installed to convert the ignition system. However, it is important to ensure that the engine has mounting bosses for the starter and that the kit is compatible with your specific engine model.
Another approach is to disconnect the internal magneto coil and connect the lead from the points to an automotive ignition coil. This method requires careful wiring connections, such as connecting the battery negative terminal to the engine block and the battery positive terminal to the coil positive terminal. Additionally, a resistor may need to be added to the positive line between the battery and coil. A standard spark plug wire is then connected from the coil to the plug, and a switch is installed in the positive line to turn off the engine.
In some cases, it may be possible to repair or rewind the existing magneto coil to restore its functionality. This can be done by taking the coil to a magneto repair shop, where they can rewind the coil back to its original specifications. Alternatively, one can choose to wind a new coil with around 250 turns of 20-gauge wire, or similar, to replace the original coil inside the magneto.
If converting the flywheel magneto ignition to a battery ignition is not feasible, there is a workaround to start the engine using an electric drill. This method requires a socket that fits the nut on the flywheel and a way to connect it to the drill. One solution is to use a 4-inch square-head bolt that fits the drill chuck and grind the bolt head to fit the socket. By priming the carburetor, fitting the socket to the flywheel nut, and turning on the drill, the engine can be started.
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Frequently asked questions
A flywheel magneto ignition system is a type of ignition system that uses a flywheel to generate the spark needed to ignite the fuel in an engine.
To convert a flywheel magneto ignition to a battery ignition, you need to disconnect the internal mag coil and run the lead from the points out to a standard automotive ignition coil. You will also need to connect the battery to the engine block and the coil terminal, and possibly add a resistor to the line between the battery and coil.
Yes, there are electric start conversion kits available for purchase, such as the Kathring Electric Start Conversion Kit for Honda GX240 and GX270 engines. These kits typically include a starter motor, flywheel, ignition coil, charging coil, and switch box.
Before attempting a conversion, it is important to consult the owner's manual to determine if your specific engine model is suitable for conversion. Additionally, it is recommended to seek professional installation unless you have experience with engine maintenance and conversions.
