Message-ID: <000d01c19798$9d7b2100$535b5d41@default>
From: "Ian B. Crowe" <ian.crowe@sympatico.ca>
To: "Marvin Kaye" <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Subject: Sky-Tec Starter trouble shooting
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002 11:30:26 -0500
Organization: Corvi Trade Consultants Inc
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You obviously have enough power to power the solenoid which engages the
starter pinion.  The question is why the engine fails to turn.

1.    Check engine is not hard to turn by hand.  Usual care is required.

2.    Check level of electrolyte in battery.  If necessary top up with
distilled water and recharge battery.

3.    Check battery voltage off load and on load (CRANKING). If normal off
load and low when on load you have a battery problem.  Be careful when doing
this to not keep it on load any longer than necessary to get a reading.  If
voltage on load <10volts you have  a battery  problem. Take this voltage at
the power terminal of the starter.  If the voltage is OK you need to look at
the starter motor internals.  Take it off and get it checked at a starter
rebuild shop.  If the voltage is <10volts try a booster battery to prove
that another battery can turn the engine.  If it does turn you need a new
battery.  If not read on.

4.    Check starter solenoids.  It appears that you have the connection used
for certified aircraft with the solenoid on the firewall.  It could be that
the main contacts of this solenoid have gone high resistance due to
use(Arced) and will not pass the necessary current to drive the motor.  With
the battery disconnected put an ohmeter across the main terminals.  Apply
power to the coil of the solenoid by means of a jumper and check the
solenoid pulls in and you have the equivalent of a dead short across the
main terminals.  If you can measure resistance you have a problem.  If you
do not want to do the above, go and buy yourself a good quality auto motive
starter solenoid and replace your existing solenoid.  If you determine that
everything is correct at this stage go to 5.

5.    You have now done all you can and should have reached a conclusion
that it is either,
a)    Battery needed service.  Distilled water.
b)    Battery needed charge.
c)    New battery needed
d)    Solenoid defective, change it.
e)    Starter defective, rebuild it.
f)    Engine has mechanical blockage or internal seizure.
g)    A long shot, you have a high resistance connection in the supply
cable.  Unlikely, as it would have burnt the cable when power was applied
but check your cable lugs and the insulation of the cables.

I am another builder and that is what I would do and have done in times
past.  I hope this helps but remember I am no expert so tread carefully.

Ian Crowe

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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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