Good idea! The stovebolt engines aren't prone to kick back like the Model T or Model A engines, because they don't have a manual spark advance. Forgetting to put the spark lever in the "retard" position on a T model was a guaranteed way for the engine to try to run backwards, and take the crank with it. On most tractors, the magneto has an "impulse coupling" which serves to retard the spark while it's winding up the spring to snap the mag around faster than cranking speed. Keeping any engine well-tuned is the secret to successful hand-cranking, even a lawn mower or chain saw!
Jerry
Last edited by Hotrod Lincoln; 01/17/2011 5:24 AM.
