Happy Time Electric Starter/Generator Question...

[jburr36]

Just out of curiosity, how many here would be interested in a electric starter/generator for the HT engines?

I'm building a new bike and have decided to buy a freewheel sprocket hub for the engine. Every once in awhile I do like to actually pedal the bicycle but h*ll the resistance from the engine chain and clutch can sometimes be too much. The problem with this is I will not be able to pedal start the engine any more so I ordered a pull starter. That was before I read all those horror stories about the d*mn thing breaking relatively quickly.

So I've been studying a way to make an electric starter that would be no bigger mounted on the engine than the pull starter. With the added benefit of the starter motor becoming a generator once the engine starts I will be able to with the aid of a controlling circuit charge a battery at 13.8 volts and run a real set of lights and turn signals and horn.

My goal is to make it safer for me to ride on the streets. I ask the question because if this works well for me I would be willing to make kits, starter, lights, batteries, and etc. to sell to others but only if there is a market for such.

Thanks,

James.

[Jesuswon1]

if the price was reasonable... count me in!!

[LordMaximo]

Now if the starter is going to be used as a generator, I think it would actually burn up the unit faster then what you may not have thought to happen.
Generators are built entirely differnet from starters. Starters are made to fire rapidly in short burts, or the commentator will simply over heat and short circuit itself from carbon buildup off the brushes.
A generator is built to run on a continuos bassis and the field windings are design for this purpose as well.
Really sorry to burst your bubble on this issue.......I have experience in rebuilding starters and generators to know this application does not exist.
This is why all motor vehicels have two seperate components for two jobs.

Maximo

[jburr36]

Hmm...

Well, I was thinking about adapting a starter/generator designed for another 2-cycle engine to work on mine. Just a matter of machine work. I figured since this type of setup is already being used for the other motor there would be no issues like the ones you discussed. One being that the starter is attached to the same shaft as the crank. Other vehicles with starters use a gear reduction system which would definately pose a problem with what I am thinking.

I'm goig to try anyway. The worst that could happen is that I blow $50.00 for the motor and time used to make parts.

Thanks for the feedback as it gives me foresight in what problems that may occur.

James

[rcjunkie]

Starter generator's, if designed as such, work perfectly and save weight. Many of the helicopters I flew had starter generators and didnt' burn up.

JBur, if you can make one, I'd consider buying one.

[jburr36]

I'll do my best to make a working prototype within the next 3 weeks or so. I'm doing a total engine rebuild and plan to mount it to a brand new beach cruiser bike. One thing about living on California's north coast I have to deal with is rust and corrosion so I'm replacing all the hardware I can with stainless steel and studying other anti-corrosion techniques. I've got a lot on my plate to say the least not to mention that I have to do this in my spare time.

Will let everyone know how it goes.

James

[Biker Mike]

If you build it, they WILL come!!! Count me in.....

[Andyinchville1]

HI,

Sounds very interesting....perhaps the added power output could be used to operate better ignition systems in addition to lights etc...If that is the case I would definitely be interested as well.

Andrew

[Dan]

That would sell very well. I would definatly buy one.

[captainrichhill]

As rcjunkie said, aircraft use starter/generators. However, they might be very heavy. When you add the weight of a battery and starter/generator you'll be doubling the weight of the engine.
Let us know how it works out. Maybe a riding lawnmower starter is a place to start?