Fitting Starter on old Thwaites?

[jmak]

Just bought an old 4wd Thwaites dumper two cylinder handle start, I think 3 tons or thereabout. There is a 6 bolt blanking plate down on the right hand side of the engine from front. Anyone know if I can fit a starter motor there?
Thanks.

[essexpete]

I would guess the problem could be no starter ring on the flywheel?

[mechman]

If its a petters ph2 the Starter rings are still out there but you may have to have the fly wheel machined to suit.
Norm

[FOWLER MAN]

If its a petters ph2 the Starter rings are still out there but you may have to have the fly wheel machined to suit.
Norm

Yes, and removing the flywheel from the Petters is no mean task for the unintiated.
The flywheel will be fixed with a tapered key which can in itself be difficult to remove. I used to make a steel wedge to drive between the jib end of the key and the flywheel.
This usualy worked quite well but if the jib end is damaged there is a problem and I have had to weld a nut to the key to be able to draw it out, ( probably why Petters always speciffied a new key).

The flywheel, though a sliding fit on the shaft when new, can become stubborn to remove and I have made various pulling tools over the years.
Petters reccomend using a block of wood in the crank case and spinning the engine till it locks against the block, the inertia built up in the flywheel being enough to release the flywheel from the shaft.
This has never worked for me.

Having removed the flywheel and had it machined you would have to heat the starter ring to expand it enough to slip it onto the flywheel where it would contract to a tight fit.
Finally reassemble it all. I think i'd rather give the thing a swing.
Fred

[sdarmstrong]

Sound advice there Fred !!

[jmak]

Thank you all for the replies.
You've convinced me, Fred, I'll carry on using the handle!

[gemst556]

Congratulations with it.
Is there any guy that interest in gem processing machine.

[ontick2]

I have an old ph2 engine with the starter ring on and a reconditioned starter would be able to take flywheel and starter off and also the bracket that holds alternator spent a £200 on starter make an offer.
Thanks Lee.

[bigkit]

I've done the conversion. It's ok but simpler to buy a complete PH2 with all the gear on it.