Sportsman Propane Generator - Modification

So I buy this propane generator from Tractor Supply. Love the idea of the generator running on propane which will never go bad, not to mention, no carburetor to go bad with regards to varnish, dirt, or dried up O-rings.....

 

But to my dismay the Pull Start Rope exited the opposite side of the actual outlets. Basically one has to start the generator from the backside of the generator, if you consider the panel with the outlets the front.

 

This was not acceptable to me, because I mounted the generator permanently on a shelf in the garage, at a height it is easier to fill/check the oil.

 

Therefore had no way to pull start the generator as shipped from the factory because the rope was pointing towards the back wall of the garage.

 

Here's what I did:

 

1. Remove the three bolts holding the rope recoil starter assembly onto the motor. Rotate the recoil assembly so the rope now points towards the front access panel of the generator.

 

2. Pickup a grommet of your choice at the local hardware store, I had to use for now a threaded CPVC fitting and a nut, because the hardware store was out of the size NYLON grommet I wanted.

 

3. Drill a hole into the generator access panel, so the rope can exit to the front of the generator when pull starting.

 

4. Insert grommet, untie the rope from the T-Handle (be sure and hang onto that rope when the T-Handle is removed) and thread the rope through the newly installed grommet. Insert rope back into the T-Handle and tie a big knot in the rope so it stays in place in the T-Handle.

 

5. Celebrate/Pat yourself on the back for making the generator more usable, in a manner it should have been from the manufacturer to begin with in my opinion......

 

PS: Just for grins, I lubed up the rope itself real good with White Lithium Grease which should help lower friction, and keep the rope from drying out over the years,

Done