It depends on the Skytec model and what has been on as a starter since the replacement.   If the same starter is on then you probably have the same issue and no matter which starter is on-- it won't get better.  If you changed the starter at the same time as the adapter then which model is on there now?  My research says 200-300 hours with a problematic starter is really good, I got 500 and was an ISKRA "poster pilot".  Most fail much earlier in the 200 hour range and many Legacy owners seem to have swapped out adapter very early--mine before the plane even flew.

The lightweight geared starters (ISKRA and some earlier Skytecs) have gearing friction which prevents the adapter spring from fully unwinding.  My understanding of the issue is that you then fly a couple hundred hours while that spring wears down the clutch shaft.  I have all the photos to show how that happens.   The clearance grows and the problem magnifies.  You have all the symptoms of soon being out of start capability and you want that to occur at your home airport not somewhere else because you need an engine hoist and a few weeks to repair or a few days to exchange adapters.

The fix for the adapter is fairly straightforward and there are lots of options for repair, exchange etc.   The starter issue must also be addressed.  The newest Skytecs have a clutch that disengages the adapter and this is supposed to solve that problem.  The older Presotlite and TCM starters have terrific start torque, no gearing and weigh more but they last forever.  You get one of those from an overhaul shop that measures the break torque to a few in-ounces and that's the key to a long adapter life.  They are also not expensive either.

Best to determine the existing starter and see if you can determine if the adapter is standard, M15, M30 or M45 sizing.   Go from there.

Paul
Legacy
Spruce Creek

On 4/19/2012 12:43 PM, Adam Molny wrote:

Paul – boy, I hope not. I already have the lightweight Skytec starter, which is supposed to be friendly to the starter adapter. The starter adapter was replaced at 50 hours by the previous owner of this engine (it now has around 275hrs). I’ll keep an eye on the situation to see if gets worse.

 

I’m not aware of any options or choices to be made regarding the starter adapter. You simply have it rebuilt or replaced. Is that correct?

 

Thanks,

Adam Molny

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