Specifications
35
CHAPTER 5 REWIND STARTERS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Rewind starters used on vertical shaft Tecumseh engines are top mount horizontal pull style or side mount vertical pull
style. Horizontal shaft engines use side mounted starters which can be mounted to pull either vertically or horizontally.
All rewind starters except the vertical pull style turn the engine over by engaging a dog(s) into the starter cup attached to
the engine flywheel. The vertical pull starter engages the starter gear into the ring gear of the flywheel to turn the engine
over. All starters are spring loaded to retract the dog(s) or starter gear when the engine speed exceeds the turning speed
of the starter.
OPERATION
As the starter rope is pulled, the starter pulley rotates on the center pin. The starter dog(s) is pinned or pocketed in the
pulley hub and extends outward when the pulley's rotation forces the starter dog(s) to contact the ears on the retainer.
The retainer ears act as a ramp to fully extend the starter dog(s). The fully extended starter dog(s) locks in contact with
notches in the starter cup. When the engine fires and the rotational speed of the starter cup exceeds the starter pulley,
the starter dog(s) disengages from the starter cup. The starter dog spring(s) returns the starter dog(s) to the disengaged
position. The recoil spring turns the starter pulley in the opposite direction, retracting the starter rope until the handle
contacts the stop.
COMPONENTS
SERVICE
Starter related problems will require the starter to be removed from the engine to diagnose the cause. Visually inspect the
starter dog(s), starter cup, retainer, springs, rope, washers, and the starter pulley for wear or breakage. Use one of the
following procedures that applies to your application, to disassemble, repair, and assemble the starter. Always consult
the Tecumseh Master Parts Manual for the correct replacement parts.
ROPE SERVICE
Rope replacement should be done using the correct part number replacement rope or braided rope of the correct diameter
and length. Consult the Tecumseh Master Parts Manual to obtain the correct part number, length, and size required. Use
the following rope chart to convert a numbered rope to a fractional diameter for bulk rope use.
# 4 1/2 rope = 9/64" (3.572 mm) diameter Part No. 730526 100' (30.48 meters) spool
# 5 rope = 5/32" (3.964 mm) diameter Part No. 730514 100' (30.48 meters) spool
# 6 rope = 3/16" (4.762 mm) diameter Part No. 730516 100' (30.48 meters) spool
PULLEY
CAM DOG
HANDLE
1
2
BRAKE WASHER
SPRING & KEEPER
DOG SPRING
RETAINER
BRAKE SPRING
DOG
HOUSING
SPRING PIN
BRAKE SPRING
WASHER
WASHER
RETAINER
HANDLE
ROPE
STARTER HOUSING
PULLEY AND REWIND
SPRING ASSY.
STARTER DOG
DOG SPRING
CENTER SCREW