Abstract: An engine starting apparatus comprises a case having an outer case and a case cover defining an interior space. The outer case has at least first, second and third bolt apertures, for attaching the case to an engine. A motor mounting seat is formed in an inner wall of the outer case for mounting thereon a starter motor for starting the engine. A recoil starter mechanism is disposed in the interior space of the case for starting the engine. The recoil starter mechanism has a starting rope pulling port disposed adjacent to the first bolt aperture. The starter motor is disposed between the first bolt aperture and the third bolt aperture when the starting rope pulling port is positioned between the first bolt aperture and the second bolt aperture, and the starter motor is disposed between the first bolt aperture and the second bolt aperture when the starting rope pulling port is positioned between the first bolt aperture and the third bolt aperture. First louvers extend from an outer surface of the case cover.