Post by r***@hotmail.comI'm looking at an older single seat Zenair with a 1835cc VW, but no
starter. It does have an alternator. Is it possible, and if so, how big
of a deal to add a starter? I'm not a big fan of hand proping...
Thanks
I have just watched an installation of a starter on a Druine
Turbulent.
a ring gear was added just behind the prop (it is a disk of sheet
steel with a ring gear welded to it that locates over the prop bolts
under the prop)
on the bolt pad that sits on the top left front of the vw engine a
bracket was fitted and a replacement starter for a 1,000cc BMW
motorcycle was fitted.
the aircraft is still being sorted out and as yet hasnt flown but
preliminary tests with all the spark plugs in and a car battery show
it turning over the 1600cc vw engine without any problem.
evidently it is a mod that has been used a number of times in england.
it is not actually that difficult, just a little stuffing around to
get tooth engagement right on the bendix.
the example I saw had had the ring gear welded on backwards but having
the bevels on the wrong side doesnt seem to worry the starter if the
bendix to ring gear fit is just loose enough.
...oh and whatever is bolted to the pad now would need modifying or
moving. the one I saw had the breather located there.
hth.
Stealth Pilot