Sky tec starter problems

Speculation:

Brush quality

Misalignment

Wrong (too hard) springs

Incorrect end shimming allowing armature movement/float 

Use of weak battery(s) - excessive cranking, heating 

Your low quality Skytec starter is the issue. Toss it and buy a new starter. Don’t even bother to fix it. Buying after market parts that have a poor history carries risk.

Please read this Rotax Service Letter that specifically talks about the use of aftermarket / non-airworthy starters on page 8

- https://legacy.rotaxowner.com/si_tb_info/serviceletter/sl-912-014-r6.pdf

Sean Griffin wrote:

Speculation:

Brush quality

Misalignment

Wrong (too hard) springs

Incorrect end shimming allowing armature movement/float 

Use of weak battery(s) - excessive cranking, heating 

If low battery could cause premature brush wear... then that is probably my issue.  Plane has not been flown nearly enough.  I keep trickle battery maintainer on the battery, but I also found my regulator was bad.  My battery was not getting enough charge when flying.    

thank you for the help.  

Roger Lee wrote:

Your low quality Skytec starter is the issue. Toss it and buy a new starter. Don’t even bother to fix it. Buying after market parts that have a poor history carries risk.

Roger, in all my research going back way back.. I found threads where you first said don't use skytec, then later said it seems to be a good starter and starts with more tourque.   When i google rotax 912 starter, the skytec comes up everywhere.  I don't think it is a bad starter or there would be many many users saying what a piece of crap it is.  I just don't see that now.   Way back in 09 or so I did see some post with problems and oil seals not put in.   I saw where skytec replaced that starter too.  Mine was put in 12 yrs ago.  The one i took off 12 yrs ago was also a skytec put on by PO.  

When i called skytec to ask for a brush kit, I reached their mother company Hartzel in Al.  Talked to the guy awhile and he said they make these for rotax and rotax owns the rights to it.. They would not make or sell any parts due to rotax saying no.  I don't know what is up.  The one I put in 12 yrs ago I purchases directly from skytec the company.  (I know a guy that knew the owner)  Mine was NO CHINESE copy for sure.  Mine came from a mech. from skytec directly.  A few years later, skytec was bought by Hartzel I think or some large aviation company maybe Continental.  Doesn't matter.  I ordered another skytec starter from aircraft spruce who is reputable and will install it soon.  It is a diff color.  It is more silver than gold.  

ok, thank you for all the help.  I am still upset that there is nothing wrong with the starter except $13 brushes worn out.  There are some smart engineers living in my airpark and they design things like this.  They even showed me sea doo parts kits what would work.  I decided to go the NEW route.  I have two skytec cores now.  Will send one back for my core charge and prob. keep other on hand and rebuild for $13 for emergency spare.  

PS, Roger, I owe you shipping cost from way back when you rebuilt my carbs.  You prob. forgot but I hate owing anyone.  I am sorry i forgot to mail you a check.  you can send me a message with address and I will get that to you.  thanks again.

jh