Starter turns slow--M20F with skytec starter.

[bmcmahan]

Anyone out there have troubleshooting approach for starter that turns slow at start.  Barely will go over center at first.  Engine generally starts on first turn, but it may take a couple of bumps to get it over center.

Bill

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: bmcmahan

Anyone out there have troubleshooting approach for starter that turns slow at start.  Barely will go over center at first.  Engine generally starts on first turn, but it may take a couple of bumps to get it over center.

Bill

[Cruiser]

I have the same problem on my '84 M20J. It has a new battery. When I attempt to start the first time, the engine will only turn about a half a turn just like a weak battery. Stop and attempt to start again and it will turn several rotations till the engine starts. The battery has a full charge and is not the problem. The starter (and engine) are new.

If you find a solution please post it here.

[GeorgePerry]

This happened to me a couple of times and my A&P told me to this:  Skytec's don't do well if the load builds after they are engaged.  I've found if you pull the prop through one time during pre-flight it helps build compression "ahead" of the starter.  Since I started doing this...no problems and the skytec spins the prop really fast every time until the engine starts.  Give it a try and let me know how that works.

OBTW, double check the mags off before pulling the prop through   

[bmcmahan]

George,

Great.  I'll give that a try.  I did a thorough rundown of the high current circuit and found loose connection at the main and also at the post of the starter and after i tightened them it did much better.  But it still tends to hang up on getting over center the first time.  Your solution will hopefully help that.

Thanks,

Bill

[Piloto]

I had the same problem that started after I switched from manual towing to the Robotow. When I was manual towing the prop was set at 45 deg before compression to get a better grip when pulling by the prop. When using the Robotow the prop needs to be horizontal, just at the compression point. Just set the prop vertical to allow momentum build up to overcome the compression stroke. BTW this is a good indication of compression.

José