On Sun, 20 Jul 2008 07:03:32 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote:

Adding a starter is a trivial chore but on a properly assembled engine
there is no need to do so unless the engine is mounted on a pylon,
geared, or the prop is otherwise remove from easy access. With a
suitable ignition system the engine starts as easily as a lawn-mower
and will continue to run so long as their is fuel and air, unless it
is shut off..

Some conversions, such as the Aero-vee, use an ignition system having
a single, fixed firing point. The engine will not start unless
rotated at about 300rpm, making a starter motor a necessity. Others
use a belted or geared drive having such a high ratio that hand-
propping is impractical..

When all elements of an electrical starting system are included, the
weight can be as much as forty pounds more than for a hand-propped
engine.

But to run a starter, no electrical "system" is required. Just a
battery capable of cranking the engine over a few times. Recharge it
when you park the plane.
** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **