Skybrd Posted March 6, 2011 Report Posted March 6, 2011 Months ago after buying my Mooney, I bought a new Skytec even though the original starter worked ok. The starter I replaced, had a missing bolt and was told it was broken off and needed removal to fix it. I read about how a light weight Skytec starter would turn the engine over faster and be more reliable. It turned out the new light weight starter took enormous current and many times it would stall the starter and I would have to release the start key and cycle the start again. I noticed it right from the start and was told my battery was probably bad. I took the battery to a shop that could load test it and found out it put out plenty of amps as the battery specs. Last weekend I took my Mooney on a short flight to get fuel and then tried a hot start. It wouldn't start and I had to get the battery charged and let the plane cool off to get out of there. Have any of you had problems with excess current requirements on your light weight skytec starter. I'm thinking about having the original starter put back on. By the way the bolt was not broke but missing. It was a short bold and has been replaced. I'm not happy with skytec starters at least not the one I have. Quote
Piloto Posted March 6, 2011 Report Posted March 6, 2011 I had the Sky-Tec model 149-NL installed on my M20J six months ago and has been very happy with it. It even started the engine with a weak battery, and no problem with hot starts. As I understand the 149-NL is their best model. I think they had some problems with previous models. José Quote
MooneyMitch Posted March 6, 2011 Report Posted March 6, 2011 Hi Skybrd. We've had the Skytec on the E model for several year now, trouble free. If it were me, I might find a known good battery which meets the specs. for your aircraft, and install that battery temporarily. Even though your battery tests good, this might give you a better feeling that it is indeed not your battery. Other than that, possibly the Skytec, cable or a loose/corroded connection is the problem. Also, as in a situation for me once, make sure the positive cable, either from the battery compartment to the solenoid or from the solenoid directly to the Skytec is not shorting against any part of the airframe/engine mount, etc. Please let us know what you discover. Quote
drapo Posted March 7, 2011 Report Posted March 7, 2011 Just had my Prestolite starter replaced by a Skytec 149NL, along with a change from a generator to a Plane Power Alternator, and I'm very happy about the change. Completing my IR at night and with a very cold Canadian winter, I had problems starting sometimes and would drain the battery very easily and with the generator, had a hard time charging it. So, with these changes, I can now start my IO360 within one or two prop revolution, which is a major improvements over the formal setup. When I did the change, I was told by my AME (Mechanic) that the entry level Skytec (149LS) wasn't made for big cylinders engines like the IO360 or the O360, they were better suited for trainers and smaller cylinders engines. Hope that helps! Quote
podair Posted March 7, 2011 Report Posted March 7, 2011 Skybrd-- I've had a 149NL on my M20J for almost two years with absolutely no problems, either with hot or cold starts. Ditto the Plane Power alternator. SkyTec has a stellar reputation for working with you through any problems you might have, and Les Staples' folks will do whatever's necessary to assist you. By all means give them a call, describe your problem, and see what they say. They treat you like their only customer. Quote
fantom Posted March 7, 2011 Report Posted March 7, 2011 Ditto....I've had a 149NL/ec Super Duty 24v starter for two years, and it's lived up to it's name of Super Duty! Anyone need a used Prestolite 24v starter? Quote
Skybrd Posted March 7, 2011 Author Report Posted March 7, 2011 Q uote: drapo I think you have answered the problem. I have the smaller one model 149LS and should have bought the 149NL model. I wonder how many other Mooney owners bought the LS version. Too bad the advertisers didn't make that known before buying. I got my through Aircraft Spruce. I doubt they will exchange it for a NL model. Hope other Mooney owners get the message before they get the wrong one like me. Thanks to everyone that wrote about this. Just had my Prestolite starter replaced by a Skytec 149NL, along with a change from a generator to a Plane Power Alternator, and I'm very happy about the change. Completing my IR at night and with a very cold Canadian winter, I had problems starting sometimes and would drain the battery very easily and with the generator, had a hard time charging it. So, with these changes, I can now start my IO360 within one or two prop revolution, which is a major improvements over the formal setup. When I did the change, I was told by my AME (Mechanic) that the entry level Skytec (149LS) wasn't made for big cylinders engines like the IO360 or the O360, they were better suited for trainers and smaller cylinders engines. Hope that helps! Quote
scottfromiowa Posted March 7, 2011 Report Posted March 7, 2011 Had a 149-NL installed with overhaul 300 hours ago. On a short hop to have avionics work completed the starter failed. Skytec looked at the core and said failure was "theirs" and paid for the replacement as well as the overnite shipment. I had to pay for the removal/installation, but was pleased with their stepping up and replacing the unit...No problems since replacement. Significant weight savings from OEM starter unit and it definitely spins the prop more aggressively. You might be surprised by how Spruce and or Skytec stand up on your upgrade to a 149-NL...Good luck! Quote
LT4BIRD Posted March 7, 2011 Report Posted March 7, 2011 I have installed a bunch of SkyTecs. Look for a jumper wire on the side of the starter. It coverts 24/12 volts. You might have it on 24v. Also check you main power line for no damage. It gets stretched. The line is too short for the SkyTec. Quote
eaglebkh Posted March 10, 2011 Report Posted March 10, 2011 I have this problem with my Stytec, too. It's like it just wont overcome the compression and just buzzes sometimes - on a good battery. I have even caught myself double checking the logs just to make sure it indeed has the Skytec. But I was not aware there was an 'S' version - I will have to re-examine the paperwork. Quote
danb35 Posted March 10, 2011 Report Posted March 10, 2011 It's possible there's a bad connection somewhere in either the power or ground wires. A good voltmeter across the terminals of the starter when you (try to) crank should tell the story. Quote
1970m20e Posted March 10, 2011 Report Posted March 10, 2011 My new SkyTec starter ground off it's teeth this past year with about 30 hours of flying and about 15 starts. It does have the correct teeth too. 149, I counted all of them on the flywheel. Not to be discouraged I bought another SkyTec Inline High Torque model from Aircraft Spruce for $400. Quote
Piloto Posted March 10, 2011 Report Posted March 10, 2011 Quote: danb35 It's possible there's a bad connection somewhere in either the power or ground wires. A good voltmeter across the terminals of the starter when you (try to) crank should tell the story. Quote
danb35 Posted March 11, 2011 Report Posted March 11, 2011 Quote: Piloto Just make sure your head is out of way when is cranked or you may end up with more serious problems. Quote
LT4BIRD Posted March 12, 2011 Report Posted March 12, 2011 Next time you guys send in your SkyTechs for service ask for the "EC" motor. Extended Crank. They came out with it last year and seams nearley indestructable. Quote
Skybrd Posted March 12, 2011 Author Report Posted March 12, 2011 I just flew the Mooney this morning after charging the battery before flight. As usual, the starter stalled when the compression stroke came up. After releasing the starter key and resuming the start cycle it finally starts. Shortly after returning to the hanger I tried to start it while hot. It wouldn't start again. I'm thinking about having my old starter reinstalled. I haven't called Aircraft Spruce or Skytec yet but will do it after taking the troublesome starter out. Since buying the plane, installed a digital voltmeter under the instrument panel to watch the voltage during startup, taxi and flight. It's a small LCD meter, just a little over 1 inch and only requires hooking up two wires. When I crank the starter the voltage drops to about 8 volts showing enormous current drain. I guess the LS starter model is hungry for current, wonder how much current the NL starter would use. Quote
N601RX Posted March 12, 2011 Report Posted March 12, 2011 Be sure the ground strap between the engine and airframe is in place and tight. Quote
danb35 Posted March 13, 2011 Report Posted March 13, 2011 Quote: N601RX Be sure the ground strap between the engine and airframe is in place and tight. Quote
Skybrd Posted March 13, 2011 Author Report Posted March 13, 2011 Do any of you use the Skytec LS version starter and happy with it's performance? The ones responded so far write about the Skytec NL version that has more torque. I think the LS version is too small for a Lyc 200hp 0360a1a engine especially if its a hot start. One of the responders to this skytec problems asked if the engine mount was grounded. I didn't see any ground cable or harness. The engine mount is directly mounted to the airframe. Do any of yours have a extra ground harness or large cable for ground from the firewall to the engine? Quote
Piloto Posted March 13, 2011 Report Posted March 13, 2011 Quote: Skybrd Do any of you use the Skytec LS version starter and happy with it's performance? The ones responded so far write about the Skytec NL version that has more torque. I think the LS version is too small for a Lyc 200hp 0360a1a engine especially if its a hot start. One of the responders to this skytec problems asked if the engine mount was grounded. I didn't see any ground cable or harness. The engine mount is directly mounted to the airframe. Do any of yours have a extra ground harness or large cable for ground from the firewall to the engine? Quote
Steve65E-NC Posted March 13, 2011 Report Posted March 13, 2011 Suggest you call Skytec directly. I did when my Prestolite crashed ane I was trying to select a new starter. the owner was very helpful. I put the NL in and I am very satisfied so far. It appears to have solved a long standing "hot start" problem. Quote
Skybrd Posted May 22, 2011 Author Report Posted May 22, 2011 Quote: Steve65E-NC Suggest you call Skytec directly. I did when my Prestolite crashed ane I was trying to select a new starter. the owner was very helpful. I put the NL in and I am very satisfied so far. It appears to have solved a long standing "hot start" problem. Quote
Shadrach Posted May 23, 2011 Report Posted May 23, 2011 Glad this worked out. I have an LS starter and it is intollerable of batteries that are not in top condition. I am currently going through the same drill that you were. Prop turns to compression stroke and stops, release starter and re-engage and it cranks through with momentum. I am running a 5 yr old gil..The new concord that I will be installing this winter will bring it up to speed... Quote
MOONEYAZ Posted May 23, 2011 Report Posted May 23, 2011 I installed my Skytec starter 10 years ago. About 2 years ago it started not fully engaging the teeth of the starter on the fly wheel. I called them for a replacement and when they heard my model number, they said it was not really designed that good and offered me a correct one that had been rebuilt for $200. Installed it and works good. Check to see if you got the same problem. Quote
1970m20e Posted May 23, 2011 Report Posted May 23, 2011 I have installed an inline high torque SkyTec in my m20e. Love it. Cranks the engine over without any problems Quote
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