SkyTec 149-NL vs 149-LSX Starter Cranky!

[mantry]

In the past there was a discussion thread about the SkyTec 149-LSX starters being "CRANKY". That discussion is here:
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ghlight=149-NL

My RV-7, since I have bought it has this "CRANKY" start. Some have called it the BUMP to START, meaning the starter has trouble getting the prop through the first compression stroke. It has never failed to start but it isn't right in my mind that you need to try 3-6 times to get the starter to crank the prop through for the start.
I did the troubleshooting via the SkyTec instructions and even talked to the techs at SkyTec. As they mention, these PERM MAGNET starters need 11 Volts at least to the starter while it is starting and if you can't get 11 Volts to the starter while starting it is JUST NOT GOING TO PERFORM as it should. It didn't matter if it was hot or cold, low battery or right off the charger.

So here are some pics of my Old SkyTec 149-LSX starter mounted on my RV-7 with the O360 Engine.



And here is a video of it trying to start. I think the battery measured 12.4 Volts prior to this attempt:
https://youtu.be/R3URjpaJyfU

So in talking with SkyTec on the phone and also at Oshkosh they said that they will take my 149-LSX and give me a credit towards a new starter like the 149-NL. So I did the online RMA and had them send me the 149-NL. After taking the above video, I immediately removed the 149-LSX and mounted the 149-NL.

Here are some pics of the new SkyTec 149-NL started mounted on my RV-7 with the O360 Engine.



Note: I will put a rub bushing over the B+ lead going to the starter so it doesn't rub on the back housing.

And here is a video of it STARTING! Notice I left out the word "trying". This starter really spins the prop like it should be spun!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pTj-Gsibqg

I would recommend if you have the 149-LSX and are having the BUMP to START Blues to order the 149-NL and you won't be sorry. Off the top of my head the price was $599 for new starter, less $305 credit for the 149-LSX plus some shipping both directions.

Thanks again to everyone at VAF! What a valuable resource!!!

[cfiidon]

I had exactly the same issue and solved it exactly the same way.

Love the new starter, and less battery drain too!

Don

[Jesse]

I have the exact same problem and hope to fix it the exact same way.

[olyolson]

As above I had the exact same symptoms but a quick call to Skytec and an NL starter was the solution. Never a problem starting since.

Oly

[airguy]

Same problem and same fix here, with my lightweight WW200RV prop it just couldn't get over the first compression stroke.

[RV7Guy]

I put the NL on my 390. I would also recommend it instead of the LS. The NL is only a pound or so heavier but a lot beefier. I had one LS crack the housing. The NL is stout!!

[BigglesRV7A]

I just had my lightweight Skytec starter 149-12LS develop a crack in its fwd housing. Has anyone installed the inline starter NL with the snorkel air intake on their RV7 or similar. Just wondering if there would need to be any mods to the already installed air intake originally fabricated to suit he 149-12LS starter.

[turbo]

now that is a short youtube video. i think i can do better because my rv starts on one blade cold and two blades hot. that has been my new technique for starting. when hot i pull the mixture about 2/3 out and crack the throttle. two blades on two trys and she is running.

now what is the problem with the unacceptable starter?

[garrys]

I have the same starting issues using the 149-12LS starter.......can't get past the first compression stroke and takes 3 or 4 tries to get it to turn over. My hanger neighbor who is an A&P/IA came and put a bunch of gauges on the starting circuit. With my resting battery showing 12.6 volts, when attempting to start the voltage at the battery dropped to 5.83 volts and at the starter the voltage was 2.5. The amperage was 458 amps whereas it should be around 200 amps. The mechanic said these readings indicated an almost dead short. All connections were checked with no looseness, corrosion, or lack of continuity. His conclusion was that the starter simply wasn't powerful enough (not enough torque) to turn over the engine.

I sent the starter back to SkyTec. They checked it out and said nothing was wrong with the starter, but suggested I upgrade to the NL model, which I did. When it arrived and I tried to install it I found that it would not fit. Because the solenoid is mounted in the back of the starter motor, instead of along side, the starter was longer and interfered with the F.I. throttle linkage. I have the horizontal fuel injection system sometimes called the "snorkel" system. There was no practical way to install the NL starter. I'm back to the 149-12LS model and hate it!

If anyone has any ideas I'd sure appreciate them.

[Larco]

Is it true that the Skytec LS starter is now the Hartzell X series starter? It is getting hard to know what we are actually buying today with all the changes. Isn?t PP now, Hartzell as well?
Larry