Energizer or Lightweight starter for IO 550A in Missile

[BobAustin]

Have annual coming up and have slow starting and occasional whirring when starting.  Replacing the 2 Gill 35s with Concorde RG-35A this week to remove that variable.

 

Forum has many posts for and against lightweight starters...Has anyone been happy with them in a Missile ?  Ovation may be similar.

 

Starter adapter may also be suspect.

[mike_elliott]

From what I have heard from the Mx Guru's, I would avoid a high speed lightweight starter on the Continental because of the starter adapter issue they create. YMMV

[Seth]

Hopefully the batteries will help the starting issue.  If they don't I'm interested to see where this turns out as I too have a Missile.  My starter works fine.  It's the same one that was installed as part of the conversion. 

 

Maybe give Rocket Engineering a call?  They are prompt with their customer service, even still with the Rocket and Missile programs.  You may have to leave a message, but they'll get back to you.

 

-Seth

[carusoam]

Sounds like cleaning and lubricating is a good way to start? (Worked for my C)

Not sure how to do that for an IO550....

Let us know what you find...

Best regards,

-a-

[Guest]

Have annual coming up and have slow starting and occasional whirring when starting.  Replacing the 2 Gill 35s with Concorde RG-35A this week to remove that variable.

 

Forum has many posts for and against lightweight starters...Has anyone been happy with them in a Missile ?  Ovation may be similar.

 

Starter adapter may also be suspect.

Sounds like an expensive visit coming up. If by "whirring" you mean slipping your starter adapter needs help. Once that problem is corrected, I would opt for the Energizer starter, while a bit heavier it has way more cranking torque.

I've changed plenty of starter adapters on TCM powered Mooneys and Cirrus but almost never on a Cessna twin with a heavy starter motor. The light weight one just don't work.

Clarence

[triple8s]

if the adapter is slipping it is NOT good, they dont like the Iskra starter, this explains it.

http://www.csobeech.com/adapter-mystery.html

and....

http://www.niagaraairparts.com/Helpful%20Hints%20Classic%20091008%20.pdf

[StevenL757]

Have annual coming up and have slow starting and occasional whirring when starting. Replacing the 2 Gill 35s with Concorde RG-35A this week to remove that variable.

Forum has many posts for and against lightweight starters...Has anyone been happy with them in a Missile ? Ovation may be similar.

Starter adapter may also be suspect.

Bob, 99% certain the whirring is your starter adapter...not batteries. Although I'm a fan of the Concorde over Gill, this is not your culprit, so I wouldn't replace your Gills unless they're in need of it.

Agree with Mike and Clarence also. Doesn't matter if you have a Missile or an Acclaim, but on the IO/TSIO550 platform, avoid the lightweight starters at all costs, unless you don't care about replacing starter adapters regularly. Lightweight models are suitable and appropriate for "other" engines, but not the 550...regardless of designator.

I've had discussions with the TCM folks when I was in Mobile, AL, and they tell me the same thing, One of the best and most reliable starters for your IO550 is the new Energizer that TCM uses. I have one on my new IO550N (along with - coincidentally - a pair of new Concorde RG24 series, and couldn't be happier). If you want an exact model number for the Energizer, let me know and I'll post mine tomorrow when I get back out to my hangar. They're just as affordable as the lightweight models...maybe a few dollars more, but not by much.

Regards, Steven

[BobAustin]

Steven,

 

Yes I would like the exact Energizer model when you have time to get it.

 

Sounds like the lightweight starter is a no go on the IO550.

 

PS Thanks for all the useful info you guys.

[triple8s]

I bought an adapter from Niagra air parts and they said No warranty, zero, none, unless I ditched the Iskra and also they said which ever starter I used had to be checked so as to be able to spin back once the key was released. I think its supposed to have less than 5 in/lb they recommended a place in Brooks KY that overhauls the Energizer and also the Prestolite. I did as Niagra advised and bought an overhauled Prestolite unit from MAA Inc. part number is MHJ-4003. I was also told that the Prestolite was as good as the Energizer and since they didnt have any when I needed it I went with the Presto. I have heard horror stories of starters being engaged when they arent supposed to be and also stories of starter adapters dumping metal into the engine. None of this sounds fun to me so.