Starter Problems

[Releew]

Starting to experience a problem with the starter gear staying engaged after the engine starts.  Very audible after starting.  I can get it to release with a shutdown and restart....

I sprayed some Magic WD-40 on the gear and it did not help.  Problem is intermittent and generally on the second start of the day, when its hot.  Does this sound like a starter problem or the starting relay sticking????

Secondly.....whats the general opinion on the sky-tec starters?  An older mechanic once told me they spin a cold engine too fast.  Another said the starter could out run the impulse coupling. Curious to know if anyone has some experience they could share.....  Happy or not worth the money??

Thanks,

 

Rick

  

[Piloto]

Try cleaning the starter shaft with contact cleaner by spraying directly on it. After it evaporates spray on the shaft a silicone base lubricant. The new starters are pretty good and fast. The gear does not remains coupled after a failed start.

José

[ArtVandelay]

First, WD40 leaves an oily film, this will collect dust, making your problem worst, Jose's advice will help, in my experience it's a short term fix.

Spin the engine too fast! Give me a break, what does the mechanic think happens after the engine starts, or does he recommend not starting the engine because that causes wear and tear?

I just installed a Sky Tec Nl149, it does turn it over with enthusiasm compared to old starter, you might gain a few pounds of useful load if starter is not the lightweight type. So far I'm very happy, the company has an excellent reputation.

[Guest]

8 hours ago, Releew said:

Starting to experience a problem with the starter gear staying engaged after the engine starts.  Very audible after starting.  I can get it to release with a shutdown and restart....

I sprayed some Magic WD-40 on the gear and it did not help.  Problem is intermittent and generally on the second start of the day, when its hot.  Does this sound like a starter problem or the starting relay sticking????

Secondly.....whats the general opinion on the sky-tec starters?  An older mechanic once told me they spin a cold engine too fast.  Another said the starter could out run the impulse coupling. Curious to know if anyone has some experience they could share.....  Happy or not worth the money??

Thanks,

 

Rick

  

Rick,

You have a few choices. Remove the starter, remove the Bendix, disassemble clean and lubricate it.  

Or replace the Bendix with a new one.

Or replace the entire starter.

Clarence

[Hector]

I did the entire starter and alternator conversion. Gained about 15 pounds useful load and the sky-tec starter works great in my 67C. It does spin the engine faster but promotes faster start (too fast? That's just crazy talk). I have the old starter if you want it. It was working fine when I removed it.

[wpbarnar]

There are several different Skytec starters that are PMA'd for your IO-360.   The difference being different configurations of motor type (permanent magnet etc) , gear ratio, and bearings.   You can save a few pounds with their other models but the most robust for starting torque versus amperage draw is the NL series.   

I have had great service from a NL series that is required to hot start a 300 HP IO 540 multiple time a day. 

link to Skytec guide:  http://www.skytecair.com/Lycoming.htm

it also has a link which discusses the myth of starting too fast and impulse coupling

Bill

[Releew]

3 hours ago, teejayevans said:

 

First, WD40 leaves an oily film, this will collect dust, making your problem worst, Jose's advice will help, in my experience it's a short term fix.

 

Spin the engine too fast! Give me a break, what does the mechanic think happens after the engine starts, or does he recommend not starting the engine because that causes wear and tear?

 

I just installed a Sky Tec Nl149, it does turn it over with enthusiasm compared to old starter, you might gain a few pounds of useful load if starter is not the lightweight type. So far I'm very happy, the company has an excellent reputation.

I'm sure he is referring to .....if the engine does not start....

[Yetti]