Given the information below, I'm leaning more towards spending the extra for a B&C starter if it has proven to work better than the Sky-Tec (seems like it would cost less in the long run than putting in a Sky-Tec only to later switch to a B&C), but we will take your advice, Wayne, and do some independent research before making a decision. Any pointers on where/how to start in finding "unsolicited testimonials" regarding both of these starters in a 1946 415-C outside of this type forum?
I would be very interested to hear John Cooper's insights on this subject as well if he is so inclined ...? And anyone else who has experience in this realm ...?
Thanks again, all!
Susan
On Apr 11, 2006, at 7:40 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
<x-tad-smaller>----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
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<x-tad-bigger>Susan,</x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger> </x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger>The Sky-Tec light weight starter and the B&C lightweight starter both use pushbuttons to engage them, so they are very easy to operate. Both have the advantage of getting rid of the original pull cable and starter clutch. The original starter clutch is a maintenance problem at best and a potential disaster at worst. (My opinion.) Unfortunately, neither one of the light weight starters remove the steel-on-steel engagement and dis-engagement of the starter drive and crankshaft gears inside of the engine case. Clashing those gears together inside the engine case is a really bad design (my opinion again), but there's nothing we can do about that. Lycoming does it right. On a Lycoming, if the gears break or throw metal shavings, the pieces fall on the ground, or into the starter drive nose piece, which is outside of the crankcase. The most you can do is lose a starter and ring gear. On the Continental starter, if the gears throw metal, the pieces go into the crankcase and the engine can be destroyed. </x-tad-bigger>
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<x-tad-bigger>I have had both the Sky-Tec and the B&C starters on my engine (long story), and I much prefer the B&C unit. It costs more, but it appears to be built better and stronger than the Sky-Tec. The disadvantage is that it costs something like $200.00 more than the Sky-Tec. </x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger> </x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger>Do some research on these starters before buying one. I would call the owners at B&C and Sky-Tec and talk with them about their products before buying either one. I would also do some searching on the internet for "unsolicited testimonials". </x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger> </x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger>Neither starter should be a problem as far as getting the paperwork done.</x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger> </x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger>BTW, both of these starters spin the engine over much faster than the original, which should help with starting on cold days.</x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger> </x-tad-bigger>
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Best Regards,
Wayne DelRossi
Alon N5618F
Hours logged since restoration: 121.9
