How often do you replace the starter shaft or coupler?

[ShinOBIWAN]

As title.

I just went to start the 90 and the coupler has split yet again and wrecked the flat set screw points on the shaft. This is the second time now in only a few weeks.

The engine wasn't flooded and turns over relatively freely(you can crank by hand using the fan).

The only thing I can think of is that I use a cordless drill to start it rather than a 12v. Is this a sure fire way to break things? Might try a normal start and see how that goes, maybe they don't have as much force as the cordless.

[LAMAR COOLEY]

ShinOBIWAN,
I too had the same problem for quite a while.
I think there were two causes.
First the "ball" hex starts to wear and gets loose in the coupling and jambs and also puts undue pressure to the coupling and its set screws. The ball allows the start wand to fit if you are not perfectly vertical with the wand to coupling and.
Second also allows the shaft wand to wobble. I cut the ball off and ground a new hex on the shaft with a dremel. This gives more contack area for the coupling and requires a more vertical starter wand.
Also a good amount of "blue lock tight" to the set screws.
I haven't had to replace a coupling on either of my Raptors ( 50 and 90 ) for over a year now.
Oh yea, I set the "Sullivan Hi-Torque" aside and now use a "Mavrick Hydra Torque": now more wobbles
I hope this is of some small help.
Regards

[Skarn]

I too had a similar problem yesterday! It figures the timing too....I brought my Raptor 50 to work for the fist time since my coworkers have been asking to see it fly. Well, my starter wand was spinning on the starter shaft and of course I didn't have my tools/allens with me! Man, I already have the allen screws very tight so I'm not sure what to do abou it either.

At least I also brought my TREX 450 with me so they got to see something fly....

Skarn

[blakka_1]

I have never had to replace one on my Raptor, weird. I wore one out on my Evo, but apart from that never replaced one.

[ShinOBIWAN]

Thanks guys.

I've just replaced the shaft and coupler today.

I notice they've made a small change to the shaft and shortened it by a few mm so that the coupler now sits on the top starter bearing. I can see this helping to prevent lateral movement of the coupler on the shaft whilst starting.

Its not a huge cost to replace these when they go but it is a hassle because you have to remove the top frame set(things fit quite tightly) and reset the pinion mesh.

Finger cross, lets see how long this one lasts.

[forjer]

...and reset the pinion mesh...
Am I missing something? I didn't realize the gear mesh was adjustable.

[LAMAR COOLEY]

forjer,
The Raptor 90's side frame mounting holes for the start shaft bearing block are elongated
(front to back). Which allows the mesh to be set properly. About the thickness of heavy stock typing paper. As well as the engine mounting holes, to allow proper engine alignment with the start shaft. However the Raptor 50 does not have elongated holes for either.
Regards

[forjer]

Aha...thanks...I missed the 90 part. I wish the 50 had that.