> Small diesels could be an option but they're harder to pull start for a given size.
replyI once needed to jump-start a small marine diesel, many miles from land...
There was a small lever that cuts compression. You have to get it spinning really fast before restoring compression! It's definitely a lot of work!
EDIT - Here is a cheap modern small marine diesel [1]. The operation manual suggests that you don't have to do anything to get it spinning quickly, you just have to crank it 10 times, put away the crank handle, and then flip the compression switch. That's progress!
[1] https://www.yanmar.com/marine/product/engines/1gm10-marine-d...
Even gas engine pull starts have a compression release function built in. That's why you need special cylinder pressure tools to check compression on most pull starts.
replyLister diesel generators are much the same - half a dozen cranks, restore compression and off they go. The hand cranking can easily break your arm if you get it wrong though.
replyI did that too and crank got stuck on flywheel. To stop engine I had to climb over the engine where now-removed stairs were since my mate was clueless. Fortunately the crank handle stayed on.
replyCranks and decompression levers are gone for at least 30-40 years now tho.
Do you have any small engine mechanic books you'd recommend?
replyThey're my kryptonite, but I accept it's mostly my ignorance.