In my search for information on cubs I see references to using a geared toyota starter on 0320's. However I can't seem to find any how-to information. Does anyone have any experiance with this. It looks like a dollar savings and less weight also.
I am using a skytech starter on an 0-320 in my homebuilt. It looks the same as the starter used on many late model vehicules. You probably could modify a starter if you can match the drive gear and rotation.
Frankly I think the sky tech unit is worth the money it fits and there is a significant weight saving,
One of the best kept secrets around is the alternator from a Metro Geo or susuki side kick. They produce 55 amps and weigh about 6 LBs. They also have a built in voltage regulator so no external wiring is required.
Al, Thanks for the alternator info. that is very useful. My brother in law owns a parts store so I can get stuff at cost. But you have a good point about the skytech starter. They have already had the bugs mostly worked out. If I use a toyota I get to do all the R&D also with its inherant risks. I do think tho with a fairly simple adaptor a toyota starter would work and parts would be more readily available in regular america, so I will keep after this option.
check with EAA. They ran an article many years ago about using the Toyota starter. There is a number you can call where they search their archives and can send you an old article.
I have used the alternator from a 95 Metro Geo on my Lycoming O-320 for the past 5 years with no problems. I got it from an auto wrecker for $75 CDN and put it on without even inspecting it.
I pulled it apart after 200 HRs just in case it needed brushes or bearings or something and it is in perfect shape.
I just made up a bracket to mount it and found a curved arm in the junkyard with the slot for belt adjustment. I think it was off a ford pickup with a 6 cyl motor.
If anyone want's a picture or a diagram I would be glad to make a drawing and publish it.
The only problem I did have is that you need a 55 amp breaker to feed your electrical system. I put in a 30 thinking it was enough.
But when you leave your master on all night that little alternator will charge enough to pop a 30 amp breaker at idle!
I live in Quebec ,Canada and i will use a toyota starter on my project.There is a fellow in montreal who have the bracket available,it`s aluminium cast for about $100.00 cdn.I will try to find is phone number
if anyone is interested.
I have had B-C starters on 4 different cubs and would highly recomend them. Bill is great to work with and his products are top notch. I do think Skytec has finally made a good product, there early stuff was better suited for downrigger weights!
Ask any of the bush pilots that use their cubs in the Bush and I think you will find more B-C then any other brand.
OK so we know where to get the bracket but which Toyota starter is it? I doubt they are all the same. Got a part number or a car/engine/year to work from? Are we talking a 91 Celica or a 88 Landcruiser?