I have 4 comments regarding this thread 1. I regret missing the opportunity to upgrade my starter when I did my major overhaul two years ago. I was so tight on money, dealing with an unplanned major, I could not even consider it. But for those planning a major overhaul, that's the best time to do it. 2. B&C recommends removing the accessory case when installing their starter, which is a lot more work and expense, but IMHO seems to be the best way to do it. 3. From talking to both vendors, plus info from users, I would prefer B&C over Sky-Tech. But, I could live with either. 4. Weight savings would be my major motivation to do it. Just MHO Eliacim
----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 6:23 PM Subject: Re: [ercoupe-tech] Re:Re; Sky-Tec conversion All, I installed a SkyTec starter on the C-90 in my Alon during the engine rebuild 3 years ago. Long story short - my mechanic timed the mags backwards (on the exhaust stroke instead of the compression stroke), the engine kicked back with the starter engaged, a battle between the crankshaft gear and the starter drive ensued, and the crankshaft gear lost. Two gear teeth sheared off, the starter was damaged, and the engine had to be rebuilt again. None of this was the fault of the SkyTec starter. It was all caused by the mags being timed backwards (a VERY easy mistake to make it turns out). My mechanic paid for the second rebuild out of his pocket - no questions asked. Talk about integrity. Anyhow, after talking with SkyTec, talking with B&C and doing a lot of research that I should have done earlier, I decided to junk the SkyTec starter and buy a B&C. In my opinion, after looking at how both starters are made, and doing all the research, I think the B&C starter is superior in design and materials to the SkyTec unit. I've had the B&C on the plane for 3 years and 420 hours and never had any problems whatsoever. And it spins the prop over almost as fast as the engine does. Both the SkyTec and the B&C are far superior to the original equipment starter. That original starter is the Achilles heel of that entire engine. One kickback and the starter clutch breaks, and if the clutch breaks bad enough, it can shed metal into the engine. One other comment - Regardless of which starter is used, if the engine is being started and it kicks back while the the starter is engaged, that's reason to remove the starter and inspect the starter drive gear, starter clutch (if the starter has a clutch) and crankshaft gear for cracks and broken teeth. I got lucky (for someone with really bad luck) in that the broken teeth didn't fall into the gear train in the accessory section and turn the entire engine into junk. Somehow the broken teeth made it to the oil sump without getting ingested into the gear train. I also got lucky in that I decided to fish a magnet around in the oil sump after we retimed the mags and ran the engine up. The engine ran up fine with the mags timed right, and with two chunks of steel gear teeth in the oil pan and with two big chunks missing out of the crankshaft gear. Best Regards, Wayne DelRossi Alon Aircoupe N5618F Life begins at 50.... knots. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ It's time to go back to school! Get the latest trends and gadgets that make the grade on AOL Shopping.
