SkyTec starter failure

[avengingangel]

threw mine in the trash last year. Went to the NL and never looked back.

[Brambo]

Just had the same problem with my starter. I'd like to upgrade to the NL, but the Sky-Tec rep wasn't sure if it would fit with the snorkle induction. Is there anyone out there that has put an NL in a -7A with snorkle?

[luv2flypilot]

Carl, I am having similar problems with my 7A with LASAR ignition and 9:5 to 1 compression pistons. What battery are you running? I just ordered an X-Drive starter from Aircraft Spruce tonight after reading your post since I have gone through 2 Sky Tec starters and not too impressed with them. I need better reliability.

Originally Posted by RV8JD

The SkyTec light weight starters are permanent magnet starters with a high current draw during initial cranking. I have the LASAR electronic ignition system on my RV-8 and the SkyTec light weight starter would draw down the voltage below what was needed for it to operate, making it more difficult to start. The workaround I came up with was to pull the LASAR electronic ignition system circuit breaker for the first few blades when starting, the voltage would come back up, and then I'd push in the CB for the LASAR system, allowing it to come on line for the start.

I got tired of that routine and replaced the starter with a new Hartzell starter (X-Drive). This starter was billed to have a lower current draw during initial engagement. Apparently, Hartzell bought the Kelly line of starters last year. I'm quite pleased with the new starter. I have high compression pistons (10:1) and it spins the engine quite easily, and the LASAR system stays operating during the start. I'm quite pleased with the Hartzell starter and it fits with the snorkel.

http://www.hartzellenginetech.com/ai...t-starter.html

I still have the SkyTec light weight starter (it has the newer thicker flange), if someone wants to make me an offer. It has 1000 hours on it, and was working fine when it was removed.

[flynwest]

Is it a NL 49? If so what do you have to have for it, I may buy it as a spare to sit on the shelf.

[olyolson]

Gator,

I started with the lightweight starter on my AEIO-360 with a C/S Prop and it worked for less than 100 hours before it ate itself but Skytec is an honorable company and sent me a replacement. Unfortunately it happened 2 more times so after THREE starters I took some advice from some of my smart friends and upgraded to the 49 NL high torque starter a couple years ago and have not had a lick of trouble since.

The old starter always struggled trying to get the motor going. The new high torque starter turns over the motor so quick that I'm running in about 2-3 blade turns. Been passing this info around and a couple other guys with the same symptoms solved all their starter problems with the NL high torque model.

Initially I think the lightweight starter was great for an O-320 and a fixed pitch prop but we all seem to be gravitating to bigger engines and C/S props so those little starters just won't do anymore.

Oly

[Wayne Gillispie]

Originally Posted by rocketbob

The NL has a shear pin in the drive train and two spare pins are siliconed to the base. The starter spins much faster so that will drastically reduce the chances of a kickback.

The NL starter actually spins a little slower than my present LS(if one can provide the same voltage to them). See Skytec starter specs. My LS draws approx 430 Amps starting the 540 with a slick start and no problems. I have an NL on standby if needed.

[RV7Guy]

Although I had lots of time on my LS when I did have a problem it was significant. The housing cracked badly. I bought a refurbed one and installed. I was going to Grandbury to look at property and stopped by Sky-Tec. They were great and fixed it on the spot for a reasonable amount.

From that point on I always carried a spare starter when on long CC trips. The starter is the one of the things that will strand you.

My neighbor recently had a problem with his LS starter. It didn't engage all the way and chewed up the ring gear requiring replacement. He decided to go with the NL version. He said the starter seems to crank with greater authority.

For my new plane with a 390 I'm going with the NL. The NL only weighs 1.6lbs more than the LS but is significantly beefier. Trying to save 1.6 lbs on something so important just doesn't make sense.

The Sky-Tec support is great!!!

[Toobuilder]

Did (or does) Sky Tec offer a buyback/upgrade program for some of these starters? Thought I read that somewhere...

My Rocket has a factory installed Sky Tec on it with just shy of 100 hours and it doesnt seem to be able to spin the engine like it should.

[rleffler]

Originally Posted by Toobuilder

Did (or does) Sky Tec offer a buyback/upgrade program for some of these starters? Thought I read that somewhere...

My Rocket has a factory installed Sky Tec on it with just shy of 100 hours and it doesn't seem to be able to spin the engine like it should.

They used to swap them out for free (if unused) if you got it through the Van's engine deal. I think I was one of the last folks to get in on that deal, which was over two years ago.

I don't know the details, but I believe that they are now charging a nominal fee. I suspect probably the cost difference.

Give them a call. They have been great to work with.

I'm with Darwin, for 1.6lbs, I'll take the kick back support every time. I've had absolutely no issues starting my RV-10 with the NL.

bob

[luv2flypilot]

I sent back my starter to Sky Tec and they are going to warranty it since it's only been little over a year the last time I was stranded in SoCal and had to replace it. My high compression IO-360 with constant speed prop has eaten 2 of them now. I am going to trade it in and pay the different for the heavier duty NL. The problem is I have a trip planned next weekend to Oregon so I ordered a Lycoming X-Drive starter from Aircraft Spruce that arrived today that other people have said they have had great luck with and draws less current. This should assist my battery having LASAR ignition that draws a bit if current on start. I guess I will keep the new NL for a spare or sell it to try and make up a bit back of the $450 I had to spend on the X-Drive. Thanks so much for all the feedback. Hoping I don't keep having problems with starters with the change. Tired of getting stranded as it seems to only happen when I am away from my home airport.