Method for starting an internal combustion engine with a starting device

The invention relates to a method for starting an internal combustion engine (14) with a pull-cord starter, wherein a fuel/air mixture is supplied to the internal combustion engine (14) via an intake channel (20). An electric fuel valve (30) is arranged in the fuel channel (28), which in its de-energized state is open and releases the fuel channel (28). Only when an operating voltage (U) is applied does the fuel valve (30) close and block the fuel channel, so that no fuel can be drawn into the intake channel (20). An electronic control unit (13) is provided for controlling the fuel valve (30) and for triggering a spark at the spark plug (8) and is powered by a generator (9) driven by the crankshaft (6) to supply energy to the electrical consumers such as the control unit (13), the electric fuel valve (30), and the ignition device. In order to prevent over-enrichment of the fuel/air mixture during starting, provision is made to use the electrical energy generated at the beginning of the rotation of the crankshaft (6) first to close the electric fuel valve (30) before the control unit (13) triggers a spark at the spark plug (8).