Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Their engines were really easy to start in cold weather.

Paul7 wrote:
I'm not sure I'm experiencing anything unique about the Tecumseh engine in terms of starting.  I don't see it as being easier than the rest.  All my engines, even the Chinese Honda clone on my Toro is easy to start. 

Although I'm developing a liking to the sound of Tecumseh flat head engine.  Just a raw and rauscious sophisticated brap brap.  Annoying sound at 6 oclock in the morning, but sounds just perfect muffled by a deep blanket of snow. 

Now, the Stihl 4 mix engines on my string trimmer, on the other hand, that is a pain in the arse to start even in the summer.  Runs and sounds really good when it does run.  Although I frequently curse German engineering.   :)  Runs great, pain to work on.

The old Tecumseh engines were easy to start because their carbs weren't designed/built to run so lean and the carb was very simple to adjust.  However, I agree that if proper starting methods are used (prime/choke), modern engines will generally start easy.  Provided the fuel system is properly maintained.  Bad maintenance habits cause more starting grief than anything else. 

Not missing mine one bit. The new B&S on my simplicity 1524P starts on one pull every time, has more power, and burns less gas.