Starter issue

[trackdom]

Hi,
I recently experienced two problems with my O 320 engine. Far from my home base, turning the key to start up, and...nothing. Solenoid is brand new, And I can hear that it works, but no starter. That happens sometimes . Battery is ok, master relay is ok , skytec starter is 3 years old, 200 hours . Today I removed the starter from the engine for a visual check, nothing special to declare. As Skytec says I ?ll do some voltage measurments between different devices to see if somewhere a voltage drop could happen. I am waiting for a booster but I am not sure to fix the problem. I would appreciate not to buy a starter every 200 hours.
Any information greatly appreciated .
Thanks

[M McGraw]

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...Skytec+starter

This thread has some information

[rv7charlie]

I'm too lazy to read through that entire thread, but the two obvious possibilities are: a high resistance somewhere in either the positive or negative power circuits to the starter (most likely suspects are the battery terminals), or, if you have the style with the solenoid (can) on the side of the starter, the high current contacts inside the solenoid could be going flaky. Used to be a common problem with solenoid-activated automotive starters (which is what the Skytec actually is).

The 1st will manifest as low (<9v) voltage on the fat terminal of the starter, or >0 volts on the starter frame, while <start> is activated.

The 2nd will manifest as normal voltage everywhere (>9V on positive terminal, <0.5V on the starter frame), referenced to the battery's actual negative post.

Last likely issue would be a dead starter.

[KAdriver]

Don?t underestimate the key switch. It?s the weak link in my experience.

[rv7charlie]

Originally Posted by KAdriver

Don?t underestimate the key switch. It?s the weak link in my experience.

I might have misread it, but I thought he said that he's getting the 'clack' of the contactor when he hits <start>.

[BH1166]

Originally Posted by trackdom

Solenoid is brand new, And I can hear that it works, but no starter.

Has happened to me, it was the bendix drive in my starter. Not a skytec, but Kelly Aerospace. I would try to jump it just in case battery is weak before I would do anything more extensive. Skytec does have a good trouble shooting guide to use, but you need to have a meter and know how to operate it.

[BH1166]

Originally Posted by KAdriver

Don?t underestimate the key switch. It?s the weak link in my experience.

Put black lead on ground and trace wire from starter to Solenoid for positive lead. You should see 12 volts on the starter switch wire.

[hgerhardt]

I assume by "new solenoid" you mean the the external firewall-mounted one? If so, AND you have a non-NL model starter, it's likely the starter-mounted solenoid. See this thread: http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=135453

[trackdom]

Originally Posted by rv7charlie

I might have misread it, but I thought he said that he's getting the 'clack' of the contactor when he hits <start>.

Yes, I always hear the clack

[trackdom]

Originally Posted by hgerhardt

I assume by "new solenoid" you mean the the external firewall-mounted one? If so, AND you have a non-NL model starter, it's likely the starter-mounted solenoid. See this thread: http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=135453

I mean the external firewall-mounted one , and what do you mean by non NL one?