Starter in J model: Sky Tec or Kelly

[OR75]

i believe in a J model, the two options for a starter are a Kelly MZ4222 or a Sky-Tec 149-NL

the former is much heavier (19 lbs vs 9.5lbs)

the Sky-tec is advertised as high torque.

Anyone can share experience switching from one to the other ?

i am particularly interested in reliability and those famous hot starts.

Also, is a form 337 required to switch to a sky-tec. ? ( i know a weight and balance will be needed)

[Oscar Avalle]

I installed a Sky Tec and I am very happy with it.

[aaronk25]

The kelly light weight one we tried to install on my j wouldn't fit there was a fuel fitting that it wouldn't clear. Since I was away from home and they had a OEM rebuilt one there I just went with that to fix the problem.

[Steve Dawson]

+1 on the sky tech. I had the starter installed along with a plane power alternator last year and haven't had a problem.

[OR75]

The kelly light weight one we tried to install on my j wouldn't fit there was a fuel fitting that it wouldn't clear. Since I was away from home and they had a OEM rebuilt one there I just went with that to fix the problem.

what kelly lightweight did you consider ? i thought the only Kelly option is the MZ4222.

thanks

[aaronk25]

I thought it was a kelly...maybe I'm mistaken. I think there was only 2 starters avail kelly or skytec, I didn't think the kelly fit and they didn't have a skytec I stock so I had to put a original one back on.

[N601RX]

Sky-tec is PMA'd for Lycomings as a replacement for the original starter.  Just a log entry and new W&B.  Lycoming has a Service instruction SI 1154 that list all approved starters and the Sky-tec units are included.

[Mckipper]

+2 for the Skytech,

Installed to take care of the hot start problems I had - no more problem ...

[fantom]

Sky-Tec 149-NL  
 

[N201MKTurbo]

I have the Sky Tec. It broke once, dead as a door nail. Sent it back to SkyTec and they fixed it under warranty, even though it was out of warranty. No trouble sense then and it works great.

[Royski]

I've been very pleased with my SkyTec starter.  The faster speed helps with hot/warm starts.

[Ned Gravel]

Mine is the Sky-Tec 149-NL too.  Had it for four years.  Love it.

[Piloto]

+100 Never had a problem with it. Hot start right away. BTW I found out that for hot start if you open the throttle half way, mixture cut-off, no electric pump, the engine start in 1/2 turn, make sure you are on the brakes. Before I was using 1/4 throttle and it took a few turns to start. 

 

José

[DaV8or]

Sky Tec. They are awesome. Their starters are awesome and they stand behind their product. No question, go Sky Tec.