In at least some implementations, an ignition system for a combustion engine includes analog circuit components arranged to control ignition events at an engine speed below a first threshold of engine speed and a microprocessor to control ignition events at engine speeds higher than the first threshold. Hence, ignition can be controlled at lower engine cranking speeds to facilitate starting the engine at lower engine rotational speeds.

An internal combustion engine comprises at least one cylinder, at least one cylinder head connected to at least one cylinder, at least one piston disposed in the at least one cylinder, a crankshaft operatively connected to the at least one piston, a crankcase housing at least a portion of the crankshaft, a motor-generator operatively connected to the crankshaft, a recoil starter operatively connected to the crankshaft, and a drive pulley of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connected to the crankshaft, the motor-generator. The recoil starter, the crankshaft and the drive pulley are coaxial. The motor-generator operates in motor mode to rotate the crankshaft and in generator mode to generate electricity.

A method and a system for operating an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) are disclosed. The ETM operates as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy, the second control strategy being distinct from the first control strategy. The system comprises an engine control unit adapted for controlling an operation of the ETM according to the first and second control strategies. Electric and assisted start procedures are available for starting the ICE by delivering electric power from a power source to the ETM which is co-axially mounted to a crankshaft of the ICE. Assisted start includes delivering the electric power to the ETM while a recoil starter is used to rotate the crankshaft. A manual start procedure is also available. The power source is charged by the ETM when the ICE is running.

A method and a system for operating an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) are disclosed. The ETM operates as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy, the second control strategy being distinct from the first control strategy. The system comprises an engine control unit adapted for controlling an operation of the ETM according to the first and second control strategies. Electric and assisted start procedures are available for starting the ICE by delivering electric power from a power source to the ETM which is co-axially mounted to a crankshaft of the ICE. Assisted start includes delivering the electric power to the ETM while a recoil starter is used to rotate the crankshaft. A manual start procedure is also available. The power source is charged by the ETM when the ICE is running.

A method for operating an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) are disclosed. An engine control unit (ECU) controls the ETM to operate as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy. The second control strategy is distinct from the first control strategy. The ECU controls switching the operation of the ETM from the first control strategy to the second control strategy when a sensor senses that a rotational speed of the ICE is equal to or above a minimum revolution threshold.

A method for operating an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) are disclosed. An engine control unit (ECU) controls the ETM to operate as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy. The second control strategy is distinct from the first control strategy. The ECU controls switching the operation of the ETM from the first control strategy to the second control strategy when a sensor senses that a rotational speed of the ICE is equal to or above a minimum revolution threshold.

A spring casing of a starter device of an internal combustion engine has a base body provided with a spring receptacle. A cover plate is provided to cover at least partially the spring receptacle. A connecting device is provided that connects the cover plate and the base body to each other. The connecting device secures the cover plate against a movement relative to the base body in a direction of a center axis of the spring casing. The connecting device only has a first part that is a component of the base body and a second part that is a component of the cover plate and has no further parts. A starter device with such a spring casing is provided.

A spring casing of a starter device of an internal combustion engine has a base body provided with a spring receptacle. A cover plate is provided to cover at least partially the spring receptacle. A connecting device is provided that connects the cover plate and the base body to each other. The connecting device secures the cover plate against a movement relative to the base body in a direction of a center axis of the spring casing. The connecting device only has a first part that is a component of the base body and a second part that is a component of the cover plate and has no further parts. A starter device with such a spring casing is provided.

A small combustion engine mechanism including an engine, a driven device powered by the engine. The engine having a ratcheting reel mechanism, a recoil starter housing, a shaft member coupled to the reel mechanism, and a bearing member coupled to the recoil starter housing. The shaft member being supported by the bearing member. The engine also has a tool engaging member coupled to the shaft member, the tool engaging member being accessible to a tool driver.

A small combustion engine mechanism including an engine, a driven device powered by the engine. The engine having a ratcheting reel mechanism, a recoil starter housing, a shaft member coupled to the reel mechanism, and a bearing member coupled to the recoil starter housing. The shaft member being supported by the bearing member. The engine also has a tool engaging member coupled to the shaft member, the tool engaging member being accessible to a tool driver.