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Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:22:21 -0500
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From: paul miller <paul@tbm700.com>
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Subject: Chapter 5 ISKRA starter and failed starter adapter
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Uggh, probably 6 weeks down but I've lost count.   So, the next lesson =
is not to try to start an IO-550 with less than perfect batteries.  A =
slipping starter adapter will really get trashed if the voltage is =
insufficient to wind that spring on the starter shaft and grip with =
enough friction to turn the Continental over.  If the voltage is down =
and the grip starts to relax then the slipping can start and progress to =
failure.    That's the beginning of the story this past summer when I =
had hard starting and the batteries started to weaken while I was in a =
rush to get going.

In the last chapter, I had ordered and installed a Niagara replacement =
starter adapter and watched it crack open within 3 blades turning.   =
Niagara strongly suggested it was my mags that caused the problem so =
they were sent out and reported to be in excellent condition for 500 =
hours.   I decided to return the failed adapter to Niagara who kindly =
offered to take it back including shipping (thanks) and start to repair =
my existing adapter.  The unit was inspected and the starter shaft was =
indeed worn below limits and sent to Aircraft Specialties in Tulsa where =
I'm told it will be re-ground to a M15 size and a new undersized spring =
installed. The Tulsa shop comes highly recommended by Skyteck starter =
folks.   The web pricing for grinding is about $75 for the shaft, $50 to =
turn the worm wheel and $250 for a new spring.   Hopefully, this will =
put the engine back into operation combined with the new (old style) TCM =
starter.  I will note that my hangar partner removed his ISKRA and found =
the drive end to be unmovable with fingers so anyone with an ISKRA =
should at least be aware of what is happening and get it changed under =
warranty if possible before you fall into this situation.  Starting with =
weak batteries can also lead to accelerated slipping from my experience. =
 I will report once the starter adapter is returned to service, the =
engine is re-mounted and the cobwebs are swept from the cockpit.

Paul=20
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