Pull Start won't engage

[sctholson]

Well after my second flight today, gassed her and off to the flight line and pulled the starter and found the starter didn't engage the flywheel. Must have worn out.

I thought the starter assembly would have lasted longer then 4 gallons of fuel.

Is there any way to tell if it's worn out without having another side by side to compare it with?

[rbort]

You probably wore the plastic down on the ring that engages the engine. This happens when you briskly slap start it, in other words just give several quick pulls in a row to get the engine going. Its best to pull the rope out slowly until it engages, and then give it a good yank. One at a time not rapid fire.

If you want/need a replacement PM me your address I got a few spares here I can send you a couple.

-=>Raja.

[sctholson]

Bah, never mind. I just grabbed the starter and it's working fine now. Must have gotten wet and then frozen. The center part of the assembly didn't rise and lower earlier this afternoon and now it's working as it's supposed to.

Lesson learned, move away loose snow.

I'll take this one apart and clean it out fully and reassembly. Winter flying does have some challenges

Thanks Raja, appreciate the offer.

[rbort]

I'm glad you solved it easily If you disassemble the starter be sure you don't let the spring uncoil, its a pain in the butt to put back in. Honestly I'd recommend against taking it apart, not much to gain there, just clean what you can access and don't worry about it. If I have to replace the plastic ring I just remove the screw and replace it without disturbing the spool, (make sure it stays down), as if it pops up the spring can let loose.

-=>Raja.

[sctholson]

Thanks Raja, great advice. Those recoil springs are greasy too. I didn't pull the string or spring out. Did lube up the assembly in hopes to prevent freezing again.

Next time I'll know, if there is a next time, what this condition is and put it in the car for a few minutes.

[LoveToFly1]

buy the metal center piece from daves, they last forever. and make it removable. if you make it removable, i think the metal piece is a must have, due to it lasting longer if you dont push the housing all the way on once or twice, it doesnt ruin it.

[sctholson]

Ready for another flying session.

Thanks for the suggestion Mike. I'll go ahead and order the metal pawl. For now, it's plastic and removable.

These are m4 x 16 allen head bolts with the heads cut off and a slot milled in each screw to remove them/adjust them for height. Then red loctite in place. 1/4 hole drilled for each of the four screws for fitment on the cover.

Thanks to Raja for the design.

Happy flying guys!

[rbort]

Nice job!

-=>Raja.