Hello GIII,
Here is what the free info at utterpower says about that:
CRANK HANDLE
Listers start easy and with little problem
But, if you are new to this engine it can be intimidating at first, try the following to build your confidence. Place your crank handle on the crank shaft, study the detent, spring, and keeper. Take it apart and clean, de-burr, and lube all pieces. Place the handle back on the crank and note the inward side. This face should be smooth and free of any casting marks. If it's not flat and smooth dress it on a grinder and make it that way. This will prevent the handle from hanging up on the gib key and whipping around after a start, .....sure you'd have to be drinking to push the handle that far inward, but it could be someone else that does it. Another note, don't let go of the handle after the engine starts unless there's some sort of resistance to your effort. Hold on to it and walk it off the crank, and start this process as soon as it fires. You must clean the inside of the ring and apply some graphite, rub it into the metal with a paper towel, this will make it slick and build your confidence that it's not going to bind or stick when you're walking it off the crank. Also, remove that paint off the starting side of the crank shaft and apply some more graphite. Once you've started a Lister 5 or six times, all your worries leave, but remember the importantance of keeping the surfaces clean, and well lubed. It's an easy engine to start. but you don't do it with loose fitting clothing, or without a common sense approach.
The start handle is not designed to be fool proof, and the fit and finish of start handles I've seen puts them in the 'KIT' class. That is, you have all the parts necessary to build a proper start handle, but you need to take time to smooth down the critical dimensions and remove the ragged edges. As a final warning... I am surrounded by people who should NEVER start a Lister. They should never be allowed near a running open flywheel engine. Fact is, these are the same individuals that should never set foot on your property, because they have been raised victims and believe that they have no personal responsibility for their own safety, it is the rest of the world that is responsible for their welfare.
Says it all, IMHO.
Fuddy Duddy
