Small Gas Engine Starter

It was once easy to start this Craftsman Pressure Washer engine, but now that it (and I) have a few years of use, it just gets harder to start.
I've used the socket & extension on a drill before, but when the engine catches it overruns the drill.
So, you gotta be quick to get the tool off the nut. Or risk unscrewing the nut.
Even so, the last time I used a Makita drill to start the engine, it overran enough to cause some sparking in the back-end of the drill Not good.

After giving it some thought, I had an "aha moment" and looked for a Sprag or One-way Clutch Bearing.
This would allow torque being applied in one direction, and free wheeling for the overrunning. The Craftsman engine's recoil starter was clockwise.
But, if it were CCW, it would only require that the Sprag Bearing be installed in the opposite way; flipped over.

First thing was to remove the recoil (rope) starter assembly. Just 3 pop-rivets to drill out.

Attachment 36031

Had to cut and re-weld and re-position the accessories bracket for clearance...

Attachment 36040

The Sprag Bearing;

Attachment 36039

Took a while to make the aluminum adapter...

Attachment 36033
The 4) holes were only used to turn the alum to some stops with a handle, while milling the secondary or inner radii that would clear the inside of the pressed steel starting flange.
After finishing it, it became apparent that it didn't need the inner radii at all; which would have saved alot of time as those could have been straight cuts across the sides. I'll remember that for "the next time"
There's a roll pin (lower right of center) that the outer race is keyed to, preventing slippage.

The round part or shaft was made for a slip fit with the Sprag Clutch Bearing with a key-way & key.


Drilled a 3/8" hole in the opposite end of the shaft, heated it up dull red and pressed in a length of 3/8" hex key.

Attachment 36032

It worked great for starting the engine.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17SC...ew?usp=sharing


Anyone needing the Sprag Bearing number and source, PM me.
This task could also be accomplished with a ratcheting 1/2 drive adapter.....but that would be too easy, right?

gatz

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Thanks gatz! We've added your Small Gas Engine Starter to our Miscellaneous category,
as well as to your builder page: gatz's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

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much safer than some of the ideas I've come up with

Hi Gatz...Impressive, could you send me the info on the Sprague bearing and any info on how to design the driven adapter...
Thannks,
Benny

I would like the bearing no.

@benny142 @allenz

Sorry for not getting back sooner.

The Sprag Bearing # is CSK 17PP ( 17x40x12 )
I bought it on eBay. It came from China, but it appears to be good quality.
@benny142
I sent a message about the drawings