Pull Starter Squeal

M

M0t

Forum Newbie
Hi Everyone!
This is a general question that refers to Briggs engines with the pull starter and the square drive and the balls in the pocket underneath. I have repaired these engines my whole life but sometimes the pull starter still squeals and spits out the rope. I have done the suggested steps. Clean the crank bullnose where it enters the ratchet assembly, clean inside the square tube, lube the rope pulley etc. Often that is enough, but sometimes it seems like it just wants to squeal. I have tried lubricating the bull nose with dry lube, like teflon spray, I have tried leaving it clean and dry. But in a few cases none of that seems to work, or just works for a short while. I am wondering if there is some other cause. Maybe the recoil spring needs to be wound tighter? Anyone have new or different ideas on this? Thanks.
 
And sometimes no matter how hard you clean/polish it still squeals.

I think you covered it all. Polish the shaft. Clean inside the starter clutch with emery paper and a shotgun cleaning rod using a drill. Drop of oil on the felt and of course clean those dirty balls LOL

I’ve had one or two and it’s was just time for a new one and call it a day. What’s your time worth?
 
The clutch balls do wear into the aluminum and hang, especially with age and lots of running in dusty environments. Most people say to never use any lubricant inside the clutch. Only the top of the crank stem requires just light oiling with a rag.
There is a felt washer in the top of the square drive to add a drop or two of oil also.
 
I had one even with a new OEM Briggs starter clutch she howled. Polished the crank up nice. Little lube on the felt. Had to tough talk it with a few curse words till she quieted down LOL.
 
When I started out in a CO-OP in the late 70's noisy starter clutches and replacing points was a daily routine for me.

Of course, back then, people actually took their lawn equipment to the local shop for annual maintenance.
 
I've noticed that the first time you hear one squeal, it does not EVER heal itself and it will get lots worse and really sad when you see it spit out the rope and the rope stays out..:eek:

The squeal is most generally a friction between the crankshaft stub and the inside of the starter that the stub fits into. the crankshaft stub needs cleaned with emery cloth and the inside of the starter needs cleaned and if it still squeals replace the starter AND sometimes you can loosen the air cowling bolts wiggle the air cowling then snug down the bolts. the air cowling is holding the starter assembly crooked.


Read post #4.
 
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