AMAX re-drives

[rgraffeo]

Does anyone know about this type of reduction drive?

A friend is looking at buying a gyro with one on a EA-81 engine.
The engine doesn't have an electric starter but it does have a flywheel. What is needed to add one?

[JohnEvans]

Why add the weight? My EA 81 with Amax redrive is quite easy to start, but you have to move the prop to a convenient position before turning the ignition on.
It is also important to ensure that the centrifugal advance mechanism in the distributor returns to fully retarded, the springs stretch with age. It tends to bite if the ignition is left advanced.

[Chopper Reid]

I had a Amax re drive and there is nothing wrong with the unit and I did some 1200 hours on it.
Mine didnt have a starter motor either and as far as I know, despite a advertising brochure showing one on a Amax unit, it never made it into production.
A Suby is very easy to start without a starter motor, just make sure the timing and points are in good order.

[JohnEvans]

I have seen them fitted with a starter, usually by fitting spacers under the inlet manifold so the starter can be squeezed in. I did see one at Lameroo acouple of years ago withe the starter poking out toward the prop. Looked a bit messy but seemed to work OK.

[rgraffeo]

Thanks for all your information.
I'll pass it on to my friend.
He thought it would be safer to add a starter.

[mceagle]

A small Toyota in-line geared starter motor (6 lbs) dose fit the Amax. Later models had the mounting lugs moulded in otherwise you have to bolt brackets on the side of the housing. For manifold clearance, you either had to raise the manifold, reverse it, or have the thermostat housing removed and re welded onto the other side.