Electric Starter

[Alpha]

Hi Again,

I have been doing some looking around on the web. I am looking for information for installing an electric starter on a Rotax 503 DCDI. From the beginning I have heard that you need to install an Ebox with a starter, however I see that you can install a starter where the current rewind manual starter is. Can anybody give me some advice or feedback on this option. Pros and cons would be nice. I really do not want to change the gearbox as it is almost the price of a new engine.

YOur help and advice is as always highly appreciated.

Regards

Fly Safe...

[extra300s]

Hi

Only con is that if the battery is flat your only option is to jump start the trike or hand start it on the prop. Way more pros for it. Just allways disconnect the negative terminal of bat after flight - will ensure for weeks wat stays strong when not flying often.

My trike had a very nice self made starter on the 503 where pull start used to be. Bracket made up to bolt in same wholes as pull start cover. With a car starter mounte on the side with a gear on. Then the crank had a gear put on on the outside where pull start used to sit. Motor bike realay and a simple push button with rubber tooth belt between the two gear pulleys and your set. I will try and get the details of the gear sizes for you and a photo or two. I might need to make a set for my new trike to.

Chat again
Karl

[extra300s]

Here it is

[Morph]

It's important to use a sprag bearing (one way bearing) on the crank side. This will allow the crank to run freely when the engine is running without turning the starter motor. When the engine is off and the starter motor engaged, the bearing sprag will engage and the motor will be cranked. These are readily available from bearing man. Call any of the timing belt suppliers and they will be able to put you in touch with a company that makes the sprockets.

see pic

Top pic is when the engine is running and the crank is freely rotating in a clock wise position. Here the rest of the system stands still

The second image is the engine being started. Starter rotates the small sprocket, which via the belt rotates the large sprocket. The sprag clutch engages and the crank of the engine is rotated. as soon as it starts, the crank will run faster that the starter motor and the sprag will dissengage.

I used a starter motor from a Nissan 1400 bakkie, bought it from a scrap yard for R300

[AndyG]

Now why am I not suprised that Greg had all the info.

[Alpha]

Thanks guys,

I apprciate all the help, but I know if I take on this liitle project I will be on here permanently to ask questions and advice. If that is ok wiyth you guys I will apprciate it.

Gary

[Morph]

You are going to have to make up a plate that mounts on the same 4 holes that the pull starter uses (See the red spots on the image. The starter must be on the exhaust side of the engine, you don't want sparking electrics on the intake side near the fuel . This can be made out of a fairly hefty alluminium

[Ranger]

Morph, I cut an aluminium plate for Skidmark's 503 and he used a Nissan 1400 starter. He had to have the belt sprockets made up but all in all it didn't work out too expensive. The clutch mechanism he got from Bearingman and the shaft he made up himself and had it hardened. I've got the CAD drawing somewhere. If i see Skidmark i'll ask him for more info.

Something different. I offered to make Koevoet's balistic chute brackets but he never contacted me. Do you know if he came right?

[extra300s]

Hi Alpha-A-Sierra

Lets take on this project together. We gather info and drawings then have two of each manufactured. My trike needs one to now. Talk soon. Karl

[Alpha]

Hi Karl,

This is a great idea, Morph has given a lot of info as you can see. Where are you located? We will need to get all the info and the drawings etc and then come together and discuss the way forward.

regards

Gary

[Morph]

Morph, I cut an aluminium plate for Skidmark's 503 and he used a Nissan 1400 starter. He had to have the belt sprockets made up but all in all it didn't work out too expensive. The clutch mechanism he got from Bearingman and the shaft he made up himself and had it hardened. I've got the CAD drawing somewhere. If i see Skidmark i'll ask him for more info.

As you can see Ranger did the cutting of the plate seen in the blurred pic. He has a CNC cutting business in Cape Town, and I am sure if you ask nicely he will cut you one or two.

Something different. I offered to make Koevoet's balistic chute brackets but he never contacted me. Do you know if he came right?

not sure, heard nothing

[extra300s]

Hi Gary

I stay near all these fundies who posted the info Cape town area - Bellville to be more specific. Will start scouiting the scrap yards for two Nissan bakkie starters or simular. Then my trike had a nice bike relay on that I ll search for as well. Pitty the previous owner of my ex trike has sadly passed away recently...

Cheers

[Bayliner]

Gary, Karl

I would also be keen to do the project with you guys. Running C-Box off a 582. I stay in Table View.

Thanks

Glenn

[extra300s]

Hi Glenn

Where is your trike at present? Will get your contact details from Wargames to discuss the project futher.

Cheers

[Bayliner]

Normally at Morningstar bbut currently in my garage doing the same to it as you are doing. You are welcome to come have a look. 082 361 7050.