Niagara Air parts were the frequently recommended
source for starter adapters, and appear to spend a lot of effort to improve
their product. I contacted them with a series of questions, and got
promptly got the reply below which I have edited slightly deleting content not
relevant to the starter adapter issues. It appears that there are
further improvements coming down the pike. Note recommendation to
use Shell W100 over the 15-50 product.
Fred
Excerpts from Ron Newberg’s email response to my
questions. Square bracket inserts are mine.
Ronald Newburg [ron@niagaraairparts.com]
The Lamar [starter motor]
works, but not all that well. The oil seal s/b installed with the spring
facing inside the starter or it will corrode and fall into the starter
adapter / engine oil supply! The Lamar is a permanent magnet, direct drive unit
that can't reach it's full potential because it turns too slow (2500 rpm versus
10,000 rpm). It will usually allow the starter adapter clutch spring to
release, but it is only marginally OK! It uses old technology permanent
magnets that tend to "index" leading to a questionable abilty to turn
backwards, allowing the clutch spring release.As far as I'm concerned, only the
big, old prestolite / delco remy / energizer starters are to be trusted
and then only if properly serviced.
Don't worry about too much oomph [from dual battery, cross connected starts], the adapter will
take it. Better to use Shell 100W without the "plus". The
"plus" in both the Shell and the Phillips is Isopropyl Phenal
Phosphate (IPPP) and it makes things too slippery!
Your engine could have either the "classic style"
adapter or the "new improved style" adapter (their words, not mine).
See the TCM bulletin M79-10 appended above. Turn your prop backwards and if you
hear your starter go WHRRRRRR!, it's the New Improved Style" adapter
(their words, not mine). If no resistance, you have the good old style "classic
style" adapter, the best!!!
Everything costs way too much in AU to buy [an overhaul kit] it and put it on the
shelf. Besides, you won't know what size spring / kit to buy, it depends on
"how worn out every thing is" The spring can be "standard / M15
/ M28 / M43 (needs a collet in M43)
Go to my website and see the installation instructions on
the springs / / all is revealed!!
Any help you need, don't hesitate to ask, it's my pleasure
to help!
By the way, I am building up a new design starter that makes
all the problems simply go away on both the "new improved style adapter
(their words, not mine") and the good old "classic style"
adapter. My starter is a "full dis-engagement unit that lets the "new
style " adapters put up with kick backs on shut down and lets the classic
style adapters fully release instantaneously following start up. I'll keep you
advised on when you can have one!