---------- Forwarded Message ----------- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 11:38:40 -0500 Subject: Freak Occurance
Here is one of those "Lessons to be Learned from that" stories. Last week when I was taking our 172 down for a 100 hour inspection an unusual event occurred. After the start-up the "low voltage" light was on with the airplane idling (not normal). The run-up was normal with the light going out and the amp gauge showing a charge. After take-off, the amp gauge was showing a constant 30 amp charge (about 1/2 scale). Although everything seemed fine, I did a precautionary landing to check. I know that when a starter stays engaged after the start, it makes the amp gauge show a high charge and will burn out the starter in short order. That is what I was suspecting. After the landing, I leaned the mixture to stop the engine. When the engine stopped, there was a definite noise of something still running. Sounding like a fuel pump, I checked and it was off. I then figured out that it was the starter. It had disengaged after the start but was still spinning. The only way to get it to stop was to turn off the master switch. I suspected that the starter solenoid had stuck. After turning the master back on, the start immediately engaged and obviously the propeller turned. The key was in the OFF position. That meant either the key switch was defective or the starter solenoid was stuck. It turned out to be the solenoid. The lessons to be learned: #1. Always clear the area BEFORE turning the master on. No, it shouldn't start but you never know. Think about how many times you have reached in to turn the master on when doing a preflight and someone has been near the propeller. Always make sure the Key is OFF and the Mixture is lean before turning the Master on so that it doesn't START if the key switch or solenoid should malfunction. #2 If something seems wrong, do a precautionary landing to check it out. In this case, the starter may have overheated and ruined it or caused smoke in the cabin. Strange things happen. Even if it is only once in almost 30 years. Thanks for Flying with Wings Air Charter LLC! http://www.wingsaircharter.com ------- End of Forwarded Message -------
