OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Edgers Two Stroke Edgers Victa tiltacut kickback...?

Hi guys,

i have come across a gear start tiltacut that has me stumped...

i get kickback when trying to start the edger (as if there is too much compression). The decompressor is fine (i have tested it on other mowers with no ill effects). I understand that with mowers a loose base plate would cause this effect, but i dont understand what could be causing it in the edger... (apart from a bent crank, but i find it hard to imagine a full crank would be bent, especially on a edger where the belt/blade would give way if i smacked anything hard before the crankshaft...)

the edger start mechanism feels smooth without a decompressor OR/AND without a spark plug.

so,im really out of ideas...


Happy to hear from anyone!

regards,
R.bag

Make sure the belt is tight, if the belt is stretched and loose it may kick back.

Also make sure it has a tilt a cut flywheel on it, same as a mower one except it should have a steel band around it for extra weight, if this is absent and has a mower one It may also kick back.

Lastly it might be worth checking the ignition module, if that has gone faulty over th years the timing could be out.

Ok,

im really having trouble understanding this concept with the ignition module (funny enough my mate recommended i do the same).

I dont understand how a faulty ignition module could cause this issue if im trying to simply crank over the engine with the decompressor and spark plug installed. Isn't it all simply mechanical at this point? (there's no fuel, no spark since its been disconnected and the throttle lever is on 'stop').

am i missing something here? (the belt checked out just fine and the flywheel also has the steel band).

It can't do what is known as kickback unless it has fuel and spark. Kickback is the engine firing far enough before TDC for the crankshaft to reverse direction violently, propelled by combustion in the chamber. It is technically possible to get kickback from a very hot engine without ignition, due to preignition, but you seem to be saying this engine is cold.

If a cold engine with no fuel and no spark resists going past top dead center and reverses direction, either it is mechanically jammed or the compression pressure exceeds the strength and momentum of your arm. It sounds as if the decompressor may not be functioning, even though you say the decompressor itself has been tested and is OK. The next thing to check is the hose running to it. I suppose it might also be possible that the decompressor port in the combustion chamber is carboned up, or you have a Powerplus head.

You didn't meantion that at first about having no fuel or ignition, tilt a cuts always have very solid compression, the movement of the piston will close a decompressor on most 2 stroke victas, the vacuum hose acts as a aid to it. All of my full crank tilt a cuts have been like this, powertorque ones are a little milder.