Fitting a Skytecair 149 NL inline starter

[kevkevkel]

I am planning on fitting a  Sky-tec 149 NL starter in a Long Ez and am seeking reassurance that the inline starter will fit without interfering with anything e.g. Sump, air intakes, exhaust etc and wonder if you are aware of any problems in this regard.  Anyone out there using one of these starters.

Now I am fully aware of the debate regarding B&C vs SKY-tec (the pros and cons of one vs the other in regard to kickback - which seems to really come down to a mag timing problem),  so really only interested in whether anyone had any problems fitting the 149NL in terms of interference with the items mentioned above or indeed any other components that I haven't thought of.

Regards,

Kevin

[easyrider]

What engine are you fitting it on?
I have a Skytec on an O235 no problem
Easyrider

[kevkevkel]

0-320 A1A.  Sorry should have included engine detail in original enquiry.

[BruceHughes]

Hi

I know very little about the Skytec starter EXCEPT that some people who used them were
very unhappy with the failure rate.  I suggest that you contact Burrall Saunders for some
more concrete information.   I think his business address is in the home page of this website.
He certainly is very experienced with any canard issues.   He checks into canard-aviators (at) yahoogroups(dot)com pretty often.   Others on that website had reported poor results for
the Skytec.  Nobody has complained about the B & C.   I have one.

Bruce Hughes   

[flyingwaldo]

Just saw a Skytec failure this last weekend.  Less than 200 hours and the case broke apart stranding the owner a couple hundred miles from home.  They overnighted a new one but what a hassle.  Saw the same thing at Arlington a couple years ago.....

[BruceHughes]

As I said, several people have had unfortunate incidents with that starter.
Waste of money...   

Talk with Burrall Saunders at freeflightcomposites.com   

Bruce Hughes   

[EZPILOT742X]

I would stay away from the Skytec Flyweight series, but I've had excellent results with the HTs (high torque) models on numerous Long-EZs. They're essentially the same thing as a B&C starter, but about $300 less. There are many more opportunities for field repair and service with a Skytec unit too.

Chris

[kevkevkel]

Thanks. The 149NL is high torque.

[flyingwaldo]

Same model that failed last week.  They use fine thread bolts in cast aluminum....

[BruceHughes]

I want to repeat:

Talk with Burrall Saunders instead of unknown people like me.   He is a RECOGNIZED expert on
canards/composites.

Bruce Hughes   

[LongEZDaveA]

I've heard too many bad things about the Sky-tec starters.  My B&C has been flawless for 1200+ hours.

[dkreidel]

2,980+ hours on my B&C starter with zero issues or maintenance.

[kevkevkel]

Thanks to all for the advice.  Much appreciated.

[dorr]

Be sure you get the right one for the right starter ring.

I'll avoid the pile on about Skytech.

Beagle