Starter Issues, 1940's Starter.

[animal]

Well as I reported on new years day I tryed to Spin the engine over for the first time on the Commuter H-1B and it did not engage.

I later removed the Starter to check the drive clutch, by turning it by hand it seemed ok. today I found out that with more force it lets go and spins.

from what I can tell it has a one way spragg clutch in it.

the way this starter is made, is it has a push button mounted to the side of the starter motor it's self.

it then has a lever that pushes the drive gear up and into the flywheel teeth. at the same time a bolt on the lever pushes down on the push button.

today when trying to test it and adjust the bolt, the push button fried and started smoking, I had to disconnect the battery.

below are pics of how this looks.

when I took it apart, I could see one of the buttom contacts must have over heated and has droped free of the spring loaded plunger.

now if you look you see the Starter motor has a bolt on it with a heavy brass contact mounted to it.

what I have come up with is. I am planning to remove the brass contact from the bolt. and install a starter wire to that bolt,going to a Ford Starter solenoid.

to start the engine I would have to pull the lever that engages the drive gear, then hit the electric starter button to the Solenoid.

I will install a light spring to pull the lever back down so the drive gear can drop down once started.

What do ya'll think?

also what would be good to soak this starter drive clutch in to free it up. I am figuring that the spragg rollers are probably gummed up from sitting for years.

I was thinking a mixture of kerosene and transmission fluid.

if this dose not work I may have to try and adapt a Subaru starter or something like it to the engine. the issue is you can see the large plate that is all one assembly.

[Arnie Madsen]

How many volts did the original starter require?
Is it positive ground or negative ground?

Many systems of the 1940's were 6 volt & positive ground. Not sure what Lycoming used.

[karlbamforth]

Looks like the starter motor from a small continental.

If so then spares etc are readily available.

Cessna 150 used them, probably almost any aircraft maintenance shop will have one kicking around.

If the motor spins but doesn't turn the engine, usual reason is you need a new clutch because it is slipping, not because it is stuck, that is assuming the pull cable was rigged correctly.

[animal]

Looks like the starter motor from a small continental.

If so then spares etc are readily available.

Cessna 150 used them, probably almost any aircraft maintenance shop will have one kicking around.

If the motor spins but doesn't turn the engine, usual reason is you need a new clutch because it is slipping, not because it is stuck, that is assuming the pull cable was rigged correctly.
yeah it is from a Cont. C90-12F, motor would spin, clutch was slipping. trying to salvage the clutch as one website I saw said the clutch is $400.00 aakk

[karlbamforth]

Borrowed from Harry Fenton.

Ooopppppsss I cut n paste the wrong bit...... standby.........

Hmmm... do the pull-cable starters tend to develop problems, too? I've noticed lately that my starter sometimes doesn't seem to have enough oommmphhhfff to pull the engine past the compression stroke. It stops and whines. I back off on the cable, and when I repull it seems to get past that first compression stroke and kicks it around fairly well (it starts fast, so there's no real issue). Sounds like a B&C starter might be in my future, but I'd have to hang a new button for it, add a solenoid, etc.
The pull start is the most reliable of Continental starters, but your problem is common. The solenoid and clutch on this starter are actuated by a pull cable and lever arrangement. When the cable is pulled, the arm pushes down on a contactor for the motor and pushes the clutch forward to engage the starter. Over time the cable stretches and adjustment may be required. On the arm is a threaded rod and locknut and the engagement action can be improved by adjusting this. However, be careful, as there is a relationship between the position of the arm and the engagement of the clutch- I think that it is possible to overadjust and have the clutch not engage properly.

Another possibility is that the contactors are dirty or worn. There is a triangular piece on the starter where the pull cable arm contacts the plunger. If you remove this piece you will see a couple of copper blocks. Squirt some carb cleaner or contact cleaner in between the blocks to clean the surfaces. These blocks are no longer available, but I think that you can break a snap ring that holds the top one in place and literally turn the contactor 180 degrees- it will probably work fine for another 50 years.

If you decide to go with a new starter, use the Sky Tec. It bolts on your engine with no mods and has a built in solenoid. All you need to add is a push button switch or key switch.


This web page is excellent for anyone operating small continentals.

http://www.bowersflybaby.com/tech/fenton.htm#pullc

[gyroplanes]

The infamous Continental starter clutch. When I was DOM for a Cessna dealer, these were one of the most common problems we encountered. The sprags wear out and slip. If they are clean and not worn out, they are reliable. You can buy new sprags (Google search the starter) They are not cheap, but a heck of a lot cheaper than a rebuild or new starter. Good luck Tim

[animal]

Yep Tom thats what I have been doing most the evening, I have been looking on line for starters and parts.

I don't know yet if the guy still has it, but I found a used starter for $100.00

I may go ahead and E-mail him.

[Kandace]

Hi Tim, I'm out of town right now, but when I get back to Hartford let me ask around there are literally dozens of small Continental powered airplanes based there and I know my boss has a starter he may be willing to part with as he is planning on replacing one of his with a SkyTec.

If you can hold off a few days I'll let you know.

Kandace

[animal]

Hi Tim, I'm out of town right now, but when I get back to Hartford let me ask around there are literally dozens of small Continental powered airplanes based there and I know my boss has a starter he may be willing to part with as he is planning on replacing one of his with a SkyTec.

If you can hold off a few days I'll let you know.

Kandace ok that would be great, I have found a few on E-bay that I am watching. but we know how that goes.

I am hoping I can get the one I have to work, but so far it is not looking to good.

let me know what ya find out.

thanks.

[animal]

I am happy to say I have found a good starter, a guy had one listed on e-bay, but I got out bidded.

before I bidded I had e-mailed him and he said he had a second one he would sell me if I lost the bid. I got out bid by $7,00...lol

Anyway the Guy E-mailed me tonight and said he tested the other starter today and it works fine an he would take $150.00 plus shipping.

he sent me pics and it looks better then the one I had and he even will give me a money back guarantee.

sounds like a win to me.

we may just get this bird fired up yet.. :)