OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Victa Lawn Mower Frames 160CC Victa 2 stroke with Side Starter ~ Help Plz

Hi guys,

I'm seeking some assistance regarding what I believe is a 160CC (Non Powertorque engine) Victa 2 Stroke which has the starter pull cord mechanism mounted on the side ~ 'Side Starter' model.


1) I have removed the side starter mechanism from the mower as per Service Manual instructions PDF
I found online.
I followed the procedure and seem to have successfully replaced cord and tensioned the
mechanism cord pulls and retracts OK).
2) I reattached the starter as per instruction and tightened the 3 mounting bolts securely.
3) Whilst I was tinkering I decided to remove the G4 Carburettor, cover/fuel tank assembly, throttle cable and air hose in order to renew worn parts and clean the carburettor.
Ignition Kill Wires have been removed from the Carby.
4) Yesterday whilst continuing work on the Carby, I pulled the Starter Cord and noticed that while it pulls and retracts ok, it doesn't seem to cause the flywheel on the top of the engine to rotate??

5) I manually turned the flywheel and can feel and hear that the engine has compression.

QUESTION:

Should pulling the starter cord whilst the Carby, throttle cable etc is removed still cause the flywheel to move as if starting the mower?

Have I missed something when replacing the Side Starter back onto the mower or is there some other issue or broken part(s) needing attention.

I would appreciate any assistance with trouble shooting this problem from any member that is familiar with these Side Starters.

Thank you in advance.

Gtrman

Hi gtrman,
To help answer your question, I have just pulled one off a mower so I can see how it works for myself and may help you with your issue.
The pull starter should still work as it is a separate unit within itself.
Having taken mine off and looked, you may have the holding clip and bracket in the wrong position. See photos below: -

The legs of the clip should be either side of the long leg of the metal post of the bracket.

The above is looking from under the bracket.

This shows the legs of the clip in the recoiled position.

Make sure the rounded end of the holding clip is under the metal bracket.

When you pull the cord, the holding clip moves to the space in the holding bracket and allows the gear to move up the screw to contact the gear under the flywheel.

The holding clip rotates under the metal holding bracket and moves back when the cord recoils.
Hope this makes sense.
Cheers
Daryl

Hi Daryl,

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such a detailed reply.

I shall remove the Starter mechanism tomorrow and check that the holding bracket and clip is positioned as you have described.

I'm assuming that if the holding bracket is not in the correct place/alignment this will explain why the flywheel does not turn when i attempt to pull the starter cord? (sorry if this a dumb question).


As you can tell, I am not a mechanical expert although I have removed and serviced the G4/LM carby and refurbished (stripped the rusted metal cowling and handle back to bare metal and resprayed)on the mower which was relatively straight forward. Leaning through tinkering and asking people with more knowledge is how I usually how i teach myself how to repair/restore things.

I'll report back once I have removed the starter mechanism, checked/reassembled if required and reinstalled it back onto the machine.

Thanks again for your help Daryl !

Cheers, Gtrman

Just check that when you pull the cord the toothed gear moves up the helix. It may be the clip in the wrong place as suggested. I don't know if it is possible that when you had it apart the helix could be put on upside down, had a person do it on their Briggs starter motor and then wonder why it wouldn't throw in to engage the flywheel.

I usually am pretty careful when disassembling and layout all components in sequence BUT I will check that too !

Thank you for your help aussietrev !

Cheers,

Gtrman.


PS: The model number on my mower is KU 398 A1 which I believe is a 1982-83 Silver Streak version with a flat Black plastic cover over the engine and not the more rounded cover as per this YouTube Video ?? Any clarification on model vintage is also appreciated.