Rope starter trouble on a Briggs

[Allis_B12]

I replaced the points and condensor (under flywheel type) on an old 5HP Briggs I have around. It pullstarts well, but it now likes to throw the rope out as slack when it's running on its own power. Obviously, this is wrong. I can't see what would make it do this, but there has to be a simple fix that someone knows. Any ideas? Thanks.

[D-17_Dave]

The starter clutch needs cleaning and lubed. I sent you a more detailed e-mail on this about the time you posted this.

[PatRarick]

Your starter clutch is sticking. It's either worn out, dirty, the crankshaft stubshaft is rusty, or you or someone else has hammered on the end of the crankshaft to remove the flywheel, "mushrooming" the end of the stubshaft. Remove the starter clutch and clean the inside of the square section. It's usually just gummy and it can be cleaned with carb cleaner, brake cleaner, WD-40, etc, and a paper towel wrapped around a screwdriver. On the outer end of the square section, inside, there is a round felt pad. That should be oiled. If you or someone else has hammered on the crankshaft, you may have to file around the end of it to get rid of any "mushrooming". If there's any rust or burrs on the stubshaft, polish it off with emery cloth or sandpaper. After sanding or filing, clean the end of the crankshaft to make sure you have all the filings removed. Add a drop or two of clean engine oil to the stubshaft and install the cleaned starter clutch, making sure it slides on easily and spins freely. Pat

[HubbardRA]

I have one of those on a push mower that I have to clean every year. It sits outside from lack of room in the hut. Every spring I will start it, and it will start screaming and slowly pushing out the cord. Started it yesterday for first time this year. I screamed for about 15 seconds, then quit and string pulled totally back inside recoil. I had taken it off and cleaned it last fall. This one has always been a minor pain, but I just can't seem to figure out why it does this. I clean it, lube it, and it works great for a while, then starts the screaming and pushing the string out. When I clean it, there seems to be plenty of clearance, and the ball ratchet is working right. Oh, well, everybody needs at least one engine that is a PIA, to keep them on their toes.

[MrSteele]

If cleaning the inside of the clutch fails, if filing the mushrooms off the shaft doesn't work, next time, try removing the cover from the ball ratchet, clean the balls and inside the housing, lightly grease the balls, replace the cover. and try it again. I have an old Yazoo that sits in the shop in the way most of the time with a 6 HP Briggs on it. Spring, or, first time I use it procedure includes taking the cover off, cleaning the balls in the clutch, and starting it. Otherwise, I have a long rope that will not go back inside without playing with it and convincing it to go back in. The grease I use is a high temp grease for pneumatic tools. It is 'barely there'.

[PatRarick]

Rod, the problem could be too much clearance. Most likely a worn out bushing in the clutch. Joe, the balls are made to run dry. There is no wear on the balls or associated parts as they move very little. There's no need for them to be lubricated. As soon as the engine fires and the pressure is off the ratchet, centrifigal force sends the balls to the outside of the clutch where they remain until the engine is stopped. There's enough force that they don't move away or roll around even at idle. When the engine stops, they roll back to the center of the clutch to be grabbed by the ratchet for the next start. Grease collects dirt which builds up and eventually causes the balls to stick. Too much grease can cause them to stick immediately and the clutch won't work at all. Greasing them was my grandfather's trick and like you, it was a yearly ritual to take the clutch apart and clean the balls and housing. Occasionally, all but one ball would stick, and that one just barely fell into place. As soon as he'd pull the rope, that one ball would slip out and he'd wind up on his keester. Once when the ball slipped, it broke a chunk out of the starter clutch. When he learned that they are to run dry, he cleaned everything out and reassembeled them, and he never again had a problem. Pat

[biggie_rat]

Why piddle with it? Clean the shaft and put on a new clutch. It isn't worth taking it apart and cleaning it 3 or 4 times, until you get it right. Clutches are only about $13 dollars and you only need to fix it once. B.R.