Recoil popping back with extreme force

bhenson

bhenson

Moderator
Hey everyone. Recently guys have been complaining that when they pull the recoil ( Yes I know electric start is the way to go ) that the rope keeps popping back with extreme force. In some cases breaking rope and coming out of their hands. Before there are some injuries due to this matter can anyone shed some light on what may be causing this.

Thanks!!!
 
Haven't had that happen, so don't know for sure, but might suspect the exhaust valve is out of adjustment and not releasing prescribed compression? Have a GX 390 and the starter motor stopped spinning it - would try but then it would just click. Exhaust valve was the culprit.
 
Ok watched the video. Went out there and took it apart. The one on the left is very loose and I mean loose. But the nuts are still tight. Gonna take it in tomorrow morning to be on safe side. looks like a fire waiting to happen. Will up date tomorrow. Thanks Ted
 
bhenson said:
Ok watched the video. Went out there and took it apart. The one on the left is very loose and I mean loose. But the nuts are still tight. Gonna take it in tomorrow morning to be on safe side. looks like a fire waiting to happen. Will up date tomorrow. Thanks Ted
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Bryan, that's the culprit. It's not opening all the way. While your in there in the morning check the intake too.
 
bhenson said:
Will do thanks again
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Just remembered something else. While you're in there check the plate that guides the lifter rods. I had one of those break and it caused the intake valve (it's on the right) to stop working. That ended the party in a hurry!

I live in a big city but soon found out that nobody stocks that part. So I ordered two.
 
When Honda went to thinner push-rods and rockers.. the valve-adjustment issues became common.
..and snapping back the recoil rope is the first indicator.
..and the Chinese copies have the exact same problem.
 
BTW..
when ever you have to fix a pullstart rope.. just replace it.. with the SOLID braid version rope,
.. and go up a size in thickness..
.. you won't break it again.

If you don't want to go searching for it.. I can send you one.
..that's what suppliers do.
:{)
 
I was getting some 'snap back', but I thought it was built up pressure in the pump. I started holding the spray gun open while I started the engine and the problem went entirely away. I'm not saying it has nothing to do with the exhaust valve adjustment, just that it worked for me. I may need to check my valves too, just to be sure.
 
Yes, in some cases compression built-up in the pump can be the culprit. Unloaders with EZ-Start valves in them help eliminate this problem. Also there are EZ-start valves available that will eliminate back pressure when pulling a manual start engine. Like mentioned above, holding the trigger open when starting can help with this too. We see a lot of small engines come in that never have had the rocker arms checked and often they do need adjustment. Certainly one area of maintanence that is often overlooked.
 
N.A.P.W.O said:
We see a lot of small engines come in that never have had the rocker arms checked and often they do need adjustment. Certainly one area of maintanence that is often overlooked.
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Mea Culpa. But not anymore. Moving forward I am going to look at them at each oil change.
 
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