|
-
POSTING RULES

-
Donate yearly (please).
-
Advertise in here!
-
Today's Posts
|
Insert Pics
|

01-05-2018, 05:57 AM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Posts: 116
|
|
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
|

01-05-2018, 06:14 AM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Kennesaw, Ga
Posts: 825
|
|
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.
__________________
Amir
----------
RV-7
RV-10 - Sold
Supporting VAF since the first visit
|

01-05-2018, 06:18 AM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Posts: 1,213
|
|
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.
__________________
Bill E.
RV-4/N76WE
8A7 / Advance NC
|

01-05-2018, 06:19 AM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: chattanooga,tn
Posts: 231
|
|
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.
__________________
Tracy Willingham
RV-8
Powered Paraglider 
Pitts S2B- sold
Chattanooga, Tn
Dues Paid
|

01-05-2018, 06:23 AM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SC
Posts: 12,887
|
|
800+ hours with the XLT and composite prop with zero issues. My engine is a stock O-360 with 8.5:1 compression.
__________________
Bill R.
RV-9 (Yes, it's a dragon tail)
O-360 w/ dual P-mags
Build the plane you want, not the plane others want you to build!
SC86 - Easley, SC
www.repucci.com/bill/baf.html
|

01-05-2018, 06:40 AM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NC25
Posts: 3,507
|
|
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.
__________________
Gary A. Sobek
NC25 RV-6 Flying
3,400+ hours
Where is N157GS
Building RV-8 S/N: 80012
To most people, the sky is the limit.
To those who love aviation, the sky is home.
|

01-05-2018, 07:18 AM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: DVT Phoenix
Posts: 1,187
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by RV6_flyer
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.
__________________
Larry
|

01-05-2018, 07:27 AM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ottawa , Canada
Posts: 224
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by tracy
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)
__________________
Chris Hepburn
Ottawa, ON
RV-8 C-GOGO FLYING
Renew 12/20
|

01-05-2018, 07:55 AM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: 8I3
Posts: 3,564
|
|
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.
__________________
Please don't PM me! Email only!
Bob Japundza CFI A&PIA
N9187P PA-24-260B Comanche, flying
N678X F1 Rocket, under const.
N244BJ RV-6 "victim of SNF tornado" 1200+ hrs, rebuilding
N8155F C150 flying
N7925P PA-24-250 Comanche, restoring
Not a thing I own is stock.
|

01-05-2018, 08:02 AM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Posts: 5,686
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by rocketbob
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.)
__________________
Walt Aronow, DFW, TX (52F)
EXP Aircraft Services LLC
Specializing in RV Condition Inspections, Maintenance, Avionics Upgrades
Dynamic Prop Balancing, Pitot-Static Altmeter/Transponder Certification
FAA Certified Repair Station, AP/IA/FCC GROL, EAA Technical Counselor
Authorized Garmin G3X Dealer/Installer
RV7A built 2004, 1700+ hrs, New Titan IO-370, Bendix Mags
Website: ExpAircraft.com, Email: walt@expaircraft.com, Cell: 972-746-5154
Last edited by Walt : 01-05-2018 at 08:10 AM.
|
| Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
|
| Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:58 AM.
|