Creating a starter on a tractor

[Ketchamized 2]

Theoretically, would it be possible if I were to remove the starter/generator from the tractor, and start the engine using say, a fast power drill with a pulley on it instead of the starter-generator? The reason for this being- My B-210's starter-generator seems to be shot... And I don't want to invest in repairs for now, at least until after our move to Indiana in January. But, thing is, I may need to use the snowblower attachment before we move. I was thinking of removing the starter-generator... Disconnecting all wiring except for the kill wire... Fabricate a homemade pulley or connect a pulley to an AC electric motor... Use the motor or high speed drill to pull the belt and get the tractor started. (Hold the drill or AC motor by hand, remove once it is started) Then run the tractor as needed. To shut off, turn the key off, thus activating the kill wire. Would this work? Thanks...

[BLT 725]

Somehow you have to suspend the belt after it is started, or that can create a mess. You might be better to spin at front end.

[Ketchamized 2]

BLT, Didn't think of that! I feel so silly. The front pto. That ought to work. Thanks, much appreciated. :)

[Ketchamized 2]

Guys, From the front side, which direction is the PTO supposed to turn? Clockwise? Counter Clockwise?

[rjgoth 0]

As you are looking at the front of the tractor, you will need to turn it Counter-Clockwise. Ryan

[ambler 0]

Why don't you get a rope start cup off the BGB?

[Ketchamized 2]

Ryan, Thanks, much appreciated. Ambler, I did consider that, but I'll have to find one to put on. Perhaps I can fabricate something myself. Will have to take a look and see how I could do something like that. Would it fit on a Vari-shift?

[PhanDad 3,772]

How about just putting your high speed drill on the nut that holds the pulley to the S/G shaft? You would need to turn clockwise, and I think that tightens the nut so you should be OK. Good luck on whatever your solution.

[Ketchamized 2]

PhanDad, That's a good solution to try. I will be trying that first. Thank you for the suggestion. :) Will also try doing that at the BGB if that doesn't work out. :)

[perry 1]

quote:

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Originally posted by PhanDad
How about just putting your high speed drill on the nut that holds the pulley to the S/G shaft? You would need to turn clockwise, and I think that tightens the nut so you should be OK. Good luck on whatever your solution.

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seems that i tryed this a long time ago on a push mower. not a good idea. {i used air gun} i think i broke or stripped the nut.

[BLT 725]

Perry, an air gun as in an impact tool? That will tear up things.

[HubbardRA 19]

Try putting a rope on the pulley on the PTO side, not the tranny drive side. That pulley is open when the blower is mounted, since it runs off the front PTO. I have started engines from the output pulley many times when batteries are dead. If you wrap the rope tight, you will not need the slot in the pulley. By the way, I have seen many different types of remote starters used. It is very common in garden tractor pulling, especially in the modified classes, where the factory starter is not strong enough to spin the large high-compression engines. Most common remote starters are automobile starters or chain saws.

[Ketchamized 2]

Guys, I am using a construction grade DeWalt hand drill. An impact gun would have too much power, in my opinion. Ambler, There is not a rope-pull starter available on ebay. Does anyone know where I can find one cheap? It'd be a nice backup to have once the S/G is fixed. PhanDad, I tried your suggestion of using the drill to start at the S/G nut. Unfortunately, the firewall is in the way, and I am unable to reach in there. I did consider putting on a bigger belt... But it's too much work to remove stuff in order to do that. (I have a hydraulic lift setup) So, I looked at the BGB, and it does look VERY doable. If I wanted to do it that way, I'll have to create a shaft that goes from the socket to the drill. Probably will have to fabricate it out of wood and melt some soft metal on it... Kind of how medevial people made their arrows. Rod, Your idea of using rope to pull at the pulley on the PTO side seems to be the best solution. I didn't have any rope handy, so I did a "test" with an extension cord... While it didn't quite give me enough leverage due the thickness, the engine did turn over and almost started. So, this tells me that if I had the right thickness rope, I should be able to pull it off. I'm going to go to the hardware store and buy an actual rope starting rope and wrap it tightly as you said and give that a try. Good call, Rod. :) Thanks, appreciate that idea. I should mention that I don't have the proper factory front PTO pulley installed. Instead, I have a Craftsman double drive pulley installed. (The type that has the smaller pulley to pull the mowing deck belt.) I sawed off the smaller pulley, leaving me only the larger pulley. It ran kinda rough with the snowblower, but the best I can do right now while I'm in search for a good front PTO pulley. Again, many thanks, Rod. The same goes to the rest of you guys, always a pleasure.

[wminmi 0]

erick ~ if you need one of the BGB rope sheave pulleys let me know via PM, i have an extra i'm not using

[Ketchamized 2]

William, Sent you a PM. :) Thanks, much appreciated... Erick

[wminmi 0]

got it and replied working on the charging/wiring on the 700, so i may not get back to you right away, but shoot me your address if you would.

[HubbardRA 19]

Erick, When I was working on a 16 Hp Kohler engine for one of my tractors, I put a a pulley about 5 inches in diameter on the output shaft. I started that engine several times with a rope, with the engine just sitting in the floor of my garage with jumper cables hooked to it and a crude gas supply hose running to the carb.

[UCD 14]

Eric Find a Starter alternator rebuild shop in your area and have it rebuilt. I just had one done, new bearings brushes and turn armature $35.00.

[Ketchamized 2]

Rod, :) Sounds a lot like how I do things in my garage too. :) Will have to keep that trick in mind in desperate situations. :) Maynard, Never thought of that. Great idea... Will do that eventually. Right now, my cash flow is kind of on a budget... Moving soon, Christmas is coming, and have to pay my mother's bills on top of ours and on top of everything else. It's a challenge doing all of these things on one income. :) It will be good to move to Indiana in January, as my financial obligations will be greatly reduced.

[ka9bxg 3]

Over the years I tried a few things to start them without a starter. The only thing that worked was a rope start.You could put a pulley off from a engine with the notch in it on the front of the engine. It works but it is a real bear in the winter. Bob

[OldFarmTractor 5]

Too bad you aren't closer, we could do the whole S/G for a song. I might even have brushes that fit from a box I bought at an auction.

[CarlH 436]

As a makeshift starter, I have used an old Ford starter (with a straight shaft). Mounted pulley on engine crank (front or rear as convenient), pulley on starter shaft, starter on pivot mount to engine, and arranged appropriate belt with belt guides. Apply 12 VDC to starter and tighten belt by pivoting starter. Works pretty well.

[Ketchamized 2]

Guys, I appreciate the comments. :) I have talked with William, and he will be helping me out with a rope starter. As for the idea of using rope to pull the front PTO pulley, I will be doing that until my new rope starter arrives in the mail. It's still GREAT to know about all of these starting options for future issues, thank you guys for your great ideas and suggestions- I have printed this page out, and will be keeping it for future reference. OldFarmTractor, Thanks for the comment, appreciate it. I, too would be more than glad to offer my assistance to guys here whenever needed- if they're close enough. :) Well, I'll be moving to Indiana and setting roots there in January, so at that point, I'd be available to the Indianapolis metro area guys for assistance. It's always good to meet new people, hang out, and work on stuff together.

[wminmi 0]

:D

[HubbardRA 19]

Now, instead of a rope, use a belt with the other end over a pulley attached to a chain saw. Crank the saw up, lean back to tighten the belt, and watch your engine start cranking. When you release the belt tension it will flip off the pulley. Seen this done many times on Pro Stock and Modified garden tractor pullers.