by Allen M. » 8 months ago
Thanks for responding Jeff. Is it OK to turn the prop backwards a little to see if the starter engages and makes the same noise?
by Roger Lee » 8 months ago
It sounds like the noise is coming from the back of the engine. I'd pull the back plate off and check clearances back there.
Roger Lee
LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
520-349-7056 Cell
by Rotax Wizard » 8 months ago
Hi Jeff
If the sprag is coming apart it will not start. The housing that retains the cams will slip too much if that were to happen and the starter will not generate enough RPM to excite the ignition to fire. (slipping will drop RPM at the crank below the critical threshold of 225 to 250 RPM) This is checked very easily with a DC amp meter to read the draw of the power cable near the starter. If it is less than 75 amp draw DC then it is slipping.
by Jeff B » 8 months ago
Thanks for that info RW, I had not seen that test procedure. That's a pretty severe noise, I think I would want to take a look under the back cover as Roger suggests.
by Sean Griffin » 8 months ago
Off the point/general observation - When our aircraft/machine "communicates" with us - odd noise/bit of a squeak/rattle/etc, it behoves the cautious pilot to investigate thoroughly - could be a signal to an impending, minor to catastrophic, event.
I write from experience (an ignored rattle) - fortunately minour but could have been so much more.
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