Subject: Europa-List: 912S Starting
From: Richard Holder <rholder@avnet.co.uk>
Team, anyone not using a 912S (or planning to use a 912S) can delete this
now.
I have just returned from trailering my Europa from near Stansted to Shobdon
(yesterday) and back (today).
I took it to Adrian Lloyd who changed my sprag clutch (in situ) and replaced
the starter motor with the Heavy Duty one. It was whole load of hassle and
it cost me muchos but it had to be done. With the new starter it
whizzes round when I turn the key and starts straight away. It wasn't
starting at all before.
I think that most, if not ALL, 912Ss will need to have this done sooner or
later. Mine didn't start well all last winter and it reoccurred recently. My
engine has done just 100 hours !
I would say that it is essential for ANYONE ordering a 912S to insist on the
Heavy Duty starter. I believe it is only an extra 70 if bought with the
engine. Mine cost 300. (Anyone want a lightly used standard starter ???)
I also think that if you ever have the blade kick-back at start-up you will
sooner or later screw up your sprag clutch, so the onset of kick-back should
send you off to Rotax to buy the HD starter immediately.
I say this as a due warning - listen, discuss, but don't blame me if you
ignore me and need a sprag clutch replacement 2 years down the line.
In fact I really think that Rotax are at fault in the design of this engine
and that they should be liable for the replacement starters and the cost of
replacements and any damage caused by the weak starter. I rather think the
cost of such an admission by them will make the admission of liability
unlikely.>>>>>>>>
Hi Richard,
Thanks for the heads up regarding the heavy duty starter. I have 350 hours on my
engine at the moment and fortunately have never had any trouble with starting.
The engine spins over quite nicely and fires within a few blades whether it
is cold or hot. The battery is my original Odyssey PC 545 12AH battery which
I bought in Sept 1999 and first flight was in Dec 2001. I have taken note of
Lockwood
Aviation's recommendation to inspect the clutch and replace the Belleville
spring washers after ~ 300 hours and that is one of my 'things to do'. At
one of their maintenace seminars, they explained that if the clutch springs/dogs
are worn, the engine and prop inertia combination can work against each other
to aggravate poor starting and kick back. My prop is very light (~ 9lbs) so
that may be why I do not have trouble. I change the plugs at the recommended
100 hours and I also reset the plug gaps at 50 hours since I find there is
significant
wear.
Cheers, John
N262WF, mono XS, 912S, WhirlWind C/S prop
Mooresville, North Carolina
|