Starter Troubles

[LBPilot82]

Hey everyone. Just purchased a 49' A model several months back.... just love it. I'm having some problems with the starter clutch leaking. I've read several posts on this topic and some have had luck with replacing the seal while others have not. Well I decided to go ahead and rebuild the starter with the rebuild kit from Fresno Airparts last week. At first everything was dry but after a few hours, the leak returned and doesn't seem to be any slower than before. I am considering the possibility that the clutch shaft has worn down and is not properly sealing but that kinda sounds like a long shot. I'd really like to stick with the original pull starter but I'm not sure if $165.00 for a new clutch shaft would be better spent on a new starter down the road. Any thoughts???

[Robert Eilers]

Many on this forum will argue to keep to old pull starter and have it rebuilt. I gave up on the pull starter about two years ago and went for a light weight push button starter. I am happy with the decision.

[jrenwick]

Many on this forum will argue to keep to old pull starter and have it rebuilt. I gave up on the pull starter about two years ago and went for a light weight push button starter. I am happy with the decision.

The O-300 on my Swift has a B&C starter that works really well, saves some weight, and doesn't know how to leak. The pull starter on my 170 needs a diaper! But then, it's old. Does Aircraft Spruce sell Depends for aircraft?

[GAHorn]

There are three different seal part numbers that can be used for that clutch shaft. I'll see if I can locate them, but the point is that I've heard of some that had better luck with a Chicago Rawhide seal when the rubber seals did not work.

[Brad Brady]

There are three different seal part numbers that can be used for that clutch shaft. I'll see if I can locate them, but the point is that I've heard of some that had better luck with a Chicago Rawhide seal when the rubber seals did not work.

CR does seam to work better.....also make sure the seal is in the right way, I have seen them installed backwards...Brad

[Mike Smith]

I had a leak I suspected was coming from the Starter last year. Check the threads " Starter Clutch shaft oil seal" and "Starter noise after release" for more information. We pulled the starter and replaced both seals then put a new gasket on when we reinstalled. Initially it seemed to make no difference, but after about 3-4 hours of flying it sealed up nicely. I still have a very small leak somewhere ... but I think the starter is no longer contributing.

Mike

[GAHorn]

The CLUTCH oil seal is PN 1910379 ($14.50) available from El Reno Aviation supply, 405-262-2387. (An automotive pn for those of you with these things installed in your airboats is Chicago Rawhide #CR 9859, but I don't recommend that source for real airplanes.)

(Note: Do not confuse this part with the armature oil seal, which is in the starter motor itself.)