I have an Intermittent problem that I have not seen before and do not understand.
I am using a Skytec Flyweight PM Starter. I have been using one for over 2,750 hours and 16-years. Did a swap with an overhauled unit about 200 hours ago.
Several times I have tried to start my engine (Lycoming O-320) and I could hear the starter spinning at high speed but it would not engaged with the starter ring gear so the prop did not turn. Cycling the starter switch and the master switch, every once in a while it would engage and the engine would start normally. Did it this morning on my cold start but had no problem on the next two hot starts.
I have three (3) spare starter solenoid from Skytec as I am familiar with the issues of the solenoid failing. What I do not understand is how the starter will spin and the gears not engage. I was under the impression that the design of the Skytec PM light weight starter was that the gear would engage and then the contact was made to spin the starter.
I will be taking my 82.5 year old mother on a cross country trip from Kalifornia to Pennsylvania next week. Yes she can get in and out of the airplane without help and has flow in it before. (Pittsburgh to DC and last Sunday from SoCAL [CCB] to the SF Bay Area [RHV] and loved it)
I listed my condo for sale on the 15 and 23.5 hours later it sold. I retired after 29.5 years of service at Boeing on 06 September 2013 and will be relocating to Southwestern Pennsylvania to be near / with my mother. We will be traveling by RV, airline, and car to places that she wants to see.
Desire to get this issue solved before heading east next week. Yes I am open to buying a new starter but would prefer to KNOW what is the problem with the one that I have as the design has served me well for over 16-years and 2,750 flying hours.
I am using a Skytec Flyweight PM Starter. I have been using one for over 2,750 hours and 16-years. Did a swap with an overhauled unit about 200 hours ago.
Several times I have tried to start my engine (Lycoming O-320) and I could hear the starter spinning at high speed but it would not engaged with the starter ring gear so the prop did not turn. Cycling the starter switch and the master switch, every once in a while it would engage and the engine would start normally. Did it this morning on my cold start but had no problem on the next two hot starts.
I have three (3) spare starter solenoid from Skytec as I am familiar with the issues of the solenoid failing. What I do not understand is how the starter will spin and the gears not engage. I was under the impression that the design of the Skytec PM light weight starter was that the gear would engage and then the contact was made to spin the starter.
I will be taking my 82.5 year old mother on a cross country trip from Kalifornia to Pennsylvania next week. Yes she can get in and out of the airplane without help and has flow in it before. (Pittsburgh to DC and last Sunday from SoCAL [CCB] to the SF Bay Area [RHV] and loved it)
I listed my condo for sale on the 15 and 23.5 hours later it sold. I retired after 29.5 years of service at Boeing on 06 September 2013 and will be relocating to Southwestern Pennsylvania to be near / with my mother. We will be traveling by RV, airline, and car to places that she wants to see.
Desire to get this issue solved before heading east next week. Yes I am open to buying a new starter but would prefer to KNOW what is the problem with the one that I have as the design has served me well for over 16-years and 2,750 flying hours.