I have noticed that my starter seems do be dragging pretty hard. Somtimes it just growls with no engine movement. I will probably change the starter prior to doing much flying this summer.

Anybody have any experience with the Skytech light weight starter. They are a couple hundred bucks more than an overhauled one. $510.00 at chief.

Tim

Tim, sounds like your starter drive is slipping.

qmdv wrote:Anybody have any experience with the Skytech light weight starter.

We put one on my 172 and it works well for us.

qmdv wrote:I have noticed that my starter seems do be dragging pretty hard. Somtimes it just growls with no engine movement. I will probably change the starter prior to doing much flying this summer.

Anybody have any experience with the Skytech light weight starter. They are a couple hundred bucks more than an overhauled one. $510.00 at chief.

Tim

I have one on my 182. Works like a champ, spins up faster, 6 pounds lighter. Bought it through Chief a couple years ago.

C ya, Bub

Not all reviews are so shiny. According to the Cessna forums I frequent, many guys are replacing starter adapters at 200 and some hours....requires engine lift from mount to access starter adapter. At about $1500 a pop, it can be annoying. The isssue seems to be the earlier light weights gear system would not allow the internal spring to "relax". certain types/brands of oil seem to have agravated the problem. I hear the newer starters have been adapted to allow the spring to relax. Might want to check out Niagra Airparts web site...for a primer on the issue,. this is assuming you are talking 470 on your 182....

Before replacing starter:
1) make sure battery is up to snuff- fluid, charged, not too old, check voltage
2) clean up all electrical connections- not just on the outside, take them apart & clean the contact surfaces
3) check condition of the brushes in the starter- brushes are a lot cheaper to replace than the whole starter
The starter on my C-145 was kinda dragging & all of the above needed attention. Worked fine afterward.

Tim, mine has been fine ,like the weight savings on the front end.
Bruce

Done it all but the brushes. Pullin the starter tomarrow. I will put in brushes fefore I buy a new starter. If there is a lot of end play in armature, then I think a light weight starter before a rebuild exchange.

Tim