Improvements in or relating to means for starting internal combustion engines

395,856. - Turning - gear. FAIREY AVIATION CO., Ltd., Cranford Lane, Hayes, Middlesex, and FORSYTH, A. G., Venlaw, Burdon Lane, Cheam, Surrey. June 8, 1932, No. 16200. [Class 7 (v).] In an engine starter comprising a worm e slidable on the shaft a of a starting handle b into mesh with a worm wheel k coupled to the engine shaft c by a friction clutch adapted to slip in the event of backfire, the worm wheel is rotatable in a channel-section ring h secured to the engine shaft, and springs n disposed in recesses m in the worm wheel create friction between the sides of the ring h and a pair of annular friction plates o, q. As shown, the friction plate o is coupled to the worm wheel k by dowel pins p, and the ring h is formed in two parts of L-shaped section, the part j having gear teeth r for driving engine auxiliaries. When the worm e is fully in mesh with the wheel k it abuts against a thrust bearing d. In the disengaged position of the worm, a groove f is engaged by a spring detent g.