how to test a slickStart

jwilbur · #1 10-21-2017, 09:44 PM

I strongly suspect my slickStart is not doing what it should. For the first many flights I had no trouble starting the airplane. One or two blades and it's running. Lately, not so much. No change to my starting procedure but it just doesn't want to go. When it does catch it's all fine. But man, the battery is getting a workout.

What is the easiest way to test the slickStart unit to see if it's doing its job correctly?

Thanks,

BobTurner · #2 10-21-2017, 11:16 PM

Well, here?s one way.
Disconnect the starter cable. Cover the end with tape or shrink wrap.
Pull the plug on #1 that?s connected to the left mag (assuming that?s the one connected to the Slick start). Re-connect the high voltage lead to the plug. Lay the plug on the cylinder where it?s in contact with ground.
Ignition off, mixture idle cutoff. Be careful.
Turn the prop slowly, normal direction, until you?re on the number 1 compression stroke.
Have an assistant turn and hold the key on start. (If solo, jumper the start lead to 12 volts and leave the key on left).
Slowly move the prop toward TDC.
As you get there, you should see multiple sparks jump the plug gap, if the Slick start is working.

Jesse · #3 10-22-2017, 06:54 AM

You could also check the inline fuse.

6 Gun · #4 10-22-2017, 06:58 AM

Check your points also
Bob

Janekom · #5 10-22-2017, 01:38 PM

Another key symptom when it fails is if your motor tends to fire or start just as you release the start key. But the retard set of points not opening on the retard magneto will do the same.

jwilbur · #6 10-22-2017, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse

You could also check the inline fuse.

Only had a few minutes today so just checked the fuse. Fuse was fine. Was hoping for an easy fix.

Does the slickStart "buzz" when engaged?

F1R · #7 10-22-2017, 02:13 PM

If you have a mag timing box, you can verify that the retard breaker points are opening and closing, and also check that they are opening at the right time. Check the mark plate on the mag for the Lag Angle. it should be after TDC in any case.

F1R · #8 10-22-2017, 06:54 PM

On the mag the SS is connected to, how many hours since NEW on the MAG
and how many hours since OH?

jwilbur · #9 10-22-2017, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1R

On the mag the SS is connected to, how many hours since NEW on the MAG
and how many hours since OH?

Still in phase 1. 26 hours total on everything since new.

F1R · #10 10-23-2017, 06:12 AM

For what it is worth I recently had a new 6393 suffer infant mortality in less than 5 hours flight time. The starting points worked fine in this case but the normal points went from totally normal to totally non operable in the last 2 hours. It was under warrantee, so there was no need to open it up and have a look inside. Shaking the mag it sounded like a baby rattle. However using a mag timing box allowed backup proof with a video of the problem.

I am not saying this is your issue, but it could be. Just remove the p leads on both the retard points and the normal points. Hook up the left lead to the P lead. Ground to the mag case. The right lead the the retard points post. The normal points should open at your desired timing of 20 or 25 BTDC and the retard points should open after TDC. It sounds like they might not be opening at all.

If it checks out OK then perhaps it could be the SS or a fuel issue.