Thanks for the suggestions. Much as I love projects, I've already got a list ahead of me that is frightening. Also all the belts and pulleys look a bit deadly to fingers and doggies tails. I'm able to start my ac1 with the manual handle but the wife isn't so a simple starter motor option is all im looking for at this stage. Maybe even with a 240v battery charger to keep the battery alive... am in Ireland and don't see any cheap electric start ac1s listed anywhere...