More-Powerful Unit Arrives on 2003-Model Engines

Phil Lockwood (Lockwood Aviation) has just received his first more-powerful 912S starter. He says it's standard on the newest 912S -- and it's designed to overcome a "problem" that's unique to the new models (none of which is in retail hands, yet, either, in case you were thinking of asking).

The newest 912S sports a 30-degree freeplay "clutch" (actually, it's a torsional vibration damper), and it was found that, under certain conditions and in certain mounts, with certain props, etc., that some applications had a predisposition towards kickback, or even turning backwards. (That doesn't happen with the current-build, 0-degree units.)

What's the difference?

The newest starter (it's gold, rather than black; and it's about 3/4" longer than the ones we're used to seeing) has enough reserve to overcome any tendency towards kickback. So... it's a great item in the new package (which is an overall improvement), but it's kinda not necessary for an engine with the ubiquitous 0-degree damper.

Come on, Phil...

If it's new, it's just gotta be better. What could you say that would make me need one?

Phil didn't think it would be worth replacing a perfectly-good unit with this new one. He thought a moment, then came up with something: "It might be helpful, if you're having starting problems. If you use a too-small cable, it might help." Then he noted, "Of course, if you use the right-size cable, it's even better." And smarter; and cheaper; and quicker; and lighter...
[For the record, most 912-family starter applications are OK with 6-gauge cables; on longer-run applications, such as are found on many pushers, or where the battery is behind the cabin, on tractors, even 4-gauge isn't overkill --ed.]

The bottom line: really -- you don't need to replace your existing starter! If you live in Alaska and fly a lot in the winter, though...

PS: Phil will be giving one of his famous seminars in Lakeland (FL) on Saturday. Details in tomorrow's Aero-News.

FMI: www.lockwood-aviation.com/index.html