I just got my engine rebuilt and had seen that highlifter came out with a pull start leak shield i dont want too have to pay that bill again. I tried silicone but obviously it didnt work. Has anyone seen these plates or used them. Thanks for any info.

 

They are very popular. I have used one now for about 2 years. They totally take away your recoil starter. You will need an air impact to remove the pull-start bolt and to replace it. The shield is clear so you can see if it's leaking. there is a gasket around it which can eventually deteriorate but can be replaced with blue rtv. The directions say to torque the three bolts back to 4 foot pounds to avoid cracking the clear cover but I have yet to find a torque wrench that goes down to 4 pds, so I just carefully hand tightened them.

 

Do you have to take the recoil starter all the way off or does it bolt back up?

 

You have to take it all the way off. In other words, you will no longer be able to pull start it. The shield will bolt up to where it used to be. I take a booster pack with me or jumper cables on trips incase the battery is dead.