Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #11
From: W T Bartlett <wtbartlett@prodigy.net>
Subject: Fw: Lycoming light weight starter
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2001 15:22:35 -0700
To: <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Cc: <ian.crowe@sympatico.ca>
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I was the one that posted the "cravat" on the starter switches that failed.
Ian didn't read it very carefully and Ian and others didn't read Skytech's
reference on eliminating the Cessna firewall solenoid.
I have included my original note after Ian's observations concerning it.
Below is Skytech's note
 "Experimental Aircraft Builders:
Here, you can view a wiring diagram that will let you use the solenoid on
the Sky-Tec starters for Lycoming engines to eliminate the need for a
firewall starter solenoid. "
1: I never said Skytech's starters have caused a failure of a starter
switch. I would guess they have, because I have had a failure with a very
similar starter (HT model), '77 Honda Accord, mounted on my Lyc O-235. I
have the highest regard for Skytech and if they had existed, when I put a
starter on my engine, I would have probably put a Skytech on my engine. I
have done business with Skytech on a minor purchase (pinion for 149 tooth
ring gear) and they were some of the most knowledgeable and pleasant people
that I have dealt with in the aircraft industry.
2: Skytech starters have only one solenoid. Cessna only disabled the
solenoid to starter motor contacts provided on the Skytechs. I can't figure
out why the did this because that will cause the starter motor to start
turning before the pinion is engaged in the ring gear, which cause grinding
like the old Bendixes. They probably draw less peak amperage, though. I'm
sure the Skytechs will start an O-360 without that running start.
3: I doubt that most aircraft key switch start contacts are designed to
carry the +10 amps that Skytech recommends. If you use the aircraft key
switch to start you should use the standard solenoid. It is not necessary to
jump across the Skytech provided solenoid to starter motor contacts if you
do this. It is probably not desirable.
4: For the record all high current contacts, all solenoid coils and high
amperage motors have reverse current diodes across them on my plane and did
have them when the starter switch stuck closed.
5: Question for Ian. Which solenoids do you have beside the "first
solenoid"? And yes Ian "go for prevention and make sure that your starter
switch will handal that big, high draw solenoid and just in case use the
diod across the switch in case it does fail.
I coppied Skytech, just in case I made any error, so they can correct me on
the list. I didn't say the nice things about them because i coppied them. I
really believe them.
Bill N7WB

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