Starting a Spectra G from the top

[Joe Ubaldo]

My 16.8V (2-7 cell packs) battery powered Sullivan Hi-Tork starter will not spin my Toxic 231 equipped Spectra G. I'd rather not use the pull starter so I'm contemplating a 20 cell (2- 10 cell packs) 24v battery powered Sullivan DynaTron starter (similar to the attached pic but with 20 cells instead of 12). Anyone have any first hand experience (or thoughts) regarding this setup (or any other quality/long lasting solutions)?

[WillJames]

I start mine with the same setup as that dynatron in your pic but with 2 7 cell 2400mah MPI packs. Once you get it broken in, it should turn over easier.

[capebob]

Yes, I have a lot of experience with 24 volts (two 12 volt batteries in series) and none of it good. The switch is not up to the task. On about the 10th start (Fury Extreme YS91) the switch fused and when I pulled it out of the helicopter the flex shaft beat the dickens out of my canopy. I installed a heavy duty switch that would carry the amperage, but the extra torque destroyed the one-way bearings in my Flex Start. I found better bearings at Boca Bearing and was doing fairly well until the front bearing of the starter developed a lot of play. The starter just didn't hold up to 24 volts. I went back to two seven cell packs and I loosen my glow plug a little if my engine won't turn over. I don't know if that's an option with the Spectra.

Bob

[Joe Ubaldo]

Great info guys... thanks!
So those of you that are top-starting your Spectra/Gas Helis, are you all using 2-7 cell battery packs?
I've looked at the HeliProz HydraTork electric starter but it looks to be a cheap design (not sure it's gonna hold up long term) and has received mixed reviews in other threads.
Any and all thoughts/insight is welcome!

[ddavison]

Buy the Sullivan Dynatron you won't regret it. I use two 7 cell packs and have no problems starting the spectra w/Toxic 321 or Graphite Gas w/ modified 23.

[Joe Ubaldo]

Interesting... my Sullivan Hi-Tork starter wont spin my Toxic 231 (not quite broken in yet) with two 7 cell packs. I wonder whether the Dynatron has a motor with a different winding scheme for more torque?? :dontknow

[NolanManley]

Unlike Capebobs experiance, I've had no problem using 24 volts with two 10 cell 2300ma NiCad battery packs I had custom made at Batteries Plus.
I've started my broken in stock 231 with it with no problems. If you do hydrolock any engine you better not try to break it free with the starter. LOOSEN the plug like suggested. I have felt the switch get warm when I encounter this but common sense has to be used.
I've used this combo for 22 months so far. Oh Yeah.....It is heavy to hold but you get use to it.

I know several guys that take 2 gel cell 12V batteries and use them in series with good results

[bigrcr]

Actually the starters that you are all using will easily start the TRM G-231!! The problem is the motor will not turn over easily until is is whetted out with fuel. I start mine with a Hobbico 90 starter on 12 volts with NO problems, even with the starter battery nearly dead.

Here's how to start it easily every time.

-If equipped, make sure the primer bulb is pumped at least 6 times (I do 14 pumps as 13 is unlucky!??? :shock: ). If you don't have a primer bulb, it's a bit more tricky as you have to get the fuel pulled to the carb first.

-Put the starter on the start shaft with the throttle closed and bump it over while either closing the choke plate or sticking your thumb in the velocity stack if using one. In the summer, you only need to close the throttle plate with the throttle trim. All it takes is a bump or two (the starter will more than likely just turn it over barely and the motor will go kathump, kathump a couple of times.

-Open the choke back up and/or remove your thumb.

-Open the throttle trim back to idle position.

-The motor should now spin over easily and start nearly immediately. If the fuel is not pulled up to the carb and the cylinder has not whetted out, that your problem. AS long as the cylinder wets out even slightly it will turn over very easily.

Hope this helps!

[NolanManley]

The problem is the motor will not turn over easily until is is whetted out with fuel.

I like that description. It covers the bases. You get lubrication, good ring sealing and fuel for fire.

Thanks John,

[traderdave2]

I am using two 7 cell 1900 nicad pack with my dynatron. No problem starting it.


Harlan

[Joe Ubaldo]

Thanks everyone! I've decided to buy a Dynatron and power it with 2 - 8 cell 2400mah NiCad packs. That should do the trick! :glasses:

[big dee]

i start my spectra with dyna on 12v no p :glasses: rob