Ugghhhh starter problems

[M20E-1964]

Every so often when I crank the engine over, I'll hear the starter solonoid click, then a medium pitch strain sound. Prop doesnt turn. Usually Ill wait, try again, then she starts right up.

 

Today however, that wasnt happening. I wound up getting out of the plane, and smacking the starter with the tow bar. Got in, and what do you know? Started right up.

 

So I'm thinking the starter might be going. As a new owner, I'm not sure what I'm in for. Seems like it shouldnt be too much in labor.... it's right on the nose of the plane.

 

Should I opt for a rebuilt starter? New? One of those "high speed" starters? Any thoughts?

[Jerry 5TJ]

My 65C exhibited the same symptoms about 18 months ago.   It got bad enough that it would crank about 50% of the time. My mechanic said it had "Bendix starter disease." 

A new lightweight starter did the trick.  See your favorite A&P for the cure. 

 

[1964-M20E]

I just replaced mine this week with a skytech and it is nice the engine spins fast during starting.  Mine was doing the same thing the bendix was not engaging.  Good thing I did when I wnet to remove the boot off the cable the ring lug broke.  I did not have many more starts left in it.  Low voltage will also cause the bendix not to engage.

One other thing if you go with the skytech it will be new not rebuilt.

[M20E-1964]

Guess I'll go with a skytec....   maybe I'll get lucky and can push it off to the next oil change.

[1964-M20E]

The big draw back is at least on mine you have to remove the whole cowling.

 

[kerry]

Do you have a mechanical voltage regutalor?  I replaced mine with a zeftronics electronic voltage regulator and it solved all my radio noise.

[Lood]

I had a Skytek that worked lovely, but unfortunately, it didn't last. During my recent engine overhaul, the engine shop advised me to go for the B&C starter, which I did. It, like the Skytek, is excellent. I'm curious to find out how reliable it is though.

[Oscar Avalle]

I had the same issue and replaced my starter with a light weight one. That was three years ago, no problems since then.

[mooneydog]

Had the same problem on my '78 C.  Troubleshooting found cause of low voltage and intermittent bendix retraction to be a bad ground at the starter solenoid.  Battery box leakage caused corrosion of the solenoid backplate where it bolts to the firewall (which provides the only ground path).  I found this by replacing the solenoid (unnecessarily).  I cleaned the old solenoid backplate, tested it and now have a ready spare.  (Note: if you need a solenoid, I bought identical model, part# and manufacturer from Robinson Helicopter for $58, not Mooney ($500).    

[aerobat95]

So it sounds like you had exactly what I had happen to me.  I had a skytec starter....old like 7 or 8 years old and it would do the same thing.  I would push the button in and I would hear the click of the starter solinoid and I would hear the shower of sparks but the starter would not turn.  At first after a few tries it would eventually turn over but it was sluggish at best.  Long story short....starter was shot and I needed a new one.  Luckilly Skytec will rebuild yours for a fixed price....they ended up swapping out mine for what looked like a brand new one.  Works really good now so I would highly recommend them.  The bad news....removing the starter is a total PITA.  You have to remove the entire cowl, which requires removal of the induction boot.  I did most of the work myself under the supervision of my A&P which saved me some coin.  Good luck....and if you have any questions feel free to PM me.

[aerobat95]

So it sounds like you had exactly what I had happen to me.  I had a skytec starter....old like 7 or 8 years old and it would do the same thing.  I would push the button in and I would hear the click of the starter solinoid and I would hear the shower of sparks but the starter would not turn.  At first after a few tries it would eventually turn over but it was sluggish at best.  Long story short....starter was shot and I needed a new one.  Luckilly Skytec will rebuild yours for a fixed price....they ended up swapping out mine for what looked like a brand new one.  Works really good now so I would highly recommend them.  The bad news....removing the starter is a total PITA.  You have to remove the entire cowl, which requires removal of the induction boot.  I did most of the work myself under the supervision of my A&P which saved me some coin.  Good luck....and if you have any questions feel free to PM me.

[jacobwall]

Before I got into the partnership I am in right now, they had the same issue. They replaced it with a Skytec lightweight starter and it is the best one I've used. It's been easier to start than whatever they put in the new 172s.