I haven't tried it yet; but is it possible to start an engine with a spring starter by flipping it. I have a Q50 that the spring start is messed up on. I'm thinking there must be a technique to flip start it. I took the spring off. I'm wondering if there is more to it than just flipping it like a CD ignition. Not sure flipping it would get the magnetics past the pickup fast enough. thanks.

The only trick is to give it a good slap, not just a casual flip. Lots of guys start their magneto engines by hand, but when you have it primed and ready to start, you have to get your arm swinging and give it some follow-through. Wear a thick glove.

A few years ago when G62's were all the rave at my flying field, hand starting by the guys there was the norm. The secret seemed to lie in the relationship between the magnets and prop position prior to TDC.

Primed until dripping wet, a few good slaps with a heavy gloved hand always seemed to get them going. A few were fitted with recoil spring starters which helped, but they enjoyed very little popularity due to constant breakages, which might have been due to a lack of maintenance.

Karol

Years ago, all I had was mag type gassers. I had mostly Sacks but also had Huskies and Zenoahs. My procedure was much the same as with the Electronic engines I have now. Always started them by hand (except my hard starting Tarus[>:]) After all preflight and radio checks, and the plane tied down or held:

Choke on
switch on
full throttle
glove on
smack through compression till it fires and chokes out (usually 3-5 turns)
choke off
throttle to idle
smack through compression till it fires again and idles. (usually 3 or 4 turns)

Most of these engines like to be fairly wet to start.

That's exactly how I do my G-62. Works every time. The 5.8 with electronic ign. only need a switch off choke then one flip and it run's every time.

Ok Guys

Slapping them thru is great for those that don't have arther-I-tus in there wriasts, Then its big electric units or spring starters and I can buy a lot of springs for the price of an electric

Personally, I have always found it easier to slap them through compression, then wind them up for a spring start. And no need to lug around that battery or starter. I guess whatever works for you. For me, simple is better.

Ram

You are right K.I.S. is the only way, but figure 5 flights werst case 5 slaps per flight = 25 for the day next morning I cant move the wriast so next best thing for me is springs.

Make sure you have the prop lined up with the notch cut-outs or you will never get a pop out of her.
Don't ask me how I know.

Better still if you have the time and a little extra cash. Pull the engine and send it to CH Ignition or RC Ignition and have it converted to electronic ignition. That dumps a lot of extra weight and makes them easy to start with the prop in any mounted position. You'll still prolly have it mounted 2:00-7:00 though.

I start quite a few of mine by hand.Like pat Roy said.most important part is to have the magnets and a prop blade both pointing at about 2 oclock position.then just lightly flip or slap the prop blade through the coil.like a follow through like any of the sports movments.All the speed you want,you want in the 4 inch arc between 2 oclock and 10 oclock position.Also prime the carb good by turning engine over with finger over carb at least 6 times.Combine all the info from all these posts and you should have it working for ya.

I prefer the 1:00 position to the start of compression. That way, your hand is out of harms way going up not level or down. I feel this gets me out of the radius of the prop sooner. Just a subtle thing, but I have never gotten my hand in a gas engine prop in over 17 years of starting them by hand. It works for me.

Some procedures may give you a better chance, but most important is to never take a caviler attitude to the starting of one of these, keep a healthy respect for the energy they possess, and have someone with you for a second pair of eyes and hands to help hold the beast.