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  #1  
Old 01-05-2018, 05:57 AM
KazooRV-9A KazooRV-9A is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Posts: 116
Default Skytec starter question - NL vs. XLT

I'm looking for a new starter for my Lycoming O-320 engine overhaul, and I see that there appear to be 2 types of Skytec units available.

One is a 149-NL, which by the pictures looks to be similar to the OEM Electrosystems Inc. starter that was on my core engine, i.e. longer length.

Then there is the 149-12 XLT that is sold by Van's, that looks to be shorter than the OEM or 149-NL units. It's touted as being a lighweight PMA unit.

Which one of these starters are builders using and why?

I'm very surprised that the Skytec website, has little discussion on comparison of these two units that they sell. What does it mean, that the XLT is a replacement for the LS starters? They seem to be underutilizing their website,,,

Thank you,

AC
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  #2  
Old 01-05-2018, 06:14 AM
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BCP Boys BCP Boys is offline
 
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I'm not a builder but I do remember one of the first things that they builder who I purchased my plane from told me was that he had gone through a couple of the "standard" size Starters before deciding to put the "heavier duty" on this plane. One of the reasons on my plane may be because I have a wood prop that there is less inertia so the starter has to do a bit more work. So make sure you consider that too. . . or just get the heavier duty one regardless.
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  #3  
Old 01-05-2018, 06:18 AM
fixnflyguy fixnflyguy is offline
 
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Location: Winston-Salem, N.C.
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Default 149-12XLT on my -4

I used the small 149-12XLT on my 0-320 160 hp., -4 . The larger OEM type is heavier and that was the main reason. Be sure you have a 149 tooth ring gear (most common) and I'm sure your 12V.. I have had no issues with this starter in 8 years of service, and it cranks my engine better than most any OEM starter I have seen in the past.
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  #4  
Old 01-05-2018, 06:19 AM
tracy tracy is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: chattanooga,tn
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My o360 had a sky tech 149-lsx on it when I bought it. When the temps got down below 50f, it would not turn motor over. This was using the odyssey 690 battery. I replaced with 149-nl and it now starts at any temp. The nl has more torque.
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  #5  
Old 01-05-2018, 06:23 AM
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N941WR N941WR is offline
 
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800+ hours with the XLT and composite prop with zero issues. My engine is a stock O-360 with 8.5:1 compression.
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  #6  
Old 01-05-2018, 06:40 AM
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RV6_flyer RV6_flyer is offline
 
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Location: NC25
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Default NL

After 20-years of flying my RV with SkyTec starters, I switched to the NL starter after going through 3 solenoids in less than 18-months on the PM starter after an overhaul replacement.
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  #7  
Old 01-05-2018, 07:18 AM
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Larco Larco is offline
 
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Location: DVT Phoenix
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RV6_flyer View Post
After 20-years of flying my RV with SkyTec starters, I switched to the NL starter after going through 3 solenoids in less than 18-months on the PM starter after an overhaul replacement.
I always value Gary's comments and now have an NL as well.
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  #8  
Old 01-05-2018, 07:27 AM
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chepburn chepburn is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ottawa , Canada
Posts: 224
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tracy View Post
My o360 had a sky tech 149-lsx on it when I bought it. When the temps got down below 50f, it would not turn motor over. This was using the odyssey 690 battery. I replaced with 149-nl and it now starts at any temp. The nl has more torque.
Just another datapoint for you for the 149NL on an IO360 with a 7 year old PC625 battery.

Winter temps here are closer to what you have (-22C -6F) today. Started last week at -5F and the NL can swing the Hartzel prop and the thick oil... I preheat with a sump heater, plus on days below -10C I will use additional blown hot air up through the cowl exit for 15-20 mins.

That being said, I think its right at the limit on those days... the prop swings pretty slowly and I have to get prime right because I'm only going to get a few tries. (The 7 year old battery probably explains that behavior)
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  #9  
Old 01-05-2018, 07:55 AM
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rocketbob rocketbob is offline
 
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The NL uses a series-wound motor.
Other Skytec starters, and the B&C, use a permanent magnet motor.

The series-wound motor is FAR superior. Less inrush and steady-state current draw and more torque. I've actually measured the current draw and compared them.
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  #10  
Old 01-05-2018, 08:02 AM
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Walt Walt is offline
 
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Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rocketbob View Post
The NL uses a series-wound motor.
Other Skytec starters, and the B&C, use a permanent magnet motor.

The series-wound motor is FAR superior. Less inrush and steady-state current draw and more torque. I've actually measured the current draw and compared them.
The B&C is a wirewound unit and my favorite, the NL is much better than the PM/lightweight Skytec.
(My original 14yr old B&C starter and alternator are still working perfect.)
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Last edited by Walt : 01-05-2018 at 08:10 AM.
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