Starter noise after release

[HA]

BL, the early 172's had the pull type starters, mine does. you're right about the spring, it doesn't need to be a real strong one, just enough to pull the arm back when you let go of the cable. the "attach strap" referred to earlier is just a strip of aluminum with holes in the ends, nothing you'd need to order

I don't know when they upgraded to the key start, don't much care since I don't have one

[russfarris]

I'm not sure when the change was made, but early 172s (all straight tails, my buddy's 1960 swept-tail) have the pull starter. I checked a local
1964 Skyhawk - right-angle drive starter. Maybe the change was made in 1963, with the rear window. I don't know anything about 175s.

The pull starter lasted much longer than you would think. My next door hangar neighbor's early 1968 Cessna 150 has it! At some point in the model year, the change was made to the key starter; the 1968 150 I learned to fly in was so equipped.

Local airport survey on starter lever pull-back spring:

My 1952 170B - no spring
Forrest Walton's 1952 170B - Spring, mounted from about the starter switch contact bolt back to the right front starter adapter mounting bolt
I think I'll do mine this way. Late-model cowl, no way of knowing if the spring was added or not.
1960 172 - no spring This airplane was first owned by Steve Wittman, famous air racer and inventor of the spring steel gear, licensed by Cessna. Barely 1,500 hours airframe total time - the first engine overhaul was done only a few years back on this very original airplane. No indications it ever had the spring. (but it could have)
1968 Cessna 150 (early serial number) Spring, anchored to baffling.

Guess I'll be adding the spring, although I've been getting along without it for years. I'm still not totally convinced it was factory on all models, although the Cessna 100 series 1962 and prior maintenance book references it. Think I'll dig a little deeper... Russ Farris

[4-Shipp]

In an earlier post I stated I purchased a used, serviceable starter clutch bushing from Niagara Airparts. This was incorrect. I purchased the bushing from Aerotech of Louisville.

Bruce

[russfarris]

I forgot to mention - the rebuilt starter turns over noticably faster than before. And the ever present leak from the pilot shaft is gone (at least for now!) Russ Farris

[GAHorn]

C-145/o-300 Overhaul manual. ADJUSTMENT, REPLACEMENT, and MINOR REPAIRS 4. STARTER
" IT is also important that the lever, weather operated by cable or wire, have a spring with sufficient tension to return the lever to its full released position." ...

I believe that is a MIS-QUOTE. It actually says that either the cable ... or the spring.... should have sufficient tension to bring the lever fully forward. The instructions are not approval to install a spring or any other part not otherwise authorized. There is no spring on the 170.

Dick, the 172 series could have the O-300 A or B engines (all which use the pull-start.) They also used the O-300 C engine (which could use either the pull start or the "key" start) and of course the later 172's used the D engine which utilized the "key-start".

[blueldr]

In regards to starter types: Replies noted. Thanks to all.