Engine recoil

Types of engine recoils

An engine recoil is a pull starter covering the following functional parts: the starter cord, the cord spool, the spring, the housing, and the return system. Generally, the recoil pull start is a type of starter widely used in two-stroke and four-stroke engines. It is also called a manual starter or pull starter.

• Traditional Pull Starter

• Ergonomic Pull Starter

  Due to the increased number of small engine applications that require pull starters, manufacturers began making pull starters with more ergonomic handles. These usually have a wider and more comfortable handle for the user to grasp. It helps to easy pull the cord to start the engine.

• Punctured Pull Starter

  The Perforated recoil pull starter is usually used to lightweight and small engines. Many mopeds and chainsaw manufacturers use this type of pull starter because it can help to reduce the overall size and weight of the engine. It is also, sometimes called a pull starter with a hole.

• Integrated Pull Starter

  Usually, the integrated pull starters are built into the engine as a single unit. They are not able to remove or replace easily and need to replace the whole engine to replace the pull starter. Some small 2-stroke engines like the ones on some outboard motors use integrated pull starters.

• Elastic Return Spring

  The elastic return spring is used to return the pull cord after it has been pulled to start the engine. It helps to recoil the pull cord back into the recoil housing. This type of recoil spring is commonly used in small engines like those found on lawnmowers, edgers, and generators.

• Compact Pull Starter

  Compact pull starters are designed for small engines. They are more lightweight than standard pull starters. It allows manufacturers to fit them into applications where space is limited. Some space-limited products that use this kind of pull starter include snowmobiles, ATVs, and outboard motors.

• Modular Pull Starter

  Modular pull starters are manufactured in modular form. It makes it easy to install and replace in manufacturing assembly lines.

Specification and maintenance of engine recoil

Specification

• Material: Engine recoils are usually manufactured from aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, and other material options that are lightweight and shock-resistant. Heavy-duty options are available in stainless steel for longevity and durability.
• Demension: Dimension includes depth, diameter, and varied design aspects of the recoil. Different versions of the engine have varying aspect dimensions that need to be followed precisely, and OEM services are available to provide variations with specific measurement requirements.
• Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of the engine recoil determines how well the pull cord will stand against the pressure when yanked to start the engine. When designing recoil springs, engineers attempt to give them the proper elasticity so that they neither snap quickly nor take excessive effort to pull.
• Splash Shield: A splash shield is sometimes used in recoils to prevent any oil or fuel from splashing onto the cord or mechanism.
• Operating temperature: Engine recoils can generally withstand high and low temperatures, ranging from -20°C to 70°C; however, exposure to extreme temperature changes for an extended period might cause damage or premature wear to the component.

Maintenance

Engine recoils require minimal maintenance; however, regular inspection and basic care will keep them in good working condition for a long time. Following are a few tips for their maintenance:

• Keep it clean: Dirt, debris, and any other build-up should be removed from the surface of the recoil, especially from the cord. Compressed air or a soft brush can be used to clean the component thoroughly. Make sure not to let any debris fall inside the engine during cleaning.
• Lubrication: A small amount of lubrication on the moving parts of the recoil will keep it functioning smoothly. Lubricate lightly on the shaft and pulley pin using a high-temperature engine oil or lithium grease.
• Inspect the cord: The cord should be inspected for any signs of damage or wear. Immediate replacement should be done if any issue is noticed to avoid further damage to the engine.
• Check spring tension: The spring should be wound tightly, and its tension should be checked from time to time to ensure proper retraction of the cord. If the spring loses tension, it can be re-sprung or replaced with a new one.

Application Scenarios of Engine Recoils

• Lawn Mowers and Trimmers:

  In gardening and landscaping work, the engine recoil starter holds significant value. For instance, lawnmowers and trimmers both rely on engine recoil starters for starting their engines. Lawnmowers generally utilize the recoil starter to start their cutting engines, while trimmers may opt for an automatic engine starting system or choose to go with the recoil starter for their engine to start. Regardless of the equipment type, the gardening professional will need to pull a cord or lever on the recoil starter to have the engine of their chosen equipment start and function.

• Chainsaws:

  Among the various applications of engine recoil starters, chainsaws happen to be one of the most common. Chainsaw makers incorporate the starters into the design of their products so that users are able to easily start their chainsaw engines by pulling a cord or lever attached to the starter. As for the function of the engine recoil starter in chainsaws, this is to start the fuel-powered chainsaw engine. In other words, it is to allow the user to have the chainsaw engine start and be ready for use.

• Portable Generators:

  The role of the engine recoil starter in portable generators is to allow users to start/restart the generator effortlessly, especially when they are outside and off the grid. The starters are quite useful and convenient when there are power outages or when the user simply needs to have additional power supplied. The starter for the generator comes in the form of a cord and lever that the user has to pull to have the generator powered via the engine recoil starter.

• Small Gasoline Engines:

  Gasoline engines are quite small and are generally found in equipment/machines/tools meant for outdoor or non-industrial use. Examples include but are not limited to: go-karts, pressure washers, snow blowers, outboard motors, and ice augers. All of these likely utilize engine recoil starters for easy starting of the gasoline engine.

How to choose engine recoils

Selecting the right engine recoil can be a challenging task. Here are a few factors to make the engine recoil choice easier for users' customers:

• Intent of use:

  Identifying the application the engine recoil will be used is crucial. Knowing what it's going to be used for helps with selecting the right type of recoil starter. Different tools and machines have unique requirements, which could range from a grass trimmer to a chainsaw to a small outboard engine. Once the intended use is identified, it's easier to match the engine's starter needs with the recoil's design and specifications.

• Compatibility with the engine:

  Pay attention to the engine recoil starter's compatibility with the engine type. Take note of the engine's manufacturer's brand, model, and size. This ensures a proper fit and smooth functioning between the recoil starter and the engine it will be paired with.

• Durability and build quality:

  Because the recoil starter is subjected to repeated pulling and exposure to varying environmental conditions, its material, construction, and overall build quality play a big role in determining its durability.

• Smooth pull and return mechanism:

  Check if the recoil starter pull cord smoothly pulls out and reliably returns after being pulled. A well-functioning smooth pull and return mechanism enhances ease of starting the engine and contributes to user satisfaction.

• Service and maintenance:

  The starter recoil engine often requires little service and maintenance over its lifetime. That's why it's important to choose a starter that can be easily serviced when the need arises. By selecting a recoil starter that allows for simple servicing, users can ensure quick repairs and maintain optimal performance with minimal effort.

Engine recoil Q and A

Q1. What is the difference between recoil and starter?

A1. The engine recoil is a type of pull starter and is often referred to as the pull starter. The recoil starter allows users to pull the cord to start the engine. On the other hand, an electric starter allows the user to push a button, which makes the engine start immediately without delays.

Q2. How does the recoil starter work?

A2. The recoil starter works by coiling a strong steel spring. The spring releases when the cord is pulled to advance the engine flywheel. This action leads the engine to start running.

Q3. What type of engine has a recoil starter?

A3. Small-scale motors commonly use the recoil starter. Recoil starters can be found on lawnmowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, and generators.

Q4. What are the possible problems with recoil starters?

A4. Like any method of starting an engine, recoil starters are prone to problems.

• Tearing of the cord

  The most common issue is the tearing of the cord, which results in stress and age.

• Damage to the pulley

  Damage to the starter pulley can occur as a result of pressure applied when coiling the cord.

• Spring wear and tear

  Over time, the recoil starter spring can wear and tear, making it unable to retract the cord.