Saving Old Seagulls

Got up this morning and decided to have another go at starting the engine from cold again.
2 thirds throttle, open petrol tank screw, close choke, pull full tap, flood carb, wind cord, pull.
Starts first pull.
Bet I won't be able to do that again!

Bet I won't be able to do that again!

And why not? If you have good fresh fuel and started only the day before there is no reason why it should not start first time, espicially if you stop the engine with your hand over the carb!

Nudge wrote:

Bet I won't be able to do that again!

And why not? If you have good fresh fuel and started only the day before there is no reason why it should not start first time, espicially if you stop the engine with your hand over the carb!

I just throttled down. Have not dared try to start it today. I am going to wait until it is not expecting me again!

Here's a challenge for you

Forget starting with a rope

Try using the palm of your hand (yes REALLY)

Warm your engine up beforehand in a test bin so it's up to normal operating temperature. Switch off...leave for 5 mins...offer up a prayer to the gods of internal combustion.... then spin the flywheel with your palm.

If you've got the engine set up spot on it'll hardly take anything to bark back into life.


Jon

Or kick the prop now there's a challenge china's

tambikeboy wrote:Or kick the prop now there's a challenge china's

I do that every time mine won't start!

I've only seen a motor started this way twice! Once in Bermuda & once in NZ.

Both times it was a Seagull with a coolie hat ignition, the motors had been run in the bin until hot, were then taken out to drain & then while still hot were started one handed by a flick of the wrist with extended fingers around the top of the flywheel, both of the owners had arms you wouldn't have wanted a thick ear from & certainly had the knowledge to adjust the timing when I wasn't looking!

I've never managed it, if anyone out there can do it, can you post a short film, we would all love to see it.

Starting a gull without the pull chord. (This is not me!, but here's the proof.)

Perfect proof! no room for doubt!

Thanks

I would also think you would a motor with low compression and well run in?

Here's perhaps one of many to get you started if you think it's a load of old bull.
And not a rope in sight, just the palm of your hand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKzXf3iGovw

I've done this countless times with some of my 102's in a test bin.

Give it a go and see for yourself how easy it is.

Jon

Here's perhaps one of many to get you started if you think it's a load of old bull.
And not a rope in sight, just the palm of your hand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKzXf3iGovw

I've done this countless times with some of my 102's in a test bin.

Give it a go and see for yourself how easy it is.

Jon

I know it can be done! I have done it myself (Only once) out of the water just after funning it for an hour, so it was still Hot.

I bet i could get one of my 40's to do the same.

It helps if the engine has been pre-warmed though.

From cold you'll be there all day trying to get enough momentum into the flywheel.

Jon

Here is another angle on starting performance:- Perhaps the reliability of starting is important. So how many consecutive starts using one pull spaced over several days in general useage can you achieve? I am on holiday on the coast in south Devon and my FV2682, so far has achieved 13 consecutive one pull starts spaced over 5 days. This is just asking for trouble as probably the old thing wont start at all next time! Fingers crossed!
Jeremy

Jeremy. (where have you been hiding?)

You and i both know that 2682 is one of your particular favourites. I like it too. It's seen quite a lot of action with you over the last couple of years, and provided it's kept in running condition, i can see it maintaining it's reputation as an easy starter.

This might perhaps be a fairer test if you used another FV from your collection that hasn't been run much over the years.

I tried SJP26291 the other day, firstly to see if the thing still runs. It does
Secondly,i warmed the engine up in the test bin for 10 mins then shut off.
Wait 5 mins or so (or in my case the length of time to make a brew)
Re-start the engine BY HAND. Easier said than done!

5 ropeless spins later and it spluttered back into life again.Woohoo With a rope i'm sure it would have started much quicker.

Jon