A recoil?
 

Whenever I stumble across an older Cub, my first question is, "did that engine come with a recoil start"? To this day I have not found anyone interested enough to talk about rebuilding the recoil starter offered on only a few "originals". I really would like to switch to electric start with the engine I have, but don't know enough about it. When it came to engines, my dad said you should keep it simple. Too many moving parts to break down takes away seat time. He still thinks he can pull start a steam locomotive. I say, my back will thank me if I can start the engine from the seat. Anyone experienced in that area? I'm running a K161T. Once it runs, it's smooth. I've never heard this old of an engine idle so low, you can hear the pause between firings. Thanks for listening.

The recoil start was an option. You don't hear of many Originals with the recoil start. Also, the recoil start was an option on the 70, 71 and 72. :beerchug:

I would keep the recoil start on that tractor and pickup another tractor with electric start

Not sure if I understand your question, or if there even a is question...

However IMHO, if you have an Original with an original recoil start, it is much more valuable as it is. If I'm not mistaken the dash towers on the ones without electric start weren't drilled for the key switch or start button, and I believe there were some other minor differences between them and the electric start models.

You have a true classic there and I believe that it would be a real shame to compromise it's original integrity.

You mentioned something about "rebuilding the recoil starter". If your recoil needs attention, check with our sponsors or watch epay, as parts do come available from time to time.

Thanks for the reply's. I'm not sure if this engine came with the tractor. Is there any way to tell? The reasoning is that the tower does have holes in it for the key and choke I'm guessing, like Yosemite Sam was mentioning. And there are two mounting holes on the starboard side of the engine for what i'm think is a starter. Here are a few pics of it. Would any of you know if all of this series engine block were fitted for electric start? Spec 28498E, Serial 616792.

you said in your first post that it is a model number K161T and the T means it is a recoil start. If it was a K161S than it would be a electric start. As far as yout tower goes, I know it should have a key switch in it, but I'm not sure about the choke cable.

AJ

nave a orig that im gonna fix up and gonna put a recoil starter on it just cus i think that its neet and no one on here has talked about them at all never here anyone talk about recoils on this site and wanted one just to be different

here's a pic of the recoil. the problem lies just under the washer. there's a toggle that trips the dogs, but the one on here was homemade. the dogs are fine and i have a new cup. when i pull on the cord the dogs fight to engage and then stay in that position, not recoiling the cord.:bigthink:

If interested you can buy them on ebay - new old stock $49.95. Here's the link..... Recoil

thanks cubby