since 1940

Starter motor runs but won't crank Lycoming aircraft engine

Lycoming engines with Prestolite starters

1. If  the starter end plate containing the brushes was removed for service and re-installed 180 degrees out, the starter will run backwards thus causing the starter Bendix to slip. The fact that the starter shaft is somewhat hidden, this condition can be incorrectly diagnosed as a defective Bendix. There are markings on the end plate CW/CCW pertaining to the direction that the starter is suppose to rotate the engine.

2. Starter Bendix on the Lycoming starter not engaging. Either because it is stuck or in the photograph below, because the gear teeth have been damaged.

Drive teeth on the Bendix to the left are completely worn away. Bendix's come in several styles depending upon how many teeth are on your Lycoming engine's starter ring gear. An incorrect match can grind some teeth down. For further information see: Starter ring gear damaged Lycoming aircraft engine

Continental engines

1. Starter clutch slipping.

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