The International Cessna^® 170 Association

The pull cable starter switch shorted out on the delco-remy original starter in my airplane. When pulling the cable to close the connection most of the current went to ground through the cable wire with the prop moving very slowly like the battery was dying. I first thought it was a bad battery before I burned my hand touching the starter lever arm and cable. These were very hot because of the short. Removed checked and reinsulated the faulty switch but it didn't resolve the problem. Since I have two starters I installed the switch from the other and everything works fine now. Are original replacement switches available for purchase? The switch that I am using is very old and worn but the interior contacts are fine and fully isolated. Once the copper contact on the spring plunger switch shorts to ground through the lever arm and cable then the entire mechanism is likely finished. I would like to have a complete functional backup starter and need another switch for this. Any suggestions? Thanks, Steve Grimsley

Sometimes parts can be salvaged from similar parts to rebuild your existing switch. Here's the switch from a Farm-All tractor (sold at Tractor Supply).

Otherwise, the salvage yards and of course, rebuilders such as Aero-Tech of Louisville can usually supply parts.

Everyone,

I found out later the switch wasn't the problem. I tried three different ones and still the same problem. I had a short in the starter itself going to the armature. Since I had a spare starter that runs fine I replaced the oil seals and installed it on the airplane. Everything is working perfectly.

George I visited Louise today. She will not be attending the Convention in Kentucky. Let me know when you are in the Houston area. steve