Not sure what I'm doing wrong here. Using an electric starter (Dynatron on 24 volts), I can't keep it on the spinner! The starter spins a rev or two and then gets thrown off, like it gets out of balance. Last time, it got thrown off and ended up in the prop, breaking the prop. I'm guessing that you have to have the starter lined up with the spinner better, but I didn't think I was that far off. Any hints on how to keep this from happening? 12 volts isn't enough power to start my big engine, so I can't lower the voltage.

This is how I do it:

Prime carb.
Rotate prop backwards till it hits compression.
Attach glow starter.
Place starter on spinner trying to keep it lined up with the crank as best I can.
Using a bit of force, push starter against spinner.
Press starter initiator.
Hopefully engine starts right away.

I have found that fat spinners tend to throw the starter off center more easily than the average spinner.
A softer, more pliable, starter cone may help too.

Since you're using 24V the RPM and torque of the starter may be causing it to jump. Press firmly and good luck.


Jeff

I had used electric starters on .40 and .60 size engines, but the first time I went to use one on a gas engine, it got thrown off as you say. It broke the prop and bent the shaft on the starter. I don't know just what I did wrong but it has never happened again. The prop was $17 but I straightened the shaft in the starter.

Good luck

Jim

You may need an insert with a larger deeper pocket in it.

Definitely push that starter harder against the spinner. If you're only making contact, you'll both mar the spinner as well as slip off.

I think perhaps my problem is the 2 1/2" aluminum spinner. I tried using the starter on my smaller .40 and it works fine, even on 24 volts. I'm guessing the starter cup won't slide far enough onto my larger spinner so it gets off center easily. I tried pushing it on the spinner harder and even took the plug out to see if the engine compression was a factor...it wasn't.

Does anyone know of larger cups that will fit the dynatron? Where can I get one?

Look to Sullivan themselves. They make many different sizes and styles of cups. http://www.sullivanproducts.com/

Jim