Thanks. I'm guessing you've got a small Continental engine. I've written a guide for Fly Baby builders, regarding the issues with the small Continentals:Originally Posted by John676
http://www.bowersflybaby.com/PB100/Guide_7.pdf
The Continental engine discussion begins on Page 18. Unless you currently have one of the *specific* Continental engines that had provisions for generators and starters (see table on page 19), you're looking at complete replacement of the engine. There's likely an STC for that (depending on your airplane).
As you might figure, this could end up being pretty pricey. It'd be a good idea to examine the level of upgrade you *really* need.
Most people do this kind of upgrade to add a starter to their airplane. And, after having owned a starter-equipped Fly Baby for 25 years after seven years of flying a Fly Baby WITHOUT a starter, I can relate. There are aftermarket starters (the Hamp starter) that are STC'd and can be added. But of course, they aren't cheap (though still cheaper than a replacement engine, of course).
Beyond that, do some careful consideration as to whether you really need to install a COMPLETE electrical system, vs. a battery and a starter. Adding a generator will require that you also add a transponder and ASD-B Out to operate within a Class B "Veil" area. If you're based at an airport within Class B or C airspace, of course, you will require them in any case.
As others have mentioned, a battery alone will provide enough power for a day's worth of starts. And if the battery IS exhausted, just go back to hand-propping.
Ron Wanttaja
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