Trouble Starting My Hellfire

[sbisson1]

I'm new to the hobby and just bought a hellfire. I got it running and all was good then a buddy was trying it out and pulled the starter and broke the spring in it. I changed the starter but it still won't start. when I pull the starter now it won't wind back up. What is wrong and what do I do? If anyone can help me I'd appreciate it.

[DavidB]

Did you replace the entire starter unit?
You need to use rapid, short quick pulls on the cord. You don't want to pull it all the way out. That is the quickest way to break the cord or the spring.

You can pick up HPI's RotoStart system and get rid of the pull start as an option.

[DaveC]

If you replaced the pullstart unit as a complete unit, it's possible that you inserted the one way bearing (OWB) into the spool the wrong way. The first time you pulled the cord did the motor pop over? If not, then the OWB was in backwards. Now the recoil spring is trying to turn over the engine.....not gonna happen.

Take off the PS housing, flip over the OWB, put it back together, and try again.

[sbisson1]

The engine did pop but then doesn't reel in the cord again.

[Greg B]

Sounds as if things are getting a little gummed up. If your using the hpi 4.6 engine, the one way bearing can't be installed wrong as there is only way one it can go. This bearing is on the inside on the engine and may need cleaned or replaced. Once you have done that, install the starting shaft, part#15234 and see if it will free turn counter-clockwise and turn the engine over by turning clockwise. Be sure to seal up the backplate and a little sealant around the pull start assembly can keep things nice and clean, just be careful to spread really thin on the outside edge only.
Fresh fuel and spent fuel not to mention water inside the starter rope assembly can attract dirt real quick so keep it clean.
There are 2 other recoils that will fit all HPI k series engines. Axial 28 and Axial 32 but the HPI version is stronger in my opinion.

Hope this helps.

Greg B.