The starter drive will not engage every time, when it does the start is normal. What is the reason?
There are really two suspects here. If the starter drive (Bendix) sticks intermittently it is probably in need of lubrication. The starter drive is a mechanical device which has only the initial lubrication to allow smooth operation and sometimes a considerable speed. The gear must move in and out and also rotate. If it becomes dry of lubrication it can sometimes stick and fail to engage or disengage. The starter drive must be lubricated when the airplane reaches each fifty (50) hours of operation. If this condition has occurred after the starter has been in service for some time without maintenance or at any time severe environmental conditions, immediately lubricate or replace the starter drive .
