I recently bought a cheapo Lister LR1 engine - an air-cooled 2hp @ 900rpm unit which had been sat in a garden for some time.
Surprisingly, the oil looked OK, and there was diesel in the tank, so I had a go at starting it - no joy, I got a few pops and clouds of clag, but nothing resembling an actual running engine...
So, I set to and modded an old car flywheel (turned most of the weight off the outer rim, the LR1 already has a flywheel, it doesn't need another one), turned & milled a hub for it so it would mount onto the Lister's camshaft. 2 bits of flat iron were needed to mount the starter motor, I need a 3rd bit to prevent the starter from flapping about too much when running, and also to ensure it engages properly when the solenoid operates.
I then discovered just how hard a start it really is.... I took this video to show the claggy old beastie firing up. Until she's got a bit of warmth, I just can't make the revs pick up. Once warmed up, the engine runs freely, and will re-start on a single compression stroke. Speaking of compression, it is mental, the starter motor won't turn it over compression without a run up, or the use of the decompression lever:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hsv8Bbo6D4[/youtube]
This engine is destined to be converted to a throttle-controlled machine, and will be mounted onto the "Clagobility Scooter", aka Granny Chariot.... one of these:
Inspired by this:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5_7KQ7rYKs[/youtube]