Starting problems

[perossichi]

About four months ago, I started having problems starting my 2002. Before these problems, I would get a start in one or two starter revs, hot or cold. Now I was taking 10nor more. I checked left starter magneto retard points ... Eventually I eliminated everything except the SlickStart. I do remember one or more forum posts about this dying altogether. I just replaced the SlickStart with a new SureStart and all the problems are gone. I conclude it is possible for these to slowly degrade. I don’t know whether it’s start cycles or years — I’m at 18 years and 1400 tach time.

[Rich]

Yes. I had exactly this problem a number of years ago. The original SS did degrade semi-gracefully. It still worked, but poorly, and was replaced. A year or two later I had a related problem that was neither the mag nor the replacement SS itself. It was wiring between the two. This was much more sudden and problematic. It was a real devil of a time to troubleshoot.

[Chromer]

I went to go flying the other day and I had a hard time starting, twice. I never had the problem before either. What is the cost to replace with surestart.

[Steve]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is SureStart? A cursory Google search didn't show much...

Steve

[Rich]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is SureStart? A cursory Google search didn't show much...

Steve

I believe he means Surefly. The unit retails for $1395.00 now. Plus a couple of hours installation.

[Chromer]

The one (surestart) that I found was made by Champion and looks the same as slickstart
https://www.facebook.com/sparkigniteexc ... 275113715/

[Rich]

The one (surestart) that I found was made by Champion and looks the same as slickstart
https://www.facebook.com/sparkigniteexc ... 275113715/

In fact it appears to be SlickStart marketed under another name. The price appears similar to SlickStart.

[Steve]

Yeah, my Google skills were adequate enough to find that as well, but I thought that Peter might have been talking about something else...

[perossichi]

SureStart is the new brand name for the SlickStart. Available at Aircraft spruce for $975.

I’m actually glad that we have this ignition system. Also called a “shower of sparks” system. It produces a series of sparks and is thought to be superior to an impulse coupler which wears out.

Note that I believe an electronic ignition system is only approved to replace one mag. I believe it is the right mag. So even if you have an electronic ignition, you are still dependent on the SlickStart/SureStart system to start the plane. Of course it is ridiculous that the FAA won’t approve an all electronic ignition system. My guess is that I will not live to see that day.

[perossichi]

I wonder if Rich could elaborate on the wiring problem: broken wire, broken or corroded terminal?

Thx