Sturges Posted September 30, 2020 Report Posted September 30, 2020 (edited) I was having starter issues the last few weeks, so I paid a visit to the mechanic to get it checked out. My battery was due for replacement and was struggling to hold 11.0 V, so we figured that was the source. New battery went in but we went to inspect the starter and found that the aft side of the starter had sheared off its bolts and come loose. Somehow it still "functioned". We pull the Sky-tec out and find that it has been destroying itself due to the lack of support. New one ordered and installed, it works beautifully again. The old sky-tec was installed ~5 years ago, so it seems a bit premature to fail like this. Has anyone seen anything similar? EDIT: just realized this is my first post. Long time reader here, first time poster. Edited September 30, 2020 by Sturges
carusoam Posted September 30, 2020 Report Posted September 30, 2020 Congrats on your first post... It is always good to get the first one out of the way... before you need some serious help.... First I have heard of the starter coming unbolted... Hang out for a while, we’ll see if anyone else has had this challenge with their Sky-tec starter... Important question... what model number is the one that you had trouble with..? Less important question... did you talk to sky-tec about your challenge? Congrats on getting a well informed first post completed, complete with a good pic! Best regards, -a-
Sturges Posted September 30, 2020 Author Report Posted September 30, 2020 Just now, carusoam said: Congrats on your first post... It is always good to get the first one out of the way... before you need some serious help.... First I have heard of the starter coming unbolted... Hang out for a while, we’ll see if anyone else has had this challenge with their Sky-tec starter... Important question... what model number is the one that you had trouble with..? Less important question... did you talk to sky-tec about your challenge? Congrats on getting a well informed first post completed, complete with a good pic! Best regards, -a- I left the part with my A&P, so I don't have the part number handy right now. He was going to talk with Sky-tec about it to what the options were and if they had heard of it failing like this before. I ended up just buying the new part since I needed to get my plane home. I'll update if he finds out anything about the part.
ArtVandelay Posted September 30, 2020 Report Posted September 30, 2020 We found a loose bolt on my starter after removing it to overhaul the engine, bought it around same time as you. Need to check them during the annual I guess.
Yetti Posted September 30, 2020 Report Posted September 30, 2020 Nope my B&C starter is holding together just fine. Skytec has a bunch of posts about issues. Not sure if there is a bigger population of Skytech or more issues. 1
jamesm Posted September 30, 2020 Report Posted September 30, 2020 (edited) Yes but mine didn't shear it had worked loose which was on the airplane for about 12 years. My IA caught it at annual a few years back. Still beats prestolite starters in every category weight and the ability to throw the prop with ease during start sequence. James '67C Edited September 30, 2020 by jamesm
N201MKTurbo Posted September 30, 2020 Report Posted September 30, 2020 Humm, mine were all loose when I removed it for engine overhaul. Maybe the motor end is to much moment for the bolts.
carusoam Posted September 30, 2020 Report Posted September 30, 2020 Note for Sturges, the OP... Check the hardware closely during the re-installation process... Extra attention to the torque specs... Could be the location where it is mounted, Is an incredibly tough environment... Or something isn’t as right as we expected from the supplier... See if @M20Doc has any (experience with loose sky-tec mounting bolts) Note for Sturges... Doc works in a maintenance facility... he sees a lot of Mooneys and other planes... Best regards, -a-
Guest Posted September 30, 2020 Report Posted September 30, 2020 Skytec isn’t alone, I’ve seen lots of starters and alternators, even the odd carburetor shake loose over the years. Bolts with safety wire seem to be more robust than bolts with lock tabs. Checking is part of the Annual. Clarence
chriscalandro Posted September 30, 2020 Report Posted September 30, 2020 Stand by for a private message!
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