I'm on the path to build a simplex and would really like to use the Honda GC series engine. I am entertaining the thought of an electric start because I think my wife is going to end up with this Simplex and I'm going to build a second one in the future. Because of this I want to put an electric start on it.

Plastered all over the internet and Honda's website are things that say that the electric start on the GC models are an option. I have had NO luck finding this elusive engine. I called Honda and they passed me to a regional distributor. I called those folks and they spent about 45 minutes on the phone with me trying to help. (RW Distributors). I thought folks here might be interested in what they told me.

Here's where we landed. Honda did/does indeed make a GC-190 engine with an electric start. The distributor didn't have the capacity to order one. He said they were probably made for a third party manufacturer and would have to be purchased from them if I could figure out who it was. Alternatively he said I could get a standard GC190 and order the parts from the third party manufacturer.

He said there are three GC 190 models with electric start.

GC190 QAE2 -  Here is the parts list for this motor. http://www.partspitstop.com/oemparts/#/l/hen/50947557f8700230ac8cc3a8/gc190a-qea2-parts I agreement with what Rick wrote below the QAE2 was listed as being the standard equipment for the HS520K1 ASA Snowblower. It's 120v AC.

GC190 QAEF - Here is a parts list for this motor. http://www.ereplacementparts.com/honda-gc190a-type-qhafvin-gcaaa10000011496156-small-engine-parts-c-37657_37658_37987_37755.html

GC190 QEA - Here is the parts list for this motor. http://www.kenssportsarcticcatparts.com/oemparts/l/hen/50947552f8700230ac8cc388/gc190a-qea-parts

I looked around and it appears that the flywheel is discontinued on the parts breakdowns for these engines. In addition at least one of these engines uses 120v AC starter. It's weird but it's on a snowblower and I guess that makes sense. Here is the snow blower http://powerequipment.honda.com/snowblowers/models/hs720as.

What I am going to do is look at all of the electric charging/starting kits on Amazon and cross reference the engines they are for and look for ones that have the same part number as the starter listed on those parts sites above. I'm thinking that may indicate the flywheel and associated components may fit as well.

Ok, I think I know what I'm going to try. I think this might work.

Granger carries a 7/16 x 29/32 bearing as a stock item. I found a oilite bearing in 15/16 x 1 3/16. The bushing will be .0066 oversized on the OD and undersized .0317 on the ID. If I press it in I might get enough compression to make up the difference in the ID. I know it won't be a proper interference fit but it should be sufficient. At least I think it might be...

If this works, I'll be able to use the standard size simplex axle and an off the shelf bearing.

Google failed gloriously when I hit the "Translate Page" button.

For the record, wellendichtring does not mean "incredibly scarce bearing Jason needs".

It means Shaft Seal.

I guess with simplex as with everything else in life... there are no easy answers.

I didn't see a readily available bearing either.

I thought about adding bushings to the existing setup. I know that would work and has been used successfully by you guys here.

For me, it would be easier to change out to a new axle size than it would be to turn down a bushing to the proper size. I can get my hands on a drill and die for the axle threads easier than a lathe for the bushing. I usually keep things forever and I imagined myself getting perturbed trying to deal with the bushings for the next 20 years each time I pulled the wheels.

As for my simplex I'm going for a look as close to stock as I can get. I guess I'm going for "something the casual observer won't notice". In addition to all that, I don't quite fit in your average size category ;-). Having a larger axle across the span of the rear dropouts is kind of appealing from a safety perspective.

The axle is a 5/16 axle. It's a good looking wheel with a substantial drum brake. Below is a picture of what it looks like "mounted". BTW that's the NOLA wheels 2.125 tire on there for reference.



Here are some other pics of the wheel.




It looks like there is enough thickness in this collar to drill it out to 1/2 inch to accept a larger axle.



I need to find a 1/2 by 1-3/16 sealed bearing to replace the ones that are there. I'll find a 1/2 x 6 axle or make one.

It looks like it will work Ok with a little modification.

Rick,

NOLA tires has a 2.125 inch tire in stock if you want to give it a try. He gave me a set to mount up and see how I like them. He actually said it should be a tougher tire because the Kevlar strip used covered more of the surface area of the tire. I have the rear worksman rim with the tire mounted and it seems fine.

Rick C. Thanks for the clarification, it provided some insight and helped me understand a bit more.

What you said makes sense. I want to summerize to make sure I understood properly.

Simplex reproductions aren't DOT rated because they are made for the simplex and have inherent speed limitations built in. Hence no need for speed ratings.

Simplex tires are unidirectional and therefor a reproduction would have built in limitations based on the different tread patterns. In addition there would be an authenticity issue.

As far as an argument you will never get one from me. The only thing I'm sure of is I know very little on most subjects. I try to be a student of all things. It's the learning I enjoy and I'm glad folks like yourself can contribute and help me get better.

I guess the reason I'm asking all these questions stems from a comment earlier in the thread. This guy is sitting on the edge of a very nice market and in talking to him, I'm not sure he realizes it. This guy is a really genuinely nice guy. He literally gave me a set of 26x2.125 tires to test out. He wouldn't let me pay him.

 He runs a small motorcycle shop and has this tire thing as part of it. I asked him about a DOT rating on the tires and he said it was too much trouble right now. He has access to the manufacturing to build about anything that looks like an old motorcycle tire. Right now he is competing with a bicycle market because he's selling a bicycle tire. With a DOT rating he competes in a different market.

I just wanted to understand more so I could maybe help this guy and maybe the old motorcycle community. He's a nice guy and they are becoming rarer and rarer.