Cyclone electric start install

[Don O]

I am attempting to install electric start on my 76 Cyclone 440. I have a starter and wiring from a 1972 model. Looks like I need to find a different diode (rectifier).
Two wire, not three. Where do I find one and what do I need to know about to get the right one. Circuit breaker should be ok?
Starter from 72 ok on 76? It took three to find a good one!
My 76 Cyclone 340 has an electric start, that helps.
Any help on this greatly appreciated.

Don O

[harleysportster]

Don,
The electric start kit on the '72 model was different than the 76-78. The '72 used a "full wave" recitifer which if you took it apart, it had 4 diodes inside. The later 76-78 used a 1/2 wave rectifier which is simply a single diode. ( I can explain how it works if you send a pm) I don't know the size of the diode, maybe someone has a spare. The starter soleniod is a common type used on lawn equipment but the style has changed thru the years.

[Don O]

I have the wiring diagrams for both years and see the difference, I need a diode and so far have not come up with one. The other question,
does the earlier model starter work on the 76 cyclone. Going to have to raise the motor from the mounting plate to install the starter, maybe even take the motor
off to install starter and then bolt it back on mounting plate. I do have starter relay and circuit breaker and a NOS battery box thanks to JDChad1.

[harleysportster]

I believe the starter is the same. When it is used on a mid-mount engine, both mounting studs are used. Only the upper stud is used on the Cyclone along with a bracket that bolts to the rear of the starter and the lower engine crankcase. You do not have the remove the engine in the Cyclone to install it. You may also need a shim between the starter and fan tower mounting to space out the starter from the flywheel.

[Don O]

OK that makes sence, no room for it anyway. Could be a challange to remove the stud however!
How thick would that shim be? .015- .020

Don O

[harleysportster]

Don,
The original shim is the same thickness as the cover plate that you will have to remove. If you have a hole saw that is close to the hole that the starter mounts in, use the saw and cut the hole out of the cover plate. Just asking, does your engine have the flywheel with the ring-gear?

[Don O]

Yes we have a ring gear, stud bolt cut off , starter goes in, measured distance for starter gear engaging, should not need a shim but,
the end support bracket does not fit, will need to drill new holes between the ones there. have an extra bracket so that gives two tries to get it right!
Actually the older starters must be shorter as the end support bracket not only is turned wrong but a good half inch away from the starter. All wrong!
Thanks for all your help.

Don

[400brian]

Yes, on the /5 engines on up, the starter is rotated and installed in a different position than the earlier engines. Thus the support bracket is different, and the later starters were a different length ( best to my recollection).

I must admit I don't understand not using the bottom mounting stud.

I have a starter bolted onto my 440/23 out of a '78 Liquifire, and used both studs.

[harleysportster]

Yes, on the /5 engines on up, the starter is rotated and installed in a different position than the earlier engines. Thus the support bracket is different, and the later starters were a different length ( best to my recollection).

I must admit I don't understand not using the bottom mounting stud.

I have a starter bolted onto my 440/23 out of a '78 Liquifire, and used both studs.

Brian,
The engine in the Liquifire is more accesssable than the Cyclone. The bottom stud on the Cyclone is buried, the edge of the engine plate covers the stud.

[Don O]

harleytsportster you have a pm.

Don O

[Sprailfire340]

I just tore down a 440/23 out of a 78 LF that had a starter installed. The motor plate was notched (crudely) to allow better access for the lower bolt. I didn't pay much attention to it at the time, but now you have me wondering why it was notched if it didn't need to be.

[harleysportster]

harleytsportster you have a pm.

Don O

Don,
Pm sent back.

[Don O]

Harleysportster, pm sent,
Don

[harleysportster]

Email sent.

[harleysportster]

If you have any questiions, I'll be in the chat room for a few minutes.