Phil:
My plane goes in for annual this month, and I was looking at some upgrades I could make while it’s in the shop. I’ve had a lot of trouble starting the engine, so I was considering the following:
1. SkyTec starter, because of it’s light weight, but mainly because it spins the engine faster – model 149-12LS.
2. Unison SlickStart – provides a hotter spark when starting.
3. Battery desulphator/trickle charger to keep the battery as strong as possible – solar powered model.
Any thoughts on these, or do you think I should wait until my mechanic has had a chance to look it over?
Editor:
I recommend against the Skytec LS on the IO360 engine. There has been a long term vibration damage issue in the solenoid of the LS in this particular application. Skytec says that they addressed this with redesign (after minimizing the issue for years). If I were in the market I would choose the HT or Inline Skytec instead. I would NOT choose the Electrosystems Magnaflite unit. It has a lightweight motor, but it still retains the Bendix engagement system, the bane of the traditional Prestolite starters.
Note that only the Skytec HT and Inline will produce strong starting while using the same or less current (wound-field starters). All the PM (permanent magnet) starters (like the Magnaflite and LS) actually require MORE starting current. If you have a starting circuit weakness, such as aluminum cables or a weak battery, these starters will magnify it rather than improve it.
Magnetos need a proper overhaul every 500 hours, sometimes sooner. Make sure you are not masking a magneto-related starting problem by installing a Slick-Start system.
The IO360 should easily start within 3-5 blades cold, and within 3-8 blades hot. If you are not experiencing that, search BAC for “fuel injected engines” (without the quotes), and read what you find. If the information does not help you, make sure you don’t have a problem that needs attention rather than getting covered up. Starting and CG loading are usually improved with a lightweight starter and Slick-Start, and they are nice upgrades, but everything else (including pilot technique) also need to be in good shape.
With respect to the solar-powered charger, please search BAC for battery chargers.