The Joys of Aircraft Ownership 1,532 & 1,533

RST Engineering wrote:

1. Did you determine whether or not it was the starter itself or a low
battery that was giving you the grief?
snip

Jim, thanks. A mechanic flew in that Saturday morning from a nearby
airport with another battery. He had just enough time to check the cables
and swap batteries. With his volt meter, he concluded that the problem was
not the battery. Additionally, the starter was extremely hot to touch
after only two, very quick attempts.

When the mechanic was able to take the starter back to his shop on Monday,
he tested it and discovered that it was definitively source of the problem.
In fact, he found that a short in the starter actually caused the battery
to permanently short out, too. Have you ever heard of this?


2. It ain't easy, but it can be done. Did anybody ever show you how to
prop-start a bo?
snip

No one ever showed me, but the thought of prop-starting my two-bladed, six
cylinder Bo did cross my mind that day. I asked a few of the old-timers
that were there if they knew if it were possible, but they didn't know.
Also, a pilot with an A36 flew into the airport to refuel and knew his way
around Bonanzas, but didn't think it would be possible.

If there is a way then I will investigate it, starting with the American
Bonanza Society to see if they have any info. Thanks.

--
Peter