A starter on my McCulloch

[M._Springer]

We tried two different starters on my gyro and had problems with both. The first one slung a bushing and gouged the prop. The second starter was too long to work but now finally, I think we found the perfect one. I don't have the name of the new starter, but I understand that it is made for racing cars. The new one is small , (a little over 7 lbs.) and compact. It fit perfectly.

Yesterday Dave installed the new starter , buttoned everything up and we ran the engine up . Oh Happy day ! To me it is a dream come true to be able to turn the switch on, push the starter button and have the Mac come alive.

We will do the hang test in two weeks when Dave is back up here . When the CG is correct then I will just have to go out and fly that Bensen gyro. I can't wait.

I really appreciate Dave for all the effort he has put into in adapting a starter on my engine. He has been coming up to the high desert and working on my gyro in temperatures of over 100 degrees . Thank you Dave.

To me the name of the new starter is , ' Freedom '!
Marion

[Vance]

Congratulations Marion,

I admire your tenacity, Dave’s too.

This is very exciting!

Thank you, Vance

[Timchick]

That sounds great. See if Dave can get a video of the starter in action for us.

[M._Springer]

It may have been tenacity on Dave's part but with me, I think it was more
' sheer desperation' to have a starter on the gyro.

It rankled to have to wait until the person who props the engine for me was in this area and available to start the Mac. He was always gracious and uncomplaining when asked to start my engine but I hated to interrupt whatever he was doing and ask him to spin the prop.

I have propped my gyro a few times but that was many moons ago and at this stage of life I prefer not to have to mess with the prop.

With having a starter, the bottom line is, as I mentioned, " FREEDOM". And I'm all for that.
Marion

[M._Springer]

of the starter in action. After the hang test I will fly the gyro and get the feel of it with the starter addition and then Dave and I will just have to fly our gyros together in a celebration of my step toward self reliance, and of a job well done by Dave.
Marion

[Friendly]

Marion,
I am so happy, that rascal is working properly. Please post the new starter part number when you get the information. I hope this will give you many more years of gyro flight with that classic Mac.
Congratulations Dave, for sticking it out till the goal was achieved.

[M._Springer]

Yes, Dave is not a quitter. He did a good job under trying conditions...the hot temperature being one and me underfoot being another .

I love the McCulloch engine and the starter is icing on the cake for me. I know I will enjoy the push button ease of starting.

I'll get the part number when I get back to the hangar. Thank you for supplying the starter kit that got us going.
Marion

[StanFoster]

Marion- You are a special person, and Dave is paying you back for all of us with his kind jesture to get your Mac equipped for electric start. I first met Dave at Bensen Days this year. He is a no nonsense...get-er-done type of guy. Its pleasing to follow this story here. Stan

[dabkb2]

It has been a joy to help get Marion set free again.

here is the info on the starter, from what I understand they can make almost any starter.

Company name...Hi Torque
IMI Performance Products, Inc.
Ph. # 562-907-9400
Item...IMI-106
Description..........HI-Torque Starter- Ford Auto. Trans.
Price...$ 139.50 plus UPS $ 10.00 and Sales Tax $ 12.90


It does give a website address and that is
www.hitorque@webworldinc.com
Their toll free phone number is 888-244-8675

Thank you Stan, such kind words, Have fun at Mentone

[All_In]

Way to go Marion!
Your a Good man Dave!

[M._Springer]

You said, " Dave is paying you back for all of us with his kind gesture to equip your Mac with electric start", That being the case then I owe all of you a great big thank you!

The starter is the best thing to happen to my gyro since Dick Wunderlich came out with his prerotator. I wouldn't give up either one of them.

I'm looking forward to getting past the hang test and slipping the surly bonds.....

Marion

[M._Springer]

I can't wait to put that starter to work and I agree with your comment re Dave. He did a first class job of adapting the starter to the Mac.
Marion

[Chuck Roberg]

Marion, May you have many happy and care free flying days ahead of you.

[M._Springer]

Thank you for your good thoughts.
The magic of the gyro is everlasting for me.
Marion

[Timchick]

Dave's next project could be getting your exhaust back on. Dave's the best.

[M._Springer]

I'd like them back on, maybe when the weather cools off a little , that is if Dave is willing. I love those tuned expansion chambers.

And by the way, congratulations to you on your new Sport Copter Vortex. I always thought the Vanek guys turned out fine gyros. Scott Heger puts on a great show in his at the Ken Brock Freedom fly-in here every September.
Marion

[UtahBenson]

Marion,

How about posting a picture so maybe some of us with Mac's can put your idea to work or are you going to patent your design ;) I would assume you have a battery mounted to your beast or do you use some form of quick connect?

[dabkb2]

There are pics on this thread http://www.rotaryforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21640

[M._Springer]

I bought it as a kit from ' Friendly' here on the forum.

Since Dave started working on the starter for my Mac, I have heard of no less than two other gyro pilots who are working on their own versions of starter kits they plan to market.

I have a battery mounted in a holder on the keel just behind the mast.
Marion