Starter spun it's last prop this morning: need recommendation

[omega708]

Starter drug just a little on startup this morning, but the engine roared to life after 2 blades. Just took a quick flight for some VOR work and the shot the ILS back in, under VFR conditions...

Taxi back to the hangar was uneventful, but when I shut the engine down, the prop stopped rather abruptly. I was fairly certain that I knew what was wrong before I ever unbuckled my seatbelt.

Sure enough, the starter was still engaged on the flywheel. Fortunately, it didn't look like any damage was done to the teeth on the flywheel, but I'm fairly sure that I need a new starter. I've read the name "sky-tech" more than a few times on this board, and was looking at using them for the replacement.

Any good pireps out there?

Pros / Cons?

[carusoam]

Have mechanic check the Bendix drive. Good lubrication and cleaning of that device can fix the basic problem of the stuck engagement.

Cleaning and lubricating may be something you can do yourself?

The Bendix drive is something that wears out at a different rate than the starter motor. Getting dirty and rusting are the enemy of the simple system.

Something to consider if you budget is limited.

Then get the high speed starter...

Best regards,

-a-

[omega708]

Thanks for the feedback, the A&P has been called and I suspect that I'll hear something sooner rather than later.  It sounds like if the starter DOES need to be replaced, that you wouldn't be against the use of a sky-tech...

[Lood]

I used a Sky-tec and it gave up after about two years. During my recent engine overhaul, it was recommended that I fit a B&C starter. I've flown almost 90 hours now without problems (understandably) and it surely spins the hell out of my Lycoming - hot or cold.

IINM, all new Beechcraft airplanes come from the factory with B&C starters fitted - for what it's worth.

[carusoam]

Doing a search will get you plenty of recommendations for starters. There is one version that is stronger than the other...

My experience lead me to cleaning the Bendix on my C. Lasted longer than the generator which was decades...

-a-

[kerry]

You might have a weak battery. The starter can stay engaged if you are using a weak battery.

[omega708]

You might have a weak battery. The starter can stay engaged if you are using a weak battery.

Thanks, I'll mention that to my mechanic.  I'm sure he'll test the battery, but you cant be too careful.  I'd hate to pay for a starter when it was just a battery.

[omega708]

Starter was bad.  I mentioned the possibility of a Sky-Tech via text message and he went ahead and ordered it before I could discuss the possibility of a B&C.  From what I've read about the latest Sky-Tech starters, I should be happy with it.

 

I'll follow back up with a pirep on the starting performance in comparison to my old OEM starter.

[Riq]

My stock starter went bad(I could beat on it and get it going, so it wasnt all bad this last summer, and I replaced it with a skytech. It spins a lot faster and is a lot lighter.

 

FWIW The skytech in my cherokee has held up fine for years and I hear the warranty and customer service are good.

[drapo]

Had some starting problems with my Mooney 2 years ago and I went with the Skytec starter and I am very satisfied with it. With a good battery, you can expect to start wthin a couple of blades all the time, even when it's cold outside.

 

Just don't use the light version (149-12LS) stick with the recommend part (149NL).

[georgeb]

I installed a skytec almost 6 years ago...it's been flawless. They're great starters, lighter, and spin your engine faster.

[omega708]

Sky-tech has been installed and I'm taking it out for some instrument training tomorrow. I'll let you know how it performs.

[funvee]

I went with Sky-Tech and have had nothing but good things to say about it so far.  I've flown as far north as Norway House, Manitoba this winter and the cold hasn't slowed it down one bit.  

 

Shawn

[omega708]

I've only started the plane once with the new starter, but it is significantly quieter and faster than the previous starter.

[carusoam]

Modern technology?

Have you added a modern alternator with a modern controller as well, yet?

Zeftronics is good technology even if you are staying DC...

Best regards,

-a-