To provide a recoil type general purpose engine reducing the size and weight, by using a generator of small capacity, easily starting the engine, and coping with even electric load energy in operation.

This general purpose engine includes: an output circuit 4 of the generator 3 connected to an igniter 51 required for starting at least the engine 1 and connected to a relay 6; a control circuit 8 for controlling the relay 6 for ON/OFF by voltage of the output circuit 4 detected by a voltage detecting circuit 81 connected to the output circuit 4; and an electric double layer capacitor 7 connected to a load 5 of the engine 1 including the output circuit 4 of the generator 3 and the igniter 51 via the relay 6. The engine is started by the generator 3 rotating by a recoil 2 by operating the relay 6 for OFF when starting the engine when voltage is not generated in the output circuit 4 of the generator 3. The electric double layer capacitor 7 is charged by operating the relay 6 for ON when predetermined voltage is generated in the output circuit 4 of the generator 3 by starting the engine 1, and its electric power is supplied to the load of the engine 1.