RVG8tor
Well Known Member
IO-360 739 (hobbs) Hours in 9 years.
Sky-Tec 149-NL, I never had any start issues.
Plane sat for 5 months while I traveled this summer. Returned, flew once which revealed a brake problem. solved that and yesterday when I went to start, prop moved then stops. I am not sure if it even made a full revolution. Got out and tried to hand turn the prop, it moved but heard loose items, so I stopped there to look under the cowling. After taking the cowling off I found the starter case broken, one part sitting on top of the air box.
Prop rotates through fine and fells like good compression on all cylinders.
In April I did not notice any cracking in the starter case or any issues with fly wheel or starter teeth. Currently the flywheel looks fine, no broken teeth.
The shear pin did not break so I am fairly certain this was not a kickback issue.
I am at a loss as to how this could happen since I have had no indications that the starter was having any issues.
So aside from a new starter, I am sure the warranty is long passed, what other inspections should I perform?
Is it worth sending the starter to Sky-Tec for rebuild to have a spare on the shelf?
Thank for advice.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N6Gs8FLSTCvVtTGo1FX377y1XY-_bbVm/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xwuaWJ-UMu8naMnxLaw1w--CdfISAQUX/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sapNmPtESylNGzMY-lEPPgmOQr5HKj27/view?usp=sharing
Sky-Tec 149-NL, I never had any start issues.
Plane sat for 5 months while I traveled this summer. Returned, flew once which revealed a brake problem. solved that and yesterday when I went to start, prop moved then stops. I am not sure if it even made a full revolution. Got out and tried to hand turn the prop, it moved but heard loose items, so I stopped there to look under the cowling. After taking the cowling off I found the starter case broken, one part sitting on top of the air box.
Prop rotates through fine and fells like good compression on all cylinders.
In April I did not notice any cracking in the starter case or any issues with fly wheel or starter teeth. Currently the flywheel looks fine, no broken teeth.
The shear pin did not break so I am fairly certain this was not a kickback issue.
I am at a loss as to how this could happen since I have had no indications that the starter was having any issues.
So aside from a new starter, I am sure the warranty is long passed, what other inspections should I perform?
Is it worth sending the starter to Sky-Tec for rebuild to have a spare on the shelf?
Thank for advice.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N6Gs8FLSTCvVtTGo1FX377y1XY-_bbVm/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xwuaWJ-UMu8naMnxLaw1w--CdfISAQUX/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sapNmPtESylNGzMY-lEPPgmOQr5HKj27/view?usp=sharing