SkyTec Starter sticking?

Hey all. I put a lightweight SkyTec starter on my Cherokee 180 a bit over a
year ago. Recently, I've begun to notice that it's sticking in the ring gear on the
engine for a second or two after startup. I thought it would be like a stock starter
and require some silicone spray, but on a whim I called SkyTec. They said that this
is normal. Since it's a permanent-magnet motor, when you shut off the power it
generates enough juice to keep the solenoid engaged as it spins down. Consequently,
there's a sprag clutch to prevent the engine from driving it in this condition
forever. I'll buy the argument, but recently I've noticed it more.

Any thoughts on this from people who've experienced this? I'm sure that
little gear is haulin' ass with the engine running a 800-1000 RPM on startup. It's
almost a "whiz-rattle"... sprag going bad? Sticky shaft? Worn ring gear? Do I worry
too much... shut up and fly it?

Thanks,
-Cory

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* Cory Papenfuss *
* Electrical Engineering candidate Ph.D. graduate student *
* Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University *
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