lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

Hi Ron,

No, it wasn't mine that was slipping but I'm on the case now to sort things out before something fails.

I have a regular CMI starter adapter – incidentally, one that does not have a part number the subject of the AD 2012-10-13 issued recently (this one extended the applicability of the earlier AD on this subject to ALL engines manufactured prior to Nov 2011 (not just in the period Jan 2011 to Nov 2011); but I do have an ISKRA starter.

I had been thinking of replacing the ISKRA unit with the SkyTec C24ST3 (the lower duty of the two suited to the IO550 – being ..ST3 or ST5).

I noted your comments about the SkyTec unit "finishing the job"…. I'm just wondering if that outcome might be related to the duff CMI starter adapters the subject of this AD? In other words, whilst the ISKRA starter does damage, certain starter adapters were doomed anyway?

My engine has about 50hours on it, and prob somewhere around 50 starts.

Whilst I like the light weight of the SkyTec ST3 unit (just over 6 lbs and lower torque than the ST5, and my battery is in the back so SkyTec under this circumstance recommend the ST3 anyway), appreciate any views around whether the SkyTec is a good option or not, and whether I should be overhauling the starter adapter?

Thanks!

Regards,

John

John N G Smith
Tel / fax:    +61-8-9385-8891
Mobile:      +61-409-372-975
Email:         john@jjts.net.au

From: Ron Laughlin <ronlaughlin@gmail.com>
Reply-To: Lancair Mailing List <lml@lancaironline.net>
Date: Tuesday, 29 May 2012 1:17 AM
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
Subject: [LML] Re: Legacy Starter/Starter Adapter

Hi john,
I believe it is your starter adaptor that is slipping. Mine produced the same symptoms when it failed.

I think the Iskra starter damaged your starter adaptor and then the extra torque provided by the Skytec starter finished the job. This has happened to enough Cirrus owners that many shops now recommend a preemptive IRAN on the starter adaptor when changing from an Iskra to one of the newer starters.

Ron

On May 26, 2012, at 2:34 PM, jpkleber@charter.net wrote:

Greetings,

I have been flying my Legacy for one year now and have accumulated 80 hours flight time. My Legacy is equipped with a Continental IO-550-N engine.

At hour 70, I removed the ISKRA starter as a preemptive measure to preserve the starter adapter. I replaced it with a SkyTec starter. All has been well for the next 10 hours. However, now at 80 hours, it appears I am getting starter slippage. While starting the engine, I'll get a couple blades of rotation --- and then the prop will stop turning (at a compression stroke), but it sounds as if the starter motor is continuing to turn with full power. Stop cranking. Then resume, I'll get a few more blades of rotation, and then the prop will stop turning, while the starter motor continues with full power.

Is this what a failed starter adapter sounds like? Request advice on how to proceed from other Legacy, ES, and IV, (equipped with Continental IO-550-N) owner/builders who have had similar experience and successfully resolved the issue.

Thank you,
John