Starter

The starter on the starboard engine on Fat Albert the Apache went
bad... I normally start the port engine first, per the handbook... A
local on the field commented that the starter on the starboard engine
was making grinding noises... Being inside the airplane with the port
engine running I did not hear it... I snooped around the starter and
sure enough I saw that the teeth on the bendix was worn back so far
that the teeth were barely engaging, slipping and skipping on the ring
gear... The rings were replaced 3 years ago and still look new (or
did)... The bendix gear on the port starter looks factory new yet...
Apparently the case hardening on the defective bendix gear failed and
the hardened ring teeth simply chewed the soft inner core of the bendix
teeth away within a short time period...
So, the usual decision process started.. I tried ordering just a
bendix... No number on my bendix so they could not cross reference it
over the phone - "ship the starter to us and we'll let you know"... No
thanks, I've been down that road before...
Also these Delco Remey starters are old.. A overhaul was over $300...
An exchange rebuilt was almost $400... So I looked at SkyTec.. They get
just shy of $500 for their NL model to fit the Apache... I ordered one
from Aircraft Spruce... Shipping was included...
Replacing the starter was simple matter of spinning the bolts... But
hooking up the electrical cable was not... The electrical post on the
SkyTec is about 4" forward of the stock location... The aluminum
starter cable (original) is as rigid as a piece of pipe... There is no
movement possible... So I got a piece of 2-0 copper cable and and big
lugs... Borrowed a battery cable crimper from the auto parts store and
custom built an extension to the starter cable...

The result is that the starboard engine cranks over like it is already
running... So I am happy with the result, if not with the bills... I
will get a bendix for the old starter and throw it on the shelf for a
spare...

denny