I just received a Hobbico Torqmaster 90 electric starter. I have a size 40 engine and it starts it fine. I tried to start my friends plane with it, he has a 60 size engine and it did not have enough torque to turn the prop beyond the compression stroke. I thought the battery was weak so recharged but got the with same result. I can hold the starter cone with my hand, turn it on and prevent it from turning. It's not my battery since I had the same result with I hooked it up to my car battery. Is the normal or is my Torqmaster 90 really a Porkmaster nighty that should be put to sleep ?

No doubt that it should start the engine. The ad states just that. I've found that particular starter to be a bit low on power myself. A couple of things to keep in mind. Is the .90 equipped with a spinner, and how long is your battery cord? How are you connecting it to the battery etc? Short tight connections will naturally work the best. Good luck and let me know how you make out_bob

I've always had the best luck with sullivan staters. A couple of guys at the field have torquemasters and have the same problem. The sullivan starters are a few bucks more and I think you found out why!

I have a Sullivan Hi-torque and for awhile I had trouble getting it to turn my Saito 80. I was feeding power to the starter through my Power panel. Since then I made the starter connections direct to the battery with tight spade lugs, now I can even spin my OS160 twin like it was a .40

I have just bought a Sullivan Hi-Tork starter. I need to know how to use it correctly. Standing in front of the propeller, I have set the starter to turn clockwise so that it will bring the engine to a compression cycle and the subsequent combustion will turn the prop anti-clockwise. I notice that the torque of the starter is not enough to turn the prop beyond the compression cycle. Is this how it's supposed to work ? Appreciate help on this...........

If you want a really good starter for engines of 1.20 cu. in or less, check out the Kavan; it is great.

Thanks Rodney. I found out that the Kavan uses a carbon brush as a switch. How does this work and what is the advantage over a normal switch ? Do you need to change the carbon brush often ?