Gary.
The original starter Generator served me very well over the last ten years. Not one problem over these years. Always charged the battery and kept up with the avionics even at night. I had problems with many other parts, but these are pretty strong. I would only think about switching toward another system when the current one would be beyond a reasonable repair. But even then, it is cheaper to get a good used Generator or starter than doing all the work for the upgrade. The generator is sufficient for our aircraft engine. We fly at engine speeds over 1500 rpm - well in the range where the generator has good output. This or we don't fly. For the comparable short periods of taxiing a good battery can buffer the reduced to no power output of the generator. Alternators provide power from a lower rpm and since they are of a newer design, they usually provide a higher output. They are good for demanding systems that run a lot on idle. Like in a car, where you have lights, A/C with blowers, entertainment systems and what have it running while you are waiting on traffic lights. We don't wait on traffic lights in our Ercoupes. If you do then something is really wrong with your flying style. As for the starter, yes the old one is heavier, yes it is a pull starter, but hey, I am not expecting my plane be as a new Cirrus or so. The pull starter makes it special, it is a thing from the forties, maybe common to these days. What I don't like is to cut of the starter shaft in the engine while converting to the Sky Tec starter. (see: http://www.ercoupe.info/?n=Main.Engine) I'd recommend stay with the system and spend your money on fuel for flying. Hartmut To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:08:54 -0800 Subject: [ercoupe-tech] starter/alternator Just an inquiry, how many have upgraded to the Skytec starter, and switched over to an alternator? I ask this becasue my old starter/gen, barely turn my engine over. I realize my battery has a dead cell, and am in the process of replacing it now. I just wonder how well the "original" starter/gen work. All POLITE responses welcomed*L Gary Jones _________________________________________________________________ Want to do more with Windows Live? Learn “10 hidden secrets” from Jamie. http://windowslive.com/connect/post/jamiethomson.spaces.live.com-Blog-cns!550F681DAD532637!5295.entry?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_domore_092008
