Electric start for 4 strokes

RedB66 · #1 03-17-2010, 06:07 PM

I remember my neighbor having a lawnmower that had electric start. I would like to attempt a 4 stroke project but I just can't get past the look of having a pull cord on the side of the motor.

Is there a way to have electric start? Is it only on the larger motors? Can one of the commonly seen motorized bike kits (4 stroke) be converted?

Felton · #2 03-17-2010, 07:40 PM

Saw a guy start an outboard motor with a cordless drill once (the pull cord broke). I bet you could rig something of that nature. Better hope your battery doesn't die if you stop.

jared8783 · #3 03-17-2010, 11:05 PM

i wouldnt attempt it unless you have a way of charging as you ride

if ya do figure a way of charging it as you ride let us know

tyrslider · #4 03-17-2010, 11:56 PM

An 18 V cordless would start a 50cc many times on a charge. You can mt a pulley on it and carry your ripcord in your pocket (you wind it around the pulley a few times tightly and let'er rip). As long as it starts w/i 2 pulls it's not much hassle but if that's not your motor or you run in to some starting trouble, your screwed.

hrichmon@gmail.com · #5 05-19-2010, 01:04 AM

Could you use the friction power from a headlamp to charge it? either way... if it gets figured out, and looks good... i’ll take two! good luck

jared8783 · #6 05-19-2010, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrichmon@gmail.com

Could you use the friction power from a headlamp to charge it? either way... if it gets figured out, and looks good... i’ll take two! good luck

could you elaborate a little more on your suggestion please

are you talking about the bicycle generators, those really tiny things?
i wonder if those would be up to the task of constant 30mph+
i wonder if those even have voltage regulators?

Jesse002100 · #7 05-20-2010, 12:29 AM

i have a headlight and brake light with a tiny generator that rides the side of the tire have had it for years before the motor and now 200 miles since the motor it works fine the wheel gets warm but i ride 12 miles to work every nice day it still works. but the lights are 6v so i dont think at 6v it could crank it over at such a low amp. it could maybe act as a battery tender while riding but i dont know if it would be efficient. i use a 12v high speed drill to start my pocket bike it starts in about 3 seconds.

my best idea would be the heavy duty in hub generators they are a constant drag and generate alot more power.
like these many options but a bit pricy considering tearing down your old wheel and having a new one built around the generator and trued.
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/schmidt.asp

hrichmon@gmail.com · #8 05-20-2010, 01:46 AM

haha... sorry.... I don’t know anything about electricity... I was just thinking... if the problem is to get electric power, and the technology exists to create it from friction on a motorless bicycle .... it seems logical that the power created by a 4 stroke (being far greater than my chicken legs) should be able to power the same thing on greater scale to produce a greater amount of electricity... but then again.... I REALLY do not know anything about the subject... just seemed like something i would be interested in if it comes to be.... good luck guys!