Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 10:27:38 -0500
From: Lynda Frantz <LFrantz@compuserve.com>
Subject: "G" loads and starter relays
Sender: Lynda Frantz <LFrantz@compuserve.com>
To: "INTERNET:lancair.list@olsusa.com" <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Message-ID: <199903011028_MC2-6C42-169@compuserve.com>
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Message text written by INTERNET:lancair.list@olsusa.com
>Have any of you ever heard of an instance where G forces were enough to
close a starter relay and engage the starter motor in flight?<

I wondered about this possibility too.  I bought two relays back in 1992
and took one apart and measured the spring force and weight of the
contactor.  For the particular relay I used, the "G" load required to
overcome the spring forces were very high about 12  "G" as I recall.    I
suppose that this could vary  from one brand to another.  The automotive
starter relays are not expensive and you could make the same analysis as I.
 Perhaps you could take a few pictures and submit an article on this
subject. 

I mounted the starter relay vertically.  I also have a starter engaged
annunciator light which has never flashed on in turbulence or pull ups nor
have I had any problems with my relay to date.  I recall many discussions
about mounting the relays sideways for numerious reasons but having taken
only one apart couldn't agree and infact it appeared to me it  was designed
to mount vertically.  I'm sure others will have different opinoins but that
is my uninformed thoughts on the subject which is only applicable to the
automotive starter relay I used on my Lancair.

Jim Frantz
Lancair Network News