dromuald
Active Member
Thought I would pass this on for reference. I have an RV8 with an IO-360 engine equipped with a skytek starter. For the last year or so the engine would occasionally crank noticeably slower than normal, like the battery was not fully charged. Most times it would crank normally. I tested the battery under load and confirmed that the battery was good. After washing the aircraft this spring I got some water in the intake and I had to crank the motor continuously for 20 seconds or so multiple times to get it to start. I was careful to let the starter cool between attempts. Ever since that incident there was an electrical humming noise coming from the engine compartment everytime I cranked the motor. And as before, occasionally the engine would crank slowly at first but it always started. I didn't have the means to measure the voltage at the various points in the start circuit so instead of getting the starter rebuilt I rolled the dice on the solenoid. I found one on ebay, it is essentially a Ford solenoid, part number SW3, for $10. Everthing is now back to normal, no humming & normal cranking. My mechanic friend was willing to bet me the solenoid was not the problem, but it has been a month and I am happy to report after dozens of starts it is still normal. So if you ever hear that humming noise....
