I liked my LS/PM Sky Tec
jbDC9 said:
If you're leaning towards a Sky-Tec Hi Torque HT, you might try these guys;
http://autoexpress.safeshopper.com/2212/15820.htm?640
But, compare them to the pics of the HT Sky-Tec, and besides missing the FAA/PMA sticker, I can't tell them apart. They look identical and this one is 200 bucks cheaper than the Sky-Tec.
I bought one of those autoexpress starters out of curiously as a spare. I have not used it and concure it LOOKS LIKE a Sky Tec HT, but it's different. I'm pretty sure it's a permanent magnet starter. The Sky Tec HT is a wire wound starter.
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I concur that the Sky Tec makes great products and has good support. Their customer service is excellent in my opinion. Their bargain priced original LS/PM permanent magnet "flyweight" does a great job. I flew with one on my RV-4 for 900 hours with no problems.
Here is a short list:
Sky Tec
LS/PM original Flyweight $350 (7.8 lbs) (Permanent Magnet)
HT sky tec original Hi-torque $425 (8.4 lbs) (wire wound)
NL hi-torque, in-line, shear pin $525 (9.4 lbs) (wire wound)
B&C $550-$580 (weight ? like sky tec HT, but $125-$155 more)
Autoexpress $250 (9 lbs) (Permanent magnet?)
Yes the LS/PM permanent magnet starter does use more juice and needs a good battery and good wiring but nothing special. Yes, RV's with light props, super high compression engines or electronic ignitions (which can be affected by low voltages) may be better served with a different starter, like the Sky Tec HT or NL models.
There are well documented solutions to address electronic ignitions on Sky Tec's web site (
http://www.skytecair.com/EI.htm ). I least the current draw below, and the B&C draws almost as much as the LS/PM sky tec!
The NL is better, but was made for planes that could not fit the LS/PM or HT, not because there was a problem with the other models. They also added a shear pin to the design. Most RV's can use any of the models.
B&C is just over priced IMHO and offers nothing more than the SkyTec HT or NL. If you want the deluxe, get the NEW Sky Tec NL starter, it's still cheaper than the B&C. Sky-Tec replaced B&C for the OEM starter on Robinson Helicopters. The LS/PM will serve most RV'ers well, except the most picky (and you know who you are) RV'ers.
Peak current draw for different brands of starters:
Sky Tec LS....... 320 amps
B&C................. 298 amps
Magnalite.......... 282 amps
Sky Tec NL....... 236 amps
Lamar.............. 226 amps
Prestolite......... 194 amps
PC680 odyssey can pulse discharge 680 amps for 5 seconds to 400 amps for 30 seconds. A fully charge PC680 can feed a skytec LS/PM easily, but the voltage drop needs to be kept to a min. Key is a good ground and short battery to starter wire/cable of sufficient gauge AWG (#2 min). This will minimize voltage drop during cranking. My engine starts in a couple of blades or second.
Note, kick backs can KILL ANY starter and ring gear. Kick backs are NOT normal and should not happen. When they do, most of the reasons have nothing to do with the starter.
http://www.skytecair.com/Kickback.htm
At $580 B&C is nice and if that is what you want or have its a good choice. The comparable Sky Tec HT or the better NL starter, both are all ball bearing and comparable to the B&C at less cost. The LS/PM is much maligned, but it's characteristics and limitations are fine for most installations. It is the lightest and least cost starter, but not as forgiving of electical and engine issues.
