Spring starter question
 

I have been running a spring starter on my G-38 for years and except when they have warn out or the spring brakes I have never had any problems, that is till today , engine started fine got in a good 10 min flight Landed to let outhers fly fueled up waited about 10 min for a break and when trying to start the enginespring started would slip, firgued spring had broke, After getting home pulled engine and could fined nothing wrong spring is ok is not deformed etc,

So is it possible for the loc-tite that you use when installing the sleeve on the shaft to let go when hot??? if so what is the remidy??

Thanks for any help

Bob T

RE: Spring starter question
 

I'm more apt to believe the oneway bearing went bad, I will sell you one for $225, you will get the motor/muffler and mount with it ;)

Jim

RE: Spring starter question
 

try some oil on the the dog clutch or the one way bearing as it's called.

RE: Spring starter question
 

Thanks for the suggestions, will thry a drop or two of bar & chain oil, that should stay in the unit.


Thanks again

Bob t

RE: Spring starter question
 

Well with clearer eyes this am and ferther inspection, you were right the one way berring was slipping, but I also found that the sleeve on the shaft had moved out about 3/16, and that is just enough to let the end roolers not to make contact with the sleeve. Resetting the sleeve with new loc-tite is no problem, but should I put a nut on the shaft?? If so what is the size and thread??

Hay Jim
One old G-38 is enough:D But thanks for the offer


Bob T

RE: Spring starter question
 

If I remember my spring starter installation on the G-38 I had correctly, there should be a nut on the end of the crankshaft.

Dr.1

RE: Spring starter question
 

Hi Dr1

First I have been running this engine for 15 years with no nut, and I would be happy to put one on if I could match up the size and thread I know its metric but the gages I have don't match, or come close.

But I pulled the sleeve and cleaned the shaft and the inside dia and reinstalled it with fresh Green Loc-Tite So we will see next flying day.

And Thanks for your help

Cheers Bob T

RE: Spring starter question
 

The way these Torrington type clutch bearings work is this. The rollers are forced to go up a short shallow ramp by a small plastic spring behind each roller. The roller locks between the ramp and the hard inner race when the prop is turned back wards. The usual cause of slippage is when the plastic springs get weak or disintegrate due to heat and/or age. Not using the proper grease or not replacing the grease often enough can hasten the wear.

I have never seen a G-38 in reasonably good condition that would not easily hand start. I had 2 on my B-25J.

Bob, I'm sure you can get the crankshaft nut from B&B Specialties.
http://bennettbuilt.com/page4.htm

RE: Spring starter question
 

Hi Ken

I am with you on the torrington bearing, my question to my self was why now?, unit is just 2 seasons old and not a wimper of trouble, any way will try B & B and RC ignitions next week for a nut

Have now run the engine on the ground till good and warm about 5 times with no sine of truble, pulled engine to get a visual and it all looks good, wind is blowing 15 to 25and predicted for nex 4 days, so as sone as I get a reasonable day we will go try it.

Thanks for your help and suggestions

Cheers Bob T

RE: Spring starter question
 

Bob, in my experience with spring starters heat is the thing that usually ruins the plastic springs. Two seasons was about the normal lifespan for the bearings in my planes. I would guess that, in your area, there is a bearing supply. Take the bearing down to them and have them match the number. When you have more trouble with it, change it out. It's not too hard to get it out of the sleeve.

I no longer have any engines that use spring starters. Thank goodness.