Electric vs recoil start

[Doo-Daa]

Just as a question, How many are running a recoil starter vs an electric starter?

The root of this question is that I'm running a Kohler 340 (ex John Deere snowmobile Free Air engine) in my Hustler, and I have just bought a Kohler 440 (ex Rupp snowmobile Fan Cooled engine), for a swap out.

Being that both of these are 2 strokes, might make a bit of difference. As most 4's (of the sizes we use) come with electric start.

But I'm wondering if it would be worth it to try and find the parts for the 440. I don't think the 340 ever had electric start as an option.

Any thoughts, ideas, or helpfull info would be greatly appreciated.
(And OBTW, I already know hard it is to pull start my hustler while in the water, so that one is obvious.)

[atvrider93]

um, personally I dont mind pullstarting an engine but if I have to I want it to be in good shape so I know it will start quick

[6X6]

Hi:
My Attex Wolf is electric start, with Recoil as backup (Important!)
My Racer (Pending engine approval, still ) will be recoil only.
Anything besides a racer Electric start is just too darn convenient. With the racer the starter motor adds weight, wiring, and of course, the battery.
Free Air motors are usually race engines, and very high output, but in an AATV they don't get the amount of airflow they require unless VERY carefull planning it done, including planning on lots of low speed and sitting idle. So I guess you don't have the motor for the Kohler 440? I would look, of course that is if you have the $$ for the motor, solenoid, wiring, battery, and any mods you may need to do to add each component. It MAY or MAY NOT have a rectifier if it was previously manual start, I don't know the Kohler engines that well. (But you can purchase a Reg/Rec. for not too much.

[Doo-Daa]

I don't mind pulling the 340, usually starts with the 1st / 2nd pull after my initial start for the day. On the initial start, I might have to fuss with it depending on how long the hustler has sat since my last time out.
The 440 has started relatively easy on the garage floor, but it does need a tweak or two on the carb/fuel pump.

But you are right, an electric start is damn convienant and easy to get used too.

The 440 does not have an electric start, but those parts are available. Affordable, I don't know. I'd need a bendix starter, and ring gear. Soleniod is easy, any Ford one would do. And I'd keep the pull start anyway as a back-up.

I'm already running a battery as both engines already have a charging system. The 340 is rated at 200 watts, not sure what the 440 is at. I'm used to little watt outputs anyway, they're simillar to old motorcycles. (enough to maintain the charge on a battery, but not enough to significantly charge a battery).

The Free Air does alright, I've ducted air into the engine space, and have a 10" electric fan from a KIA, to move the air, and I run a cylinder head temp gauge. When I see it getting too hot, I flip the fan to high, and keep on going. The set-up has worked extremely well so far.

[Jeff t-boss]

My Briggs has both, and I am quite spoiled on the electric start. I only use the boss for recreational/hunting purposes though. As the members touched on, if you intend to race, all that extra equipment will add weight. With the recoil start as your only means, again as the members touched on, you have to make sure the motor is in good tune so your not yankin' and yankin'. As a backup recoil is nice in the event your charging systemor battery dies. The motor will still run on the magnetos if the battery is dead. You just have to roll it over. But with that too, make sure the motor is in good tune. As far as getting all you need to ADD the starter system, It might be cheaper to find a motor that is already set up with a starter. But then you still have to get harnesses and a battery. Bottom line in my opinion would be; If you are racing/competing, leave the electric start alone. Just keep the motor in good tune. If your in leisurely use, and have the time/money, go ahead and add the electric starter system. (OLD FART NOTE: The older we get, the more we like/rely on the electric start.)